The vast majority of patients who decide on Invisalign instead of other equally effective orthodontic treatments do so because of the characteristics provided by the aligners: they are transparent, very comfortable and practically unnoticeable.
It is precisely for this reason that we must be very careful when it comes to keeping the splints in good condition.
In this way, we will prevent them from staining and deteriorating. If they do, they will lose the transparency that makes Invisalign such an attractive treatment.
That said, it is also true that the fact that the aligners are renewed so frequently -every two weeks- facilitates their maintenance.
Therefore, keeping the splints in good condition is due to the very need to preserve the unique qualities of the aligners, since the more they are cared for, the more discreet they will be in the eyes of others.
But, in addition, cleaning them helps us to preserve our own oral hygiene. That is to say, if the aligners are not cleaned properly, it will favor the accumulation of food debris in the mouth and the appearance of bad breath.
Do not clean the splints with toothpaste or soak them in mouthwash, as these products damage the aligner, making it more opaque and visible.
Is Invisalign a hygienic treatment?
That said, it is also important to note that in addition to its aesthetic characteristics, Invisalign is a method that stands out for being more hygienic than any other orthodontic treatment.
This is because it is the only removable system. Thus, it allows both cleaning the splints individually and brushing your teeth normally.
And, unlike the rest of the treatments, it is removed for eating and brushing teeth. Therefore, as it is not placed on the patient’s teeth while carrying out these activities, it does not disturb or interfere with daily hygiene.
Invisalign and Incognito Orthodontics
Invisalign aligners and Incognito lingual braces
How should I clean Invisalign braces?
Having said that, we are going to detail how the aligners should be cleaned so that they do not lose the transparency and discretion that characterizes them.
First of all, we will have to brush them several times a day, that is, every time we take them out and put them in their box.
This will be done when we remove the aligners to eat, for example, and will consist of cleaning the surface of the splint with a brush, warm water and soap.
Secondly, it is also advisable to dilute a special tablet for cleaning dentures in a glass of water once or twice a week.
This type of tablets are marketed by different brands and are available in pharmacies. Its use helps to maintain the cleanliness of the splints and to prevent them from acquiring bad odors.
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At this point it is important to mention that neither toothpaste should be used as a substitute for soap nor mouthwash to soak Invisalign.
Although they are suitable for our own hygiene, this type of product damages the material from which the splint is made.
That is, they deteriorate its surface, making it more opaque and visible to the eyes of others. In addition to this, toothpastes with granules scratch the aligners.
Glass with cleaning tablet for cleaning aligners
Glass with tablet for soaking the splints
What else can I do to take care of the aligners?
In addition to being careful with our own hygiene and that of the aligners, it is also important to carry out what we would call “preventive cleaning” of the aligners.
That is to say, there are a series of habits that deteriorate their appearance despite the fact that we clean them. The main ones are: smoking and drinking colored liquids while wearing them.
Any patient who wears Invisalign knows not to eat while wearing the aligners. However, the same is not true for smoking or drinking coffee, tea or soft drinks such as Coca-Cola.
It is best to have the splints removed when doing any of these habits. However, in the case of very frequent use, it will be necessary to evaluate this point, since the aligners must be worn 22 hours a day.
In any case, if you have any doubts about the cleaning or maintenance of Invisalign aligners and even if you do not know which products to buy, our orthodontists – Dr. Hernández, Dr. Becerril and Dr. Wintergerst – will be able to answer all your questions in the consultation room.
