How to Care for Invisalign® Aligners in Miami, FL

How to Clean Invisalign Aligners

To keep your trays in pristine condition, Dr. Grussmark recommends a simple but effective daily cleaning protocol. Follow these steps to maintain the integrity of your medical-grade plastic and achieve successful Invisalign results:

• Rinse Every Time You Remove Them: Use lukewarm water to rinse away saliva and plaque whenever you take your aligners out to eat or drink.
• Brush Gently with a Soft Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the inside and outside of the trays. Avoid using toothpaste, as abrasive ingredients can create microscopic scratches that make the trays look dull and trap more bacteria.
• Use Lukewarm Water Only: Water that is too hot can warp the plastic, changing the fit of your orthodontic trays and disrupting your tooth movement.
• Soak Aligners Daily: Soak your trays in Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or a specialized cleaning solution once a day. This helps break down stubborn biofilm and prevents yellow aligners.
• Brush and Floss Before Reinserting: It is crucial to remove any food particles from your teeth before placing the aligners back in your mouth to prevent trapping bacteria against your enamel.

What Not to Do with Invisalign Trays

Even with the best intentions, it is easy to fall into habits that can damage your removable orthodontic aligners or slow down your results. Dr. Grussmark has identified several common mistakes to avoid:

1. Don’t Use Hot Water: High heat can warp the plastic. If an aligner loses its shape, it can no longer move your teeth as planned.
2. Don’t Eat with Aligners In: Chewing pressure can crack or break the thin plastic material. Additionally, food can get trapped, leading to staining and decay.
3. Don’t Use Abrasive Toothpaste: Standard toothpaste often contains abrasives that scratch the aligner surface, making them visible and prone to harboring bacteria.
4. Don’t Leave Trays Exposed: When you are out in Coconut Grove, never leave your trays on a table or wrapped in a napkin. They are easily lost or contaminated by germs.
5. Don’t Smoke with Aligners In: Nicotine and tar cause significant discoloration, turning your clear aligners yellow or brown.

Foods & Drinks to Avoid With Invisalign Aligners

One of the advantages of treatment is the ability to remove aligners during meals. However, what you consume while they’re out—and what you drink while they’re in—matters for your Invisalign diet.

• Can you drink coffee with Invisalign? No. Coffee and tea can stain clear aligners and your teeth. Drinking them while wearing your trays allows the liquid to become trapped underneath, increasing the risk of discoloration and plaque buildup.
• Can you drink water with Invisalign? Yes. Plain cool or lukewarm water is the only beverage considered safe to drink while wearing Invisalign aligners.
• Should you drink soda or sugary beverages with Invisalign? No. Soda, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages can stain aligners and trap sugar against your teeth, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Daily Oral Hygiene Tips for Invisalign Patients

Maintaining a strict hygiene routine is the only way to help prevent plaque buildup and cavities during treatment.

• Brushing After Every Meal: Never put your trays back in after eating without brushing. This is the best way to clean and protect your enamel from sugar and acids.
• Flossing Frequency: You should floss at least once a day, but flossing after meals is even better for preventing gum disease.
• Gum Health: Healthy gums are necessary for teeth to move efficiently. If you notice swelling or bleeding, contact our Miami orthodontic office.