A Teen's Guide to Basic Invisalign Care

By Esme Wang, 23.05.2024

A smile can brighten a room and spread happiness to others, but showing off a smile is challenging when you feel self-conscious about your teeth. An estimated 61 percent of adults feel self-conscious about their teeth and smile. Aligned teeth can not only improve your appearance but also your oral health.

One of the top options to enhance your smile is dental alignment. Braces are the traditional solution, but clear aligners create an efficient and sleek way to get the perfect smile with teeth straightening.

Invisalign is a substantial investment, and learning the basics of Invisalign care is essential to get the most from the treatment. Continue reading for tips on how to clean and maintain your aligners today!

Know When to Brush

One of the challenges of building a routine for teeth alignment is knowing when to brush your teeth. Food and sugar particles can get stuck in and between your teeth when you eat. The food particles have nowhere to go when wearing your clear aligners, causing plaque to increase.

Brushing your teeth before and after wearing your Invisalign braces is an excellent rule of thumb. Adding brushing to your Invisalign care routine protects your aligners and teeth.

Remove Aligners When Eating or Drinking

Another tip for Invisalign care is to avoid eating or drinking beverages other than water while wearing your aligners. One of the perks of Invisalign is that they're easy to remove from your mouth. Get in the habit of bringing the case when on the go.

When heading to lunch or eating a snack, take the aligners out and store them in the case. Food and sugary beverages can stain your clear aligners. When you eat with them on, the aligners are also a fantastic breeding ground for plaque that can cause cavities and gingivitis.

Use the Case

The case for your Invisalign aligners is critical to keeping them safe when you're not wearing them. Pets can view clear aligners as an exciting new chew toy if not stored securely.

It's the best way to reduce risk and can help you save money on replacement aligners. When misplaced, nearly invisible aligners can be challenging to locate.

Invest in Retainer Gel

Retainer gel can help you maximize the benefits of orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening. You can apply the gel to the inside of your aligners to reduce the risk of tooth decay and plaque buildup.

The best options contain ingredients like fluoride and sodium bicarbonate to help you maintain fresh breath. They also provide an extra layer of protection for the aligners and teeth.

Prioritize Invisalign Care Routine Today

Knowing the tips for Invisalign care is essential when using clear aligners to enjoy straight teeth and a perfect smile. Brush before and after putting your aligners in to reduce food particles and plaque buildup.

Use the case to store the aligners when you're not wearing them. Combine them with retainer gel to protect your teeth from decay and keep your aligners in excellent condition.

Trips to the dentist can be intimidating, but they're essential for oral health and a beautiful smile. Check out our blog content for insights and tips to get the most from your orthodontic treatments today!