Invisalign aligners have become a popular way to straighten teeth and gradually move them into the correct position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners do not have wires or brackets. Aligners offer a discreet alternative to straighten teeth without worrying about the discomfort of traditional braces. Taking care of Invisalign requires your child to commit to their treatment plan so they can see results as quickly as possible. Knowing these 8 easy Invisalign care tips is helpful throughout your child's Invisalign treatment plan.
1. Keep Your Aligners Clean
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is essential to avoid any stains on the aligners. You should clean the aligners regularly. To clean them correctly, use a gentle antibacterial soap and warm water to remove bacteria or buildup from the trays. You should clean them daily to ensure they stay clear and clean.
2. Keep the Trays in a Case
When learning how to care for Invisalign, you should encourage your child to place the aligners in a case instead of a napkin when not in use. We always tell our patients, “Whenever they’re not in your face—they’re in your case!” This is one of the essential Invisalign care tips, as using cases prevents your child from accidentally throwing away their aligners. Additionally, using a case will help protect your aligners from bacteria or potential damage.
3. Avoid Certain Drinks
Encourage your child to avoid consuming any colored or sugary drinks while wearing their Invisalign aligners. In fact, your child should stick to drinking water when wearing their aligners. If they accidentally drink a colored or sugary drink, they should rinse out the aligners as soon as possible to avoid a buildup of bacteria and staining.
4. Floss and Brush Your Teeth
Flossing and brushing are essential - particularly when undergoing either aligner or braces orthodontic treatment. Invisalign trays encase your child’s teeth completely, which is why they work so well - but this can also cause germs and bacteria to become trapped in their gumline and teeth. When wearing the Invisalign aligners, your child’s saliva won’t be able to rinse away the bacteria and germs as readily, which is why even with aligners - brushing and flossing are essential after each meal.
5. Remove Trays Before Eating
Your child must remove their trays before eating every time they eat. If the trays aren’t removed, the food and drinks they consume will stain their aligners. In addition, eating with the aligners can cause plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. While the aligners may seem strong enough to handle it, they are not designed to undergo chewing pressure. Chewing while wearing their aligners can damage them and disrupt their treatment timeline.
6. Don’t Ignore Rough Edges or Cracks
While this is not typical, Invisalign trays can develop cracks or rough edges after being worn for a long time. Following Invisalign care instructions properly can prevent this from happening. Rough edges or cracks can form if your child eats with their aligners in, wears them for longer than the recommended interval, or continuously takes them in and out. If you or your child notice cracks or rough edges, inform your orthodontist immediately because it can affect treatment and comfort.
7. Follow a Schedule
With traditional braces, you must see your orthodontist regularly for adjustments. However, when wearing Invisalign, your child will be given a series of trays that they must change independently every one to two weeks. Another important Invisalign care tip is to encourage your child to follow a schedule so they remember to switch out a tray. Following a schedule is essential to ensure your child stays on track with their Invisalign progress.
8. Go to Your Checkups
While using Invisalign, your child will not need to worry about getting their braces adjusted every few weeks. Instead, they must change out their trays on their own. While they do not need to go for checkups nearly as often as those with traditional braces, you should still be sure to take your child to their occasional checkups. Going to checkups when necessary is the best thing you can do to ensure your child’s treatment is on track and working well.
Final Thoughts
By following these Invisalign care tips, you and your child can ensure a successful and efficient treatment process. To learn more about how to maintain your Invisalign aligners and to take the first step towards a healthier smile, visit us at Bergen Orthodontics. Take advantage of our free consultation to get personalized advice and answers to all your Invisalign-related questions. Start your journey to a perfect smile with us today!
