Starting your Invisalign journey is exciting. It’s a step towards a straighter, more confident smile. At Orthodontics For You, we love seeing our patients thrive as their treatment progresses. But while Invisalign invisible braces are discreet and comfortable, it’s important to remember that good oral hygiene is key to a successful outcome.
Because Invisalign aligners fit snugly over your teeth and are worn for most of the day, any lingering food particles or bacteria can become trapped. Without the right dental care, this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and staining. But there is good news. A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy throughout treatment.
Here’s our expert advice on how to maintain excellent oral health while wearing Invisalign aligners:
1. Keep Your Brushing Routine Consistent
Brushing twice a day is a great start, but with Invisalign orthodontics, it’s important to go one step further. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal or snack (using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush) to remove food debris and bacteria before you pop your aligners back in. If brushing isn’t possible right away, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water until you can clean your teeth properly.
Carrying a travel toothbrush and toothpaste set can make life easier. Whether you’re at work, school, or out for dinner, having the right tools will help keep your oral hygiene routine on track.
2. Don’t Skip the Floss
Flossing once a day (preferably before bed) helps remove plaque and food from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. It’s a crucial step in preventing cavities and gum inflammation, particularly during Invisalign treatment.
Many of our patients find that using floss picks or interdental brushes makes the process quicker and more manageable. If you’re unsure which type of floss to use, just ask us at your next appointment.
3. Clean Your Aligners Daily
Your Invisalign invisible braces spend up to 22 hours a day in your mouth so keeping them clean is just as important as brushing your teeth. Rinse them every time you take them out and give them a proper clean at least once a day.
To clean your aligners, use a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented antibacterial soap. Gently brush them inside and out, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic and never use toothpaste as it can scratch the aligners and make them appear cloudy.
If you prefer, you can use Invisalign cleaning crystals or retainer cleaning tablets a few times a week for a deeper clean.
4. Only Drink Water While Wearing Aligners
One of the great benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Still, it can be easy to slip into bad habits. Drinking anything other than plain water while wearing your aligners can cause problems.
Sugary, acidic, or hot drinks (such as juice, coffee, wine, or fizzy drinks) can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to tooth decay, staining, and erosion of the enamel.
With that in mind, it’s always best to remove your aligners before drinking anything besides water.
5. Stick to the 22-Hour Rule
Invisalign works best when the aligners are worn for 20 – 22 hours a day. Removing them too often or forgetting to put them back in can slow your progress and affect your results.
Wearing them consistently also helps reduce the chance of bacteria lingering on your teeth as aligners form a tight seal. If your teeth aren’t clean when you wear them, problems can develop quickly. To stay on track, consider setting reminders or alarms on your phone to keep your routine consistent.
6. Be Aware of Dry Mouth
It’s not uncommon to notice a bit of dry mouth when you first start wearing your Invisalign aligners. Saliva helps keep your teeth clean and healthy, so when things feel a little dry, it can make it easier for plaque to build up.
The good news? Staying hydrated is a simple fix. Sip water throughout the day to keep your mouth feeling fresh, and if your aligners are out, chewing sugar-free gum can help get that saliva flowing again.
If dry mouth sticks around or starts to bother you, just give us a shout. We’re happy to recommend mouthwashes or gels that can soothe the dryness and keep your oral health on track.
7. Keep an Eye on Bleeding Gums or Bad Breath
If you notice bleeding when you brush or floss, or if you’re struggling with ongoing bad breath, don’t ignore it. These are signs of inflammation or infection, often caused by plaque build-up or poor oral hygiene.
The sooner these issues are addressed, the better. Improving your brushing and flossing technique is usually the first step, but if things don’t improve quickly, book an appointment with your dentist or hygienist.
8. See the Professionals
One of the many benefits of Invisalign invisible braces is that it often requires fewer in-person appointments than traditional braces. In many cases, you won’t need to visit your orthodontist during the course of your treatment. However, it’s still important to keep up with regular check-ups and hygiene visits with your general dentist.
Your dentist will monitor your overall oral health, checking for early signs of decay, gum disease, or any other issues that could affect your progress with Invisalign. Routine professional cleanings will also help keep your teeth and gums in great condition while wearing your aligners.
A Final Word from Orthodontics For You
Invisalign clear aligners make it easier than ever to straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably, but your success depends on good habits. With the right care, you will achieve not only a straighter smile, but a healthier one, too.
At Orthodontics For You, we’re here to support our patients every step of the way. From helpful tips to regular check-ups, we’ll ensure your Invisalign journey is smooth, successful, and enjoyable.
If you’ve got questions, concerns, or need help refining your oral hygiene routine, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your smile is in good hands — and we can’t wait to see the final results!