Invisalign aligners are great and relatively easy but you do need to be mindful when taking care of them! In fact, your home care with your Invisalign is very important because if you fail to take care of them they can stain, warp or even become non-functional.
If you are thinking of eating or drinking anything other than water (Sprite, Ginger Ale, etc) while wearing your aligners, you SHOULD NOT! Since the aligners are a clear plastic, they can pick up stains very easily and you do not want to stain them if you can help it. Additionally, the sugar from the soda can stick to your teeth and aligners and increase the risk of decay if you wear them while drinking these substances.
If you wish to eat or drink anything other than water, take your aligners out and be sure to brush your teeth after doing so. This can help to reduce the debris and stain on your teeth before putting the aligners back in. Additionally, be mindful of juices or drinks that have colored substances like Gatorade and other energy drinks that can also cause stain.
Since you will be wearing the same aligner for at least a week or 2 depending on the doctor’s instruction, you should be certain that you are cleaning them at least once a day. Remember, NO hot water as this can warp the special plastic your aligners are made of. However, you can use lukewarm water and gentle soap or the Invisalign Clear Crystals. If at any point you feel like your aligners don’t look clear, ask yourself when you last cleaned them and try this first! If any aligners seem to be alarmingly discolored, you can call your doctor to see if they are able to order a new set or have any additional tips they can provide to clean them!
For any other Invisalign related questions please contact our office and we would be happy to point you in the right direction!
