Yes, you can maintain a healthy mouth while wearing Invisalign clear aligners, but it does take some extra effort to augment your usual oral hygiene routines. Because the aligners literally cover your teeth for most of the day, food and bacteria can accumulate on your teeth at a greater rate. The best way to circumvent problems is to clean your teeth and the aligners themselves daily by brushing, flossing, and cleaning the aligners.
Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important With Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners snugly fit over your teeth, so if you do not clean them properly, plaque & bacteria can stay underneath the aligners. Without good oral hygiene, you may end up with problems, including tooth decay, gingivitis, or bad breath. That is why seeing an orthodontist in Santa Clarita can help keep your treatment on track while keeping your smile healthy!
Invisalign and Your Daily Cleaning Routine
When you begin your Invisalign in Santa Clarita, your orthodontist will review how you should wear your aligners for about 20-22 hours each day (with limited time to let your teeth “breathe”). Because of the aligners being in your mouth the majority of the day, cleaning is important every day.
Here are some aspects of your daily routine:
- Brush teeth in the morning, at night, and after every meal before the aligners go back in your mouth.
- Floss once a day to keep plaque from building up between teeth.
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm water, never hot water (if they are put through hot water, they can warp).
- The aligners can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush (do not use toothpaste; it can scratch the aligners).
Can Invisalign Cause Oral Health Problems?
If not cared for and cleaned appropriately, aligners can trap bacteria, resulting in oral health issues. Seeing an orthodontist near you will help minimize the risk of this, as they track not only your progress of alignment but also your oral hygiene.
Potential Issues Without Good Care:
- White spots on teeth (early signs of decay)
- Gum irritation or swelling
- Bad breath is caused by bacteria building up
- Cavities under the aligners
Does Invisalign Provide Better Oral Hygiene than Braces?
Braces can complicate brushing and flossing, whereas clear aligners can be removed, providing better access to your teeth. The greater challenge with Invisalign is remembering to keep up on cleaning.
| Feature | Invisalign | Braces |
| Brushing & Flossing | Easier (removable) | Harder (wires & brackets) |
| Food Restrictions | Minimal | Many (no sticky or crunchy foods) |
| Plaque Buildup | If aligners are not cleaned | If brushing is an issue |
| Comfort | Smooth & removable | May cause sores |
Read further to know how to take oral care during Invisalign treatment.
Best Practices for Keeping Teeth Clean with Aligners
With removable aligners, you must still be disciplined and consistent with your oral care routine. If you are still uncertain, the dentist can help you with cleaning or provide instructions for care.
Key Tips for Invisalign Oral Hygiene:
- When you take the aligners out, make sure to always rinse your mouth first.
- Have a travel toothbrush for outside meals.
- Do not drink sugary drinks while wearing the aligners.
- A few times a week, soak your aligners in cleaning crystals or soak them in a cleaning tablet.
With these tips, teeth cleaning with Invisalign will become easier.
Food and Drinks to Avoid While Using Invisalign
Since you have to take the aligners out when eating or drinking (again, with the exception of water) here is a quick guide:
| Do Not Eat | Why | Switch |
| Coffee, Tea or Red Wine | It will stain your aligners | Use a straw after you take the aligners out |
| Sugary Sodas | They increase cavity risk | Water |
| Hard/Sticky Candy | Can damage teeth and hold sugar | Sugar-free gum |
Continue reading this blog to know some good Invisalign dental care tips.
What If You Forget to Clean Aligners?
You only have to skip cleaning for a day, in which case you should brush and floss your teeth. After brushing and flossing your teeth, you must provide a deep clean for your aligners with an approved cleaner. If you sense any irritation from either your teeth or the aligners, you must see an orthodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to brush after every meal with Invisalign?
Yes, it is very important to brush after every meal to prevent food buildup underneath your aligners.
- Can I soak my aligner in mouthwash?
No, this is not advisable because the majority of mouthwashes contain something that will change the coloration of the aligner or could contain something that will damage the plastic.
- How often should I change my aligners?
You should do this 1-2 times per week or refer to your orthodontist’s plan for your treatment.
- What’s a good toothpaste to use while in treatment with my aligners?
You can use any fluoride toothpaste that will benefit your enamel and help prevent cavities.
Bottom Line
The key consistency with all care besides the actual wearing of your aligners is keeping your oral hygiene, as cleaning your aligners is of equal importance. By following these few simple steps, you can avoid tooth problems related to aligners and have a very competent treatment plan.
At Smile Republic Orthodontics, we are experts in keeping teeth healthy with clear alignersand will help you stay confident throughout your treatment. If you need dental care tips for your aligners or support from an orthodontist, we are happy to help. Book an appointment today, and take the next step to a healthy and straighter smile!
