Updated on September 30, 2021

Invisalign clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional wire braces for any patient needing corrective orthodontic care. One of the most appealing aspects of these invisible dental trays is the fact that the patient can properly clean their teeth. Traditional braces cannot be removed, so patients have to carefully clean around the wires and brackets to keep their teeth plaque-free. 

Invisalign braces give you the ability to remove the trays to eat and drink and then reinsert the aligners once they are done. This gives patients the freedom to take the trays out to brush, floss, rinse, and perform their daily oral hygiene routine to keep their smile healthy. 

This benefit makes the invisible corrective braces a very attractive option but orthodontic patients must remember that cavities during Invisalign treatment are still a possibility if proper dental care is not practiced every day. Patients must have self-discipline and remember the instructions of their orthodontist to avoid cavities while wearing their invisible braces.

Taking Care of Invisalign

Invisalign braces must be worn for the majority of a day, typically 22 hours. Patients must take advantage of the time they are given to remove the aligners and properly clean the teeth and dental trays.

The invisible trays should not be worn unless the patient has thoroughly brushed and flossed before reinserting them. We recommend you put your aligners in their protective case when you are not wearing them to keep them clean and prevent them from getting lost. Braces of all kinds can harbor plaque and bacteria that make teeth harder to clean and decay more likely. Learn more about how to take care of your Invisalign clear aligners in our do’s and don’ts list.

Eating to Prevent Cavities While Wearing Aligners

Orthodontists recommend eliminating certain foods and snacks while wearing any corrective braces and this includes the Invisalign dental aligners. Patients should avoid eating sticky and hard candies, popcorn, and sweet drinks such as soda, juices and teas, or coffee. Particles from food left in the mouth will allow harmful bacteria to be stuck under the dental trays and can eventually lead to tooth decay

After eating or drinking, the patient cannot simply reinsert the invisible braces. The trays must be cleaned along with the patient’s teeth. Orthodontists will usually provide their patients with the proper cleaning supplies such as brushes or soap specifically indicated for cleaning the invisible braces. Many patients choose to soak the corrective braces in a bowl of cold water and soap while they eat for an added level of cleanliness.

Soaking Your Invisalign Aligners

Another useful tool that patients can obtain from their orthodontist is Sodium Fluoride, usually used in gel form applied with a standard soft toothbrush. Your orthodontist can write a prescription for Sodium Fluoride in the proper strength to aid in the fight against cavities while wearing Invisalign corrective braces.

Practice a Routine to Promote Oral Health

Invisalign corrective braces hold saliva and bacteria against a patient’s teeth for the majority of a day. To combat the harmful effects this can do to the teeth, Invisalign patients must have immaculate dental hygiene. It only takes a patient forgetting to brush, floss, and clean their braces one time for all of the good hygiene they have performed to be erased.

We recommend that patients brush and floss twice per day and rinse their mouth after their routine is done in the morning and at night. We also recommend that patients clean their teeth and add in brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals before putting the invisible braces back in to ensure that there are no trapped food particles left over. Invisalign trays are a convenient and hygienic method to straighten your teeth. If you are interested in Invisalign aligners, make an appointment with Dr. Ghosh to begin undergoing Invisalign treatment. We offer complimentary braces consultations to new patients at both our Allentown and Pottsville orthodontic offices to recommend the best treatment plan for you.