How to Keep Your Teeth Clean While Using Invisalign
Clear aligners work best when your teeth and trays stay clean. In this guide, you’ll learn simple steps you can use every day. We’ll cover brushing, flossing, rinsing, and what to drink. We’ll also touch on checkups and quick tools to carry with you. If you’re searching for an Invisalign near you, these habits will help you get the most from treatment and keep your mouth healthy.
Brush and Floss After Eating
Food left on teeth feeds bacteria. That leads to plaque and bad breath. When you put aligners back in, those sugars press against the enamel. Over time, that raises your risk of decay.
Do this routine after every meal or snack:
- Remove your trays.
- Rinse your mouth with water to loosen bits of food.
- Brush for two minutes with a soft brush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss to reach the tight spots the brush can’t reach.
If you’re not at home, swish with water first, then brush when you can. Even a quick brush without paste helps. Put your aligners back only when your teeth feel smooth and clean.
Rinse and Clean Your Aligners Daily
Aligners collect plaque, too. Rinse your trays each time you take them out. Use cool water; hot water can warp the plastic. Morning and night, give them a gentle clean.
Good options:
- A clear, unscented liquid soap and a soft toothbrush
- Aligner cleaning crystals or tablets made for clear trays
Avoid toothpaste on trays. Many pastes are abrasive and can scratch the surface. Scratches hold more plaque and can make trays look cloudy. After cleaning, rinse well and let them air dry in their case when not in your mouth.
Drink Only Water While Wearing Aligners
Water is the one safe drink with trays in. Coffee, tea, juice, and soda bathe your teeth in acid and sugar. With aligners on, liquid gets trapped against the enamel. That can stain trays and raise your decay risk.
If you want a hot or colored drink:
- Remove your trays first.
- Drink your beverage.
- Rinse your mouth, brush if possible, and then reinsert the aligners.
Make plain water your go-to sip during the day. It keeps your mouth moist, helps wash away food, and protects the aligner material.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Clear aligner therapy needs steady check-ins. Regular visits let your dental team track tooth movement and gum health. They can spot small issues early, like decalcified spots or tight contacts that trap floss. Many patients find it helpful to stay in touch with an Invisalign dentist for guidance between visits.
A dentist in Dorval, QC can also do a professional cleaning during treatment. That removes tartar that your brush can’t reach. Ask about fluoride varnish if you have a history of cavities. It reinforces enamel during long wear times.
Between visits, follow your wear schedule and switch trays as instructed. If a new set feels off or doesn’t seat fully, use chewies as directed and call your provider if it persists.
Keep a Cleaning Kit with You
Life gets busy. A small kit makes good habits easy. Pack:
- A vented case for your trays
- Travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or floss picks and interdental brushes
- A small bottle of mouth rinse or a few aligner-cleaning tablets
- Sugar-free xylitol gum (when trays are out) to boost saliva flow
Use the case every time you remove your aligners. Never wrap them in a napkin. That’s the top reason trays end up in the trash. Keep a spare case in your bag or car for backup. For quick questions between checkups, many people reach out to a dentist near you for simple, local advice.
Final Thoughts
Clean teeth and clean aligners go hand in hand. Brush and floss after you eat, rinse and wash your trays, and stick to water while you wear them. Keep a small kit nearby so care fits your day. See your dental team on the schedule they recommend, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. The team at Clinique Dentaire Dorval is here to help you protect your smile during every stage of Invisalign care.