Invisalign braces are slowly gaining popularity as an  orthodontic treatment for fixing crooked teeth in both adults and teens. As the name suggests, these braces are almost invisible, i.e., they are clear and don’t stand out like their metal counterparts.

Invisalign braces help you get healthier, straighter teeth and attractive smiles. Though they are convenient to use, it is critical that you take absolutely good care of them as they are prone to damage. Follow these 8 tips to take care of your Invisalign braces.

1. Commit to Wearing Your Braces for Long Hours

You must commit to wearing your Invisalign braces for at least twenty-two hours every single day, otherwise you won’t get positive or fast results. It is important to wear the braces for the most part of the first forty-eight hours after getting them fixed. Orthodontists recommend that you only take them out when you brush your teeth or eat something. Always wear your aligners as much as possible, but this goes double for the first two days.

2. Wash Hands Before Handling Braces

Before you handle the Invisalign braces, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you don’t, germs from your hands will be transferred to the braces and, hence your teeth, exposing you to a plethora of oral infections and diseases. 

3. Rinse Invisalign Braces Before Use

Apart from washing your hands, you must rinse the Invisalign braces before inserting them. Rinse them with lukewarm water and an antibacterial soap, followed by brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Try to use a brush that is specifically designed for clear retainers. Avoid using toothpaste as it will scratch the plastic and create places for bacteria to thrive in. Stay away from colored soaps too as they can cause your aligners to take on alternative hues and shades.

4. Don’t Soak in Mouthwash

Don’t soak the braces in any kind of mouthwash as they will become dull and more visible, thus defeating the whole purpose of having invisible braces.


5. Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly

Maintaining oral hygiene is not enough —you must visit your Orthodontist regularly for check- ups and dental cleaning. This will help in identifying oral issues or problems with the braces at an early stage and also give you enough time to have it fixed before it poses any serious harm to your dental health.

6. Remove Your Braces Before Eating and Drinking

NEVER eat or drink with your teeth straightening braces on. The good news is that you can take out the Invisalign braces and put them back on quite easily. Leaving the braces on while eating or drinking will discolor or stain them, making them stand out. Avoid hot beverages as well, as heat can distort the plastic resin of your aligners and stain them. Every time you eat or drink, remove your braces without fail. 

7. Brush and Floss

The orthodontists recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal and floss your dentition twice a day. Maintaining oral hygiene will ensure that the braces don’t provide a breeding ground for germs and infections.

8. Remove Your Braces During Sports

If you play sports regularly, especially contact sports, it would be ideal to wear a protective mouth guard to keep your retainers in place. It would be much better if you remove them completely during the entire duration of the game. Once the game is over, you can pop them back in.

Visiting the dentist will help in identifying and resolving any dental diseases before they become too serious. Good dental care starts with healthy oral habits and  taking proper care of your braces. Maintaining Invisalign for teens may seem high maintenance but it is a necessary investment that is well worth it.


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Author Bio:

Dr. Satish Pai is an orthodontist and an Ivy League trained dentist who has and has served as a faculty at Columbia University. He believes that a perfect smile not only makes a person look great but feel great. As the founder of Putnam Orthodontics and a Partner at Rome Orthodontics, he is dedicated to providing the best orthodontic treatments to his patients. He also writes to educate people about everything orthodontics and the importance of correctly aligned teeth along with good oral health. In his free time, you can find him golfing, doing yoga or surfing, and spending time with this family.

Source:  Live Life Well

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