Invisalign® Care
Caring For Invisalign Aligners for The Best Treatment Outcomes
Imagine embarking on a journey to a perfectly aligned smile, where every step is comfortable, discreet, and leads to a confident new you. Invisalign offers this incredible path, transforming teeth with clear, removable aligners. However, achieving the best possible outcome requires more than just wearing your aligners; it demands consistent and proper Invisalign care. At Contos Smile Center, home of the best dentist in Chicago, Dr. Contos empowers his patients with all the knowledge and tools needed for effective oral hygiene maintenance.
If you are ready to learn the secrets to successful Invisalign treatment and ensure your Invisalign journey is smooth and rewarding, we invite you to connect with us. Residents of the Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or West Loop neighborhoods can call us today at (773) 973-0531 for a consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Contos for Local Invisalign Treatment Care?
When you decide to pursue a straighter smile, choosing the right doctor is key to a successful outcome. At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Contos provides personalized Invisalign care in Chicago that goes beyond just a treatment plan. He and his team believe in a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that makes your smile journey as seamless as possible.
Your treatment journey doesn’t end when you leave the office. Dr. Contos and his team are always available to answer your questions and provide support throughout your Invisalign treatment care. This ongoing care is a hallmark of our practice, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.
Why is Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners Important?
Think of your aligners as a crucial tool in your smile transformation. Just like any tool, they need proper maintenance and care instructions to perform their job effectively. Consistent Invisalign care is vital for several reasons: Cleaning your aligners at night helps remove debris accumulated during the day, ensuring they remain hygienic and effective.
- Hygiene: Your aligners are in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day. Without regular cleaning, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to bad breath, plaque buildup, and an increased risk of cavities. Proper care for Invisalign trays is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth.
- Clarity: The discreet nature of your aligners is a major benefit. If you don’t clean them properly, they can become cloudy or discolored, losing their clear appearance. Regular cleaning keeps them virtually invisible throughout your treatment.
- Effectiveness: Clean aligners fit snugly and work as intended. A buildup of plaque or other debris on the trays can prevent them from applying the precise force needed to move your teeth. Following Invisalign maintenance guidelines helps to ensure your treatment stays on track and you achieve your desired results in the expected timeframe.
Daily Aligner Care
Your Invisalign aligners are the primary tools moving your teeth, so keeping them clean and well-maintained is crucial. Proper care for Invisalign aligners involves a few simple, daily habits that will protect your aligners and your oral health when following correct care instructions.
- Rinse Immediately Upon Removal: Every time you take out your aligners to eat or drink, rinse them thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water. This helps to wash away saliva and any potential food particles before they dry and stick to the plastic. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
- Gentle Brushing: Clean your aligners at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. Gently brush both the inside and outside surfaces. Abrasive toothpastes can scratch the aligners, creating dull spots and areas where bacteria can accumulate. This regular cleaning keeps them clear and hygienic.
- Soak for Deep Cleaning: For a deeper clean, you can soak your aligners in a specialized Invisalign cleaning solution, denture cleaner, or a mixture of white vinegar and water for about 15-20 minutes a few times a week. This helps to remove any lingering bacteria and prevent odors. Afterward, always rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. Many patients ask about Invisalign cleaning crystals; these are an effective option for keeping aligners fresh and clear.
Prioritizing Oral Hygiene with Invisalign
While taking care of your aligners is vital, maintaining excellent Invisalign oral hygiene in Chicago for your teeth and gums is equally important. One of the great benefits of Invisalign is that it simplifies orthodontic treatment compared to traditional braces. Most doctors recommend using a retainer after completing Invisalign treatment to prevent teeth from shifting back, ensuring your smile remains aligned.
- Brush and Floss After Every Meal: This is a golden rule for Invisalign users. Before putting your aligners back in, you must brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Any food particles trapped between your teeth and aligners can lead to cavities. This consistent Invisalign and brushing teeth routine is critical.
- Proper Flossing Technique: Because your aligners are removable, you can use traditional floss, floss picks, or a water flosser to clean between all your teeth effectively. This helps prevent plaque buildup and keeps your gums healthy throughout treatment.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Even though you’re seeing Dr. Contos for your orthodontic progress, regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your general dentist are still essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should rinse your Invisalign aligners every time you remove them and brush them gently at least twice a day, just as you brush your teeth. For a deeper clean, consider soaking them a few times a week using a specialized cleaning solution or Invisalign cleaning crystals.
You should only drink plain water while wearing your Invisalign aligners. For all other beverages and food, you must remove your aligners. Eating or drinking colored beverages with your aligners in can stain them and potentially trap sugars or acids against your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. Remember to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in! Invisalign treatment often involves temporary discomfort when wearing a new set of aligners for the first few days, but this is a normal part of the adjustment process.
If your aligners become discolored or cloudy despite regular Invisalign care, it might be due to not cleaning them consistently or consuming staining foods/drinks with them. Try soaking them more frequently with a cleaning solution. If the discoloration is severe or they feel rough, contact Contos Smile Center to order replacement aligners if necessary. Dr. Contos can assess if a replacement aligner is needed. Additionally, it is common for patients to experience a slight lisp when they first start using Invisalign aligners, but this typically resolves as they adjust to wearing them.
Yes, using mouthwash is a good addition to your Invisalign oral hygiene routine. Just make sure to remove your aligners before using mouthwash. After rinsing your mouth, brush your teeth and aligners as usual before putting the aligners back in.
Learn More About Caring for Your Invisalign Clear Aligners with Dr. Contos
Your smile is a reflection of your confidence and well-being, and at Contos Smile Center, we are passionate about helping you achieve its full potential. Mastering Invisalign care in Chicago is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your treatment is successful and your results are lasting. If you live in the Belmont Cragin, Avondale, or Irving Park neighborhoods, we understand your unique needs and are ready to serve you. The average cost of Invisalign treatment typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, but the investment is worth the confidence and health benefits of a perfect smile.
Your journey to a radiant, healthy smile, guided by our compassionate team and Dr. Contos’s skill, is just a phone call away. Call our dental office in Chicago at (773) 973-0531 today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward the smile you deserve.
Our Vision
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and quality to our patient community by cultivating strong relationships, communicating thoughtful treatment solutions, and providing an enjoyable atmosphere, we can empower our patients to take ownership of their oral health.
We are committed to researching and offering state-of-the-art dental solutions in order to deliver the most advanced treatment options to our patients.
