Invisalign Oral Hygiene Tips

Oral Health Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

What is Dentistry?

Oral Health Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the teeth, gums, and oral structures, supporting oral health and overall well-being.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Overview and definition

Good oral hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment to keep your teeth and aligners healthy. Since the aligners cover your teeth for most of the day, any trapped food or plaque can quickly lead to cavities or gum problems. At Liv Hospital, we stress that straight teeth also mean healthy teeth. We give patients clear instructions on how to clean both their teeth and aligners to keep the mouth’s natural balance during treatment.

Daily Hygiene Protocols for Aligner Wearers

DENTISTRY

Preventing Plaque Biofilm Accumulation

The goal of hygiene during treatment is to ensure that no bacteria are sealed against the enamel by the aligners.

Brushing and Flossing After Every Meal

Because the aligners prevent saliva from naturally washing over the teeth, manual cleaning is more important than ever.

  • Post-Meal Brushing: Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal or snack before putting your aligners back in.
  • Interdental Cleaning: Flossing or using interdental brushes at least once a day is vital for removing plaque between the teeth.
  • Aligner Cleaning: Rinse your aligners every time you remove them and clean them with a soft toothbrush and clear soap daily.
  • Avoiding Staining Agents: Coffee, tea, and red wine can stain both your teeth and your aligners if consumed while wearing them.
  • Salivary Support: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain a healthy flow of saliva, which protects the enamel.
  • Travel Hygiene Kit: Keeping a small kit with a brush and floss with you ensures you can maintain your routine on the go.

Maintaining Aligner Clarity and Integrity

DENTISTRY

Invisalign aligners look best when they stay clear and odor-free. If not cleaned well, they can get cloudy from buildup. At Liv Hospital, we suggest using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner. Do not use toothpaste, as it can scratch the aligners and make them look dull. Also, avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic and affect how the aligners fit.

Protecting the Enamel and Preventing Decay

When you wear aligners, anything left on your teeth stays there for hours. Drinking sugary or acidic drinks while wearing aligners can cause rapid tooth decay and white spots. At Liv Hospital, we recommend drinking only plain water while wearing aligners. If you have a sugary drink, rinse your mouth well and brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. This simple step helps prevent cavities during treatment.

DENTISTRY

Managing the Oral Microbiome During Treatment

Wearing aligners can change the balance of bacteria in your mouth. To keep your mouth healthy, we suggest using alcohol-free mouth rinses or oral probiotics. These help lower the amount of harmful bacteria that cause gum disease and bad breath. At Liv Hospital, we also emphasize the importance of regular professional cleanings. Our hygienists know how to clean around Invisalign attachments and check your gums to keep everything healthy during treatment.

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors
img 1 LIV Hospital

Hygiene Tips for Invisalign for Teens

Teens may need extra reminders to maintain their hygiene during Invisalign treatment. We suggest parents help set up a ‘hygiene station’ at home with all the required supplies. At Liv Hospital, we show before-and-after photos to motivate teens and explain that a great result depends on clean teeth and healthy gums. Using a fluoride mouthwash before bed can help protect teeth, especially if brushing after meals is sometimes missed.

Caring for Your Teeth After Refinements

During the refinement phase, we might add or move your Invisalign attachments. It is essential to brush carefully around these areas, as they can accumulate plaque. At Liv Hospital, we teach you the best way to brush around attachments to keep everything clean. If your gums feel sensitive after a refinement or IPR, try a soft toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste. Keeping up this care helps make sure your treatment ends as healthy as it started.

Long Term Hygiene and Retainer Care

When you start wearing retainers, keeping up your hygiene routine is still very important. Clean your retainers every day to stop tartar and bacteria from building up. At Liv Hospital, we suggest soaking Vivera retainers in a special cleaner a few times a week. Since you will wear them every night for years, keeping them clean helps prevent bad breath and keeps your mouth healthy. Bring your retainers to your six-month check-ups so we can make sure they fit well and are in good shape.

DENTISTRY

Dietary Considerations for Orthodontic Health

There are no foods you have to avoid with Invisalign, but your diet still affects your oral health. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables helps your gums and bones stay healthy. Snacking on sticky or sugary foods often means you need to brush more, which can be hard to keep up with. At Liv Hospital, we recommend eating meals rich in calcium and vitamins to help your teeth and bones during treatment. Good nutrition supports both your Invisalign results and your overall health.

DENTISTRY

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I clean my aligners properly?

Rinse them every time you take them out and brush them gently with a soft brush and clear, mild soap once a day.

It is better to remove them, use the mouthwash, and then put them back in to avoid trapping chemicals or dyes against your teeth.

A smell usually means bacteria are building up; try soaking them in Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or a similar gentle soak.

Ideally, yes; if you can’t brush, at least rinse your mouth and the aligners thoroughly with water.

The composite material can stain if you consume a lot of coffee or tea; good brushing habits will keep it looking clear.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

Contact Us to Get Information!

Contact
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)