Oral Care Tools Every Invisalign Wearer Needs for a Healthy Smile

When wearing Invisalign, or any other clear aligner for that matter, it is required that patients not only wear their aligners all day and night (at least 20-22 hours per day) but the treatment plan also necessitates impeccable oral hygiene. So may patients struggle to stay on top of this task, so I have gathered some oral care tools every clear aligner patient needs.

1. Toothpaste – There are so many products to choose from! The typical Colgate and Crest products are always great! Recently some of my patients have been inquiring about fluoride free options to which I usually recommend Risewell or Boka. However, as long as you are brushing with an anti-cavity toothpaste and doing so efficiently you are on the right track.

2. Toothbrush - You’re going to need to keep a toothbrush handy. You will be wearing the aligners all day, and removing them to eat or drink, plaque will build up fast. You can keep a toothbrush in your purse/book bag, in your desk drawer at work or even in the car. I typically recommend a travel toothbrush or Quip toothbrushes as they are electric but very light weight and easy to carry around, the holder also acts as a sanitary toothbrush cover so it acts as a travel toothbrush.

3. Floss – What’s brushing without flossing? Needless to say you will need to floss. To be honest, as long as you’re flossing that’s a plus in my book, but a product I would recommend is Risewell’s floss as it’s infused with hydroxyapatite so it will deliver some anticavity protection for those hard to reach interproximal areas.

4. Mouthrinse – Once again there are many options! Listerine is a household name that is great. However, I typically recommend ACT to my patients, it’s a fluoride mouthrinse that helps to protect teeth from demineralization (which causes cavities) with an added bonus of being alcohol-free so there won’t be that burning sensation that you feel with other mouthrinses like Listerine. One that I have recently started recommending to my Orthodontic patients is Colgate Ortho Defense.

5. Aligner cleaner like Ever Smile White Foam or Retainer Brite are very good at keeping the aligners clean. Ever Smile is a minty foam made with hydrogen peroxide that is spread on your aligners and put directly back in the mouth. The hydrogen peroxide destroys bacteria that causes bad breathand tooth decay and you get the added benefit f some whitening over time. Retainer Brite is great as well, they are dissolvable tablets that you place in a cup of water , you will need to have the aligners sit for about 30 minutes. 

6. Aligner Seater like Chewies or Dental Movemints. Movemints are mints that fit your clear aligners. Use them to seat trays, freshen breath, and fight dry mouth during the Invisalign smile journey. Sugar-free and sweetened with xylitol, Movemints are safe to eat while you wear your aligners!

NOTE: DO NOT to use toothpaste or a mouthrinse on your aligner. The toothpaste is abrasive and will leave scratches which act as a trap for plaque and the mouthrinse can change the color of your aligner.