by Malavi Sivakanesan • 10 December 2024 • 5 min read
Invisalign is an orthodontic technique that not only helps your smile improve but also offers a discreet and quick solution to bite, crowding, and gap teeth issues. Most Invisalign users love that they are removable and allow them to enjoy their favourite foods. However, this also leads people to believe that since Invisalign is replaced every couple of weeks for a new set, cleaning them daily is not essential. But this is not true. Since they are worn for at least eighteen to twenty-two hours, Invisalign can easily become breeding grounds for oral health problems. Knowing how to clean Invisalign keeps your oral health in great shape and improves its effectiveness. Read on to learn more about how to clean Invisalign aligners and have a bright and healthy smile.
How to Clean Invisalign Trays: Best Practices
Whether you are using Invisalign to straighten your teeth or for a better smile, in the absence of a proper cleaning routine, they can become discoloured, and not so invisible.
Stuck food particles may also lead to bacteria and plaque buildup leading to problems such as bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Simple Steps to Keep your Invisalign Clear and Fresh
Brush Your Invisalign Aligners
- Wondering how to clean aligners to keep them looking crystal clear? The first step is to brush your aligners twice each day. To clean them, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. This also helps dried saliva from building up.
- Remember to use cool water. Using hot water may cause Invisalign to warp.
- Make sure to clean your natural teeth and tongue before you put your aligners back to remove any food debris that may have been left behind.
Soak Your Aligners Everyday
- Besides regularly brushing your aligners, you should also soak them at least once each day for a minimum of three minutes. You can soak them either in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner.
- Once they are soaking, use a soft toothbrush to wash away any food particles that may have remained stuck on them.
Know Which Cleaners to Use
Now that you know how to clean Invisalign trays, it is also important for you to know what you should use to clean your aligners. Here are some of the safest cleaners that you can use on your aligners:
- An antibacterial unscented soap is the best option for gentle and effective daily cleaning.
- Invisalign cleaning crystals work best for deep cleaning due to their sodium sulphate content.
- If your Invisalign has become stained, you can make a solution of equal parts lukewarm water and hydrogen peroxide. Soak your aligners in this solution for about fifteen minutes and brush them gently.
- If your aligners have a hard buildup, you can use a distilled white vinegar and lukewarm water solution. Soak your aligners in this and brush them gently followed by a thorough rinsing.
While these cleansers are safe, some cleansers can damage your Invisalign. These include
- Mouthwash due to its colour and alcohol content can damage your Invisalign.
- Cleaning soap solutions may be easy to use, but their dyes can stain your aligners permanently.
- Never use abrasive material like hard-bristled toothbrushes. They can scratch the surface and dull the finish of your Invisalign.
Don’t Keep Your Aligners Out in the Open
One of the best ways to keep your aligners clean and free of any contaminants is to properly store them in their case when you are not wearing them.
This also exposes them to the air for longer periods and may make them dry and brittle causing discomfort and even wounds inside your mouth.
Keep Your Invisalign Case Clean
Since you wear your aligners for long hours, it is natural for food debris or saliva to get stuck on them and, in turn, on their case. This may lead to Invisalign smelling badly or looking discoloured and even cause oral health issues.
If you are thinking about how to clean aligners, make sure you keep your aligner case clean. The best way to do this is to use an antibacterial soap and lukewarm water solution. Clean the case thoroughly with this solution and rinse it properly. Make sure you dry it completely before putting your Invisalign back in.
Takeaway
These were some best practices about how to clean Invisalign retainers. If you have any questions about how to keep your Invisalign in the best condition to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, contact us today. Our team of expert dentists are always happy to help!
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.