Invisalign aligners help correct bite problems, straightening your teeth and enhancing your smile. What gives them an edge over other orthodontic solutions, like traditional braces, is that they’re removable. Although you should change them every two weeks, cleaning Invisalign is not something to overlook. Otherwise, you’ll be left with smelly, stained aligners! To avoid this situation, carry on reading to know how to clean Invisalign.
What is the Best Way to Clean Invisalign?
Brushing and rinsing are considered the best way to clean your Invisalign. To do so, you can wash the Invisalign aligner with lukewarm water. Moreover, you can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals, which help cleanse your aligners. Cleaning crystals also remove bacteria and stains from your orthodontic device.
Ways to Clean Invisalign
There are multiple ways to clean your Invisalign aligners. The best practices, however, are the following:
1. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Do you know how to clean invisalign with cleaning crystals? The method is simple: just add the crystal to the recommended quantity of water. Soak your Invisalign aligners in the crystal solution for 15 minutes. The crystals help remove stains, foul odors, and bacteria build-up from your trays. When you’ve soaked the aligners, don’t forget to brush, rinse, and replace your trays.
2. Brushing Aligners Twice Every Day
It is, without question, critical to brush your Invisalign every morning and evening. Not doing so will develop plaque and bacteria on your aligners. Clean your Invisalign retainers with toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help wash off any remaining bacteria from the aligners.
3. Keeping Your Invisalign Trays in the Case
You can lose your Invisalign if you don’t store them in a safe, appropriate place. Other than this, bacteria can form over them, and they can get damaged. Therefore, put your aligners back in their case when you take them out to eat or drink.
What Can You Use as an Invisalign Cleaner?
You can find many options to use as an Invisalign cleaner. Here are some effective ways you can clean your Invisalign aligners:
- Soap & Water: Dissolve a small amount of liquid soap in lukewarm water and mix until it foams. Soak the Invisalign for 10 to 30 minutes in the cleaner, and rinse it thoroughly when you’re done.
- Vinegar & Water: Take three parts lukewarm water and mix one part vinegar to soak your Invisalign for 20 minutes. Rinse the aligners with cold water afterward.
- Baking Soda & Water: Stir a tablespoon of baking soda in half a cup of water to soak your Invisalign aligner for 60 minutes. Make sure to rinse them before putting them back on.
While there are many options to clean your Invisalign aligners, here are some things to avoid using:
- Mouthwash
- Dishwasher
- Cleaning Soaps
- Scented Soaps
- Denture Cleaners
- Hard-bristled Toothbrush
- Cleansing Sopas with Dyes
How Often to Clean Invisalign?
You should clean your Invisalign at night daily when you brush and floss. This will help get rid of any stuck food particles and bacteria. Furthermore, you should also clean them in the morning. You can also clean your aligners when:
You stain them
You have a colored drink
They’re visibly dirty
Each time you take them off (for extensive cleaning measures)
The Final Word
This blog listed multiple ways how to clean your Invisalign aligners. You can consult your dentist in case of any confusion or visit our experts at Gateway Family Dentistry. We’re ready to help you at 661-829-7905.