How to Clean Invisalign
It's no secret that Invisalign aligners have added an exciting new dimension to orthodontic treatment. The ability to remove your aligners gives you greater flexibility with oral hygiene and eating habits. It can feel like total freedom when compared to traditional braces.
But here's the catch—Invisalign aligners need regular cleaning to remain clear, odour-free, and effective.
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners daily using proper techniques like brushing, rinsing, or soaking in approved solutions is essential to keep your aligners in top shape.
Invisalign is simply another part of your dental hygiene routine, so keep your aligners clean, just like your teeth!
Why Keeping Invisalign Clean is Crucial
Just because you switch to a new set of aligners every week or 2 doesn't mean you can let their hygiene slip. Maintaining clean aligners daily is as important as changing them on schedule.
Invisalign helps align your teeth by sitting snugly on their surface to apply gentle pressure. Unfortunately, the tight fit can create the perfect environment for debris, bacteria, and plaque to accumulate between your aligners and your teeth.
While saliva normally helps clear bacteria from your mouth, aligners trap bacteria and plaque, making it harder for saliva to do its job.
If you skip cleaning your aligners, you risk trapping bacteria against your teeth and gums, leading to oral health issues such as cavities or gum irritation.
Cleaning your Invisalign regularly helps prevent common issues such as:
- Bad breath related to trapped bacteria or food particles
- Stains on both your aligners and teeth
- Gum irritation, leading to gingivitis or gum disease
Your Invisalign treatment isn't just about achieving a brilliant smile. It's also about maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout the process!
How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Cleaning your Invisalign trays should become a natural part of your nightly oral hygiene routine. Ideally, thoroughly clean your aligners before bed to remove any food residue, plaque, or bacteria built up throughout the day.
Simple tip: Clean your aligners at the same time you brush your teeth, so you can enjoy a fresh and clean levelled playing field inside your mouth before wearing your aligners overnight.
What about after you eat? One of the best parts of Invisalign is that you can remove them to enjoy a wider range of food.
While you don't need to clean your aligners every time you eat or drink, rinsing them under lukewarm water after meals and snacks is highly recommended. This simple step protects your enamel and lessens the likelihood of gum irritation during the day.
Tips to Keep Your Invisalign Spotless
Keeping your Invisalign clean is straightforward, with several effective options to fit your preferences and schedule. What's essential is that you're consistent.
However you approach your cleaning routine, you're doing it right when your aligners stay free of bacteria, stains, and debris.
Invisalign Cleaning System
Sometimes, the straightforward answer is to go straight to the source with Invisalign-branded cleaning products. Invisalign specifically formulates these products to help remove plaque and bacteria without damaging the material of your trays.
You can order straight from Invisalign, either cleaning crystals or solutions. These options are reliable and easy to use. But, they're not the only method to keep your Invisalign clean.
Soft-Bristle Toothbrush
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush with lukewarm water for a budget-friendly and no-fuss option. Gently brush every crevice of your aligners to remove germs and food particles, just like you would your teeth. Combine this with effervescent retainer-cleaning tablets for an extra refresh.
Retainer Cleaning Tablets
When you're looking for a cleaner with a bit of a pop, retainer cleaning tablets are a hassle-free option for soaking your aligners. Drop a fizzy tablet into a container of lukewarm water, submerge your aligners, and wait as long as the package instructions direct.
Many people combine tablets with brushing to enhance cleanliness and freshness.
White Vinegar Solution
Here's a DIY method when you're in a pinch: Mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 3 parts water. After brushing your aligners lightly, soak them in this vinegar solution for about 15 minutes. Always rinse thoroughly afterward to eliminate any lingering vinegar taste.
Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Equally important as proper cleaning is knowing what not to use on your Invisalign aligners. Using the wrong techniques or cleaning agents can damage your aligners and hinder your progress. Avoid these common mistakes.
Don't Use Toothpaste
Toothpaste can help effectively refresh your smile, but it's not the right choice for your aligners. Most toothpaste has an abrasive texture that can create scratches on your aligners' surface, leaving them cloudy and prone to more plaque buildup.
Don't Use Hard-Bristled Toothbrushes
Firm bristles can cause micro-scratches on your aligners, creating hiding spots for bacteria. Stick with soft bristles to maintain the aligners’ clarity and integrity.
Don't Use Hot or Boiling Water
Hot water is often considered the standard to help loosen and dissolve debris. Unfortunately, heat can warp the plastic material of Invisalign aligners, throwing off your tray's precise fit. Use only lukewarm water to clean or rinse your aligners.
A Clean Journey to a Healthier Smile
Caring for your Invisalign aligners isn't complicated, but it's an essential part of your orthodontic treatment. Regular cleaning helps your aligners stay clear, fresh, and effective while aligning your teeth. Need guidance on your oral health or have questions about your Invisalign treatment? Book an appointment at Embrace Dental Care, where our friendly team is ready to help you maintain a clean, bright smile every step of the way!