Knowing how to clean your Invisalign clear aligners will ensure they last as long as possible. Typically, it can take up to 1.5 years to get the full results from this orthodontic treatment. Failing to take it seriously will increase this timeframe or put you at risk of infection.
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is very important. Products like Invisalign cleaning crystals and DIY recipes make caring for your removable orthodontic appliances easier. Keep reading to learn how to clean your Invisalign effectively.
Why Do You Need to Clean Your Invisalign?
Why is it so important to know how to clean your Invisalign? Failing to keep your clear aligners clean causes discolouration and bad breath. The foul smell and taste will quickly send you back to the dentist’s office. Bacterial growth and infection are what comes next. Therefore, focus on your daily oral hygiene routine and clean your Invisalign aligners.
How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners should be cleaned twice a day and soaked at least once. This can be done while you brush your teeth. The time for soaking depends on the cleaning solution you choose, with most cleaning agents needing 15 to 60 minutes.
How to Clean Your Invisalign
The goal is to prevent plaque deposits and bacterial growth. All you need is a cleaning product and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Soak, rinse, scrub, and repeat. The process is simple. Focus on removing any bits of food or dried saliva. Let the trays soak after brushing.
Use the Right Type of Cleaner
Not every cleaning product is effective at disinfecting Invisalign trays. The biggest problem with most cleaners is the aftertaste and lasting odour. You want to use a cleaner that won’t take long to rinse away.
Rinse Your Aligners When You Remove Them
After removing your Invisalign aligners, a warm water rinse is the first thing you should do. Spend a few minutes letting the running water work its way through the trays. Lightly scrub any stained areas.
Soak Your Aligners at Least Once a Day
Now, let your aligners soak for a while in a water-based cleaning solution. Any remaining debris will lift off the surface and blend with the solution. Bacterial growth is now gone, and the disinfection process is a success.
Don’t Leave Your Aligners Out in the Open
Leaving your aligners out in the open can get them lost or damaged. More importantly, leaving them open to the elements encourages bacteria growth. Cover and store your Invisalign when it’s not in use.
Always Brush and Floss Before Replacing
Brushing and flossing are essential parts of good oral hygiene. These teeth cleaning methods provide an additional benefit. For the sake of your aligners, removing dental plaque means less gunk that can get stuck. This process enhances the fit and your oral health. If you brush and floss while you soak your aligners, your daily oral hygiene will pay off.
Related: Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?
Don’t Use Toothpaste to Clean Invisalign Aligners.
A soft toothbrush comes in handy but keep the toothpaste away. Proper cleaners remove stuck-on food particles and unseen bacteria at the same time. Toothpaste offers little help cleaning the aligners and can instead do damage.
Proper Cleaners to Use
Check out this cleaning guide to get an easy, step-by-step walkthrough. The main steps are to clean Invisalign trays with antibacterial soap, soak once daily, and brush and floss your teeth when the tray is out.
As for cleaning, antibacterial soap is just one of the options. Check out the four most common cleaners for Invisalign aligners and trays. Also, consider a denture cleaner to get the same effect.
Invisalign Crystals
Rinse the tray and then soak it in the proprietary cleaning solution. Dissolve the crystals in lukewarm water and stir the mixture together. Place your Invisalign in the solution and let it soak for the recommended time.
The crystals contain sodium ingredients and emit a chlorine-like odour. Rinsing your aligners a few times will help remove this foul smell and taste.
Distilled White Vinegar
Combine a cup of distilled white vinegar with three cups of lukewarm water. Soak your Invisalign for 15 minutes. Scrub your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush under cold or lukewarm water. You can also use hydrogen peroxide in place of vinegar.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is very good at cleaning Invisalign. You can get rid of plaque with a paste mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda to one cup of warm water. Rinse and brush the solution off your aligners after soaking for one hour.
Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial soap is the simplest solution to your problem. It is affordable and often within reach. Even if this isn’t your go-to solution, keep it in mind as a backup option. The soap will kill bacteria and remove any plaque or tartar, making your Invisalign like new.
Summary
Removable orthodontic aligners come with many benefits and are pretty easy to maintain. The cleaning regimen and techniques listed above tend to do the trick. You are responsible for taking your clear aligners out at the correct times.
If you have concerns or are wondering about Invisalign treatment, reach out for a strategic Invisalign consultation. Our dentists can answer any of your questions. We can also show you how to clean Invisalign in person.
Book your Invisalign treatment consultation today. Contact us about Invisalign aligners and get your orthodontic treatment needs met.
