How to Clean & Care for Invisalign®
Invisalign is a fantastic treatment option for patients who want to improve their smile without changing their lifestyle. The virtually invisible, removable trays allow you to eat what you want and brush with ease.
While Invisalign provides tremendous benefits, it is essential to clean the trays to ensure you get the best results!
Keep reading to learn tips and best practices for cleaning Invisalign.
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners
Maintaining a daily routine will prevent food particles and bacteria from collecting on your trays and teeth. Dirty aligner trays can also emit a smell and discolor your teeth.
Let’s look at a few helpful techniques to keep your Invisalign aligners clean.
What to Use to Brush Invisalign
A great way to clean Invisalign is by brushing them when you brush your teeth in the morning and at night. A standard routine includes:
- Rinsing your aligners with water
- Gently brushing the trays with a non-whitening toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that is designated only for your aligners
- Washing the toothpaste from the aligner before placing them on your teeth
What Invisalign Cleaners to Use
There are many cleaning agents you can use on your aligners. While there is no consensus on which works best, you can decide which fits your needs. That said, avoid using soap or other abrasive materials as they can damage the aligner.
Invisalign Cleaning System Products
Invisalign sells “cleaning crystals” and “Steralinger” products made with natural antiseptic ingredients. Soak your aligners in the solution for 3 minutes once a day, then brush them with water.
Antibacterial Soap
You can use soap and warm water as a soaking solution or gently brush the suds into the trays. Be sure to rinse the soap away before placing the trays in your mouth.
Cleaning Tablets
Dissolve cleaning tablets in warm water and soak your aligners for 5 minutes once a day. The tablets claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria and prevent staining. Remember to rinse the tablet residue off the aligners.
Hydrogen Peroxide
You can make a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts warm water and hydrogen peroxide. Let your aligners soak for 30 minutes once a day and rinse them before wearing them again.
Baking Soda and Water
You can soak your aligners in a baking soda and water mixture — using one tablespoon of baking soda and a half cup of water — for one hour once a day. Rinse the trays before putting them back in your mouth.
How to Care for Invisalign
Caring for your Invisalign aligners can prevent them from staining or breaking. Complying with best practices can ensure your treatment stays on its expected timeline.
Always Rinse Aligners When You Remove Them
Creating a habit of rinsing your aligners when you remove them can help clear away debris, food particles, and bacteria. It will keep the trays fresh and your teeth clean.
Do Not Eat or Drink with Aligners In
One of Invisalign’s best features is that the trays are removable. Remove the trays before eating anything to prevent them from bending or breaking. Removing the trays to eat will also prevent your teeth and trays from staining.
Always Store Aligners in Their Case
The clear, lightweight trays can easily break or get lost, which could prolong your treatment. Storing the aligners in their plastic case will keep them safe.
Trust Koen Orthodontics to Get You the Best Invisalign Results
Invisalign has quickly become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available. Remember to clean and care for your trays to get the most from your Invisalign treatment. Failing to do so can extend your treatment time and increase your expenses.
At Koen Orthodontics, we proudly offer the most cutting-edge treatments. Schedule your free consultation to learn how we can help you achieve a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.