Keeping your Invisalign® aligners clean is an important part of your oral hygiene routine during treatment. Failing to keep your aligners clean can result in unwanted dental issues that could delay the progress of your treatment. If you need to know how to clean Invisalign® aligner trays, please continue reading.
When To Clean
Knowing when to clean your trays is the first step to preventing contamination of your aligners regardless of what cleaning method you choose to use.
- Always clean and rinse your aligner when you remove it for any reason. This removes saliva and surface bacteria before placing your trays in the carrier.
- You can prevent food particles and sugars from getting in your aligners by brushing your teeth and rinsing before you put them back in your mouth after eating. Also, take out your aligners before eating so you don’t risk damaging or staining them.
- At least once per day, it would be best if you soaked your alignment trays for 10 to 20 minutes in lukewarm or tepid (never hot) water with a cleanser. You can use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, a denture-cleaning tablet, or a DIY solution. Using hot water to soak your aligners could deform them, requiring you to obtain a replacement set that could cost you more money.
- Brush your trays before inserting them (anytime you brush and floss your teeth, you should also run a soft bristle brush over your trays). Use a designated brush for your Invisalign® trays, not your everyday toothbrush.
- Start each day by brushing and cleaning your Invisalign® trays. Nighttime deposits can cause bacteria growth leading to bad breath and other problems such as gum disease and cavities.
- End each day by cleaning and brushing your trays to reduce the nighttime buildup of bacteria.
- Be sure to place your aligners in their case when you are not using them. Leaving them out in the open risks losing them or allowing a buildup of dust or other particles on the trays that you don’t want in your mouth. The case will keep them safe.
Now that you understand the basics of when to clean your Invisalign® tray aligners let’s go over some of the how-to methods. Care of your alignment trays is one of the necessary steps in your treatment plan. Failure to keep your trays clean can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, bad breath, stained aligners, and other problems.
Using Cleaning Solutions
Although you brush your alignment trays several times a day, you should also be soaking them at least once per day. Soaking should be done in lukewarm or tepid water, but never hot. There are several cleaners that you can use in the soak.
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Invisalign cleaning crystals (which can be found here) are available at various online and retail outlets or ordered from the Invisalign® website. This cleaning method is easy to use and is made precisely for cleaning your aligners by Invisalign® so you know it’s the best product to use. Make sure you brush and rinse off any visible debris on the aligners before placing them in a cup or dish of warm water. Drop the Invisalign cleaning crystals in the water with your aligners and let them soak for 15 minutes in the solution. Remove the aligners and rinse them off. Brush any leftover debris you might find and rinse again. They are now ready to use.
Denture Cleaning tablets
Denture tablets such as Polident or Efferdent, and retainer cleaners, are widely available online and in local retail stores. Be sure not to let your aligners soak too long because denture cleaning tablets can cause damage to the aligners.
Unscented Liquid Soap
Unscented hand or dish soap can be used with warm (not hot) water. Be sure to brush and rinse your aligners thoroughly after using this method to avoid soap residue.
Vinegar and Water
Mix three parts water to one part white vinegar for a great DIY solution. Unless you enjoy the taste of vinegar, rinse and brush your trays well before inserting them.
Peroxide and Water
A 50/50 mix of water and peroxide is another DIY solution that works well but will taste awful if you don’t rinse and brush your trays completely after soaking.
Baking Soda and Water
This DIY method is a bit more labor-intense and has a longer soaking time of 60 minutes. Use one tablespoon of baking soda and a half cup of water. Mix until dissolved, then soak. Brush and rinse thoroughly after soaking. If using this method, combine it with mealtime so you can still meet the 20 to 22 hours of active wear-time. Please be aware that baking soda can damage the plastic of your aligners, so it might be better to brush baking soda on your aligners and then soak them in a vinegar and water solution for just 30 minutes.
On-the-Go Solutions
Smile Silver Spray
Smile Saver Spray is a product from Soluria that is available at various online retailers. Used properly, this spray claims to remove germs from your alignment trays in 60 seconds. Spray the product on your aligners, wait one minute, then reinsert. If you are active and don’t always have time or a good location to brush your trays, this type of product can help you maintain your aligners.
Steraligner
Steraligner is a cleaning solution that only takes minutes to use and will remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria quickly so your aligners are clean and sanitized.
Natural Cleaners
OAP Gel and Foam Cleaners offer a solution that contains natural ingredients for those who prefer not to use cleaning chemicals. Just brush the gel on your aligners and wait for 60 seconds before rinsing thoroughly. It’s the perfect on-the-go method if you are in a hurry.
Other Cleaning Strategies
Keeping a small makeup bag with your toothbrush, dental floss, aligner brush, and aligner storage container should be added to your backpack, briefcase, or purse. Keeping these items with you will ensure that you can keep your Invisalign trays clean and bacteria-free.
When brushing your trays, be firm but gentle. While you want to brush thoroughly, you don’t want to damage your aligners. Some types of toothpaste can discolor your trays. Ask the staff at Spain Orthodontics for recommendations on other products to use to clean your trays.
Don’t Use Mouthwash
There are some cleaning methods that you absolutely should not use. Soaking in mouthwash is the primary one because it can discolor your aligners. If you want your aligners to remain invisible, don’t soak them in mouthwash. But please do use mouthwash as part of your daily oral care routine to prevent plaque, cavities, and bad breath.
Don’t Use Invisalign® As A Mouthguard
Always remove your aligners and wear an actual mouthguard when playing contact sports. Using your aligners as a substitute for a mouthguard could result in damage to the trays and your teeth. Be sure to place your aligners in their case so you don’t lose them.
Ask Spain Orthodontics About Cleaning Invisalign® Today
If you have an interest in using Invisalign® to fix your teeth or you would like information on Invisalign cleaning crystals and other cleaning methods, please contact us. You can call our office today at 206-693-3123 or visit our website. Dr. Christopher Spain is dedicated to providing his patients with the best care they need. Spain Orthodontics specializes in Invisalign® and has the experience, technology, and dental techniques to handle any dental issue.
Spain Orthodontics proudly serves the Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, and Edmonds areas of Washington state. We are ready to help you achieve the smile you have been dreaming about.
