The Importance of Cleaning Invisalign Clear Aligners
Even though Invisalign clear aligners are supposed to be replaced every couple of weeks, they still need to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, you might end up with smelly or visibly dirty aligners.
Cleaning vs. Rinsing Invisalign Aligners
When it comes to Invisalign, it's important to distinguish between cleaning and rinsing. Rinsing your aligners may make them appear cleaner, but it doesn't address the unseen bacteria that can build up.
Here is the basic cleaning process as recommended by Invisalign:
- Rinse your aligners with water every night.
- Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the one you use to brush your teeth daily) and gentle, clear liquid soap to remove any saliva, debris or food particles that have accumulated during the day.
- Rinse thoroughly after brushing.
- Store your clear aligners in a protective case whenever they aren’t used.
Invisalign Cleaning Products
Invisalign offers a line of cleaning products to help ensure an optimal clean while being gentle on your aligners. These products are:
Steraligner
Steraligner uses a tray for the cleaning process. The ingredients of the solution include rubbing alcohol and sodium bicarbonate, which are natural antiseptics.
To clean your aligners, you will first place them in the tray and soak them for three minutes. Then, you will rinse off the sterilizing solution and gently brush your aligners using warm water.
Cleaning Crystals
Along with clear aligners, Invisalign also offers cleaning crystals that can dissolve in water. Once the crystals have dissolved, you will soak your aligners in the solution.
These crystals contain cleansing agents, including sodium sulphate, and can be a more affordable alternative to alternative products used to clean aligners.
What are some of the best practices for cleaning your aligners?
You will need to clean your aligners every night, ideally when you brush and floss your teeth, to remove any food, debris, and bacteria accumulated during the day.
You should also clean your Invisalign aligners if they become visibly dirty, such as after consuming a non-clear beverage while wearing them or if you put them on too quickly after eating.
Remember to rinse your aligners whenever you take them out and implement thorough cleaning measures. Even though you switch to new aligners every two weeks, cleaning them regularly is critical to maintaining your oral health and ensuring your treatment progresses as planned.
Not following these steps can cause aligners to discolour, making teeth look yellow, leading to bad breath, and exposing teeth to built-up bacteria.
How to Clean Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
To clean your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water and gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using a coarse-bristle toothbrush may be too harsh on your Invisalign aligners and cause scratches.
Remember to avoid using hot water, as it can cause the aligners to warp. Also, avoid using toothpaste, which is abrasive and can leave tiny scratches on the aligners. After brushing, rinse the aligners thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.
What should you use to clean your Invisalign aligners?
There are numerous ways to clean your Invisalign aligners, but some methods are best suited for specific circumstances. Here, we share the ideal cleaning method for each situation:
Daily Cleaning: Clear, Antibacterial, Unscented Soap
Clear, antibacterial, unscented soap is gentle and effective for daily cleaning. Add a small amount of liquid soap to lukewarm water, brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.
Deep Cleaning: Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Keep your Invisalign aligners clean and clear with specially designed Invisalign cleaning crystals. These powerful crystals contain cleansing agents, including sodium sulphate, to ensure a deep clean for your aligners.
Invisalign cleaning crystals work by dissolving tough stains and removing plaque build-up without damaging the aligner material. Additionally, they help protect the aligners from yellowing and fading. To clean your aligners, simply soak them in the cleaning solution for about 20-30 minutes, or as recommended in the directions, and then rinse before wearing them again. It's important not to let your aligners soak overnight.
Remove Stains: Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
If you see any stains on your aligners, you can try using a solution made of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water. Soak your aligners in this solution for about 15 minutes, then gently brush them with a soft toothbrush before rinsing thoroughly.
Remove Hard Buildup: Distilled White Vinegar Solution
If you see hard water buildup on your aligners, you can try soaking them in a mixture of distilled white vinegar and lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. After soaking, gently brush the aligners with a soft toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly. It's important to note that using any other type of vinegar will cause staining on your aligners.
What cleansers should you avoid?
Some cleaners are too harsh or damaging to use on your Invisalign aligners. For example:
- Denture cleaners
- Mouthwashes, especially those with alcohol
- Scented soaps, which can taste bitter
- Toothpaste
Avoid using soaps with added dyes, as they can stain your Invisalign. Also, use a soft-bristle toothbrush instead of a coarse-bristle brush to avoid damaging your Invisalign.
Best ways to care for your aligners
Following some best practices for caring for your aligners can help keep them clean and bacteria-free. Here are some examples:
- Always remove aligners when eating to prevent food buildup or damage.
- Only drink water while wearing aligners to avoid staining or damage.
- Remember not to use hot water to clean the trays. This can cause warping.
- Store your aligners in an airtight container when not in use to prevent loss and protect from bacteria.
Invisalign aligners are a popular method for straightening teeth, but they require regular cleaning to maintain their effectiveness.
Taking care of your aligners can help keep them clear and scratch-free. Since they are designed to be disposable, they cannot withstand harsh cleaning methods, such as abrasive brushes or very hot water.