If you currently have Invisalign or you’re considering getting them, it’s essential to understand the importance of keeping your aligners clean.
We put together this handy guide to help you get a better understanding of proper care when it comes to cleaning your aligner trays.
Contents Navigation
- How Should I Clean My Aligners?
- How Often Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
- Are There Any Special Cleaning Products I Should Use for My Invisalign Aligners?
- Can I Use a Toothbrush to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
- Can I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
- Can I Clean My Invisalign Aligners With Hot Water?
- Can I Use Mouthwash to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
- Can I Use Baking Soda to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
- Is It Okay to Clean My Invisalign Aligners in the Dishwasher?
- How Can I Remove Stubborn Stains From My Invisalign Aligners?
- Are There Any Cleaning Methods I Should Avoid for My Invisalign Aligners?
- Are There Any Cleaning Tips for Maintaining My Invisalign Aligners While Traveling?
- What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Their Invisalign Aligners?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Clean My Aligners?
There are many benefits to having straight teeth, but if you’re considering Invisalign, you must stay vigilant on proper cleaning and hygiene. Clearing out plaque and the buildup of bacteria is well worth your effort.
Give your Invisalign aligners consistent cleaning multiple times daily for the best results. Start by brushing gently with non-abrasive toothpaste.
If manual brushing isn’t enough for you, safe and effective cleaners are explicitly created for removable orthodontic devices ranging from ultrasonic cleaners to paste or liquid solutions.
How Often Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
We advise patients to brush their aligners after each meal. When brushing isn’t an option, try to rinse off your retainer with plenty of water throughout the day for quick cleaning.
About once a week, you’ll want to do a more detailed cleaning by soaking it in a unique solution.
Establishing a cleaning routine will keep them looking good as new.
Are There Any Special Cleaning Products I Should Use for My Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign Cleaning Kit – The Invisalign Cleaning Kit includes everything you need to keep your aligners clean, including a special cleaning brush and travel case. The kit also includes a step-by-step guide on adequately cleaning your aligners.
Invisalign Cleaning Tablets – Invisalign Cleaning Tablets are designed specifically for cleaning your aligners. The tablets dissolve quickly in water and help to remove plaque and bacteria from the aligners.
Invisalign Cleaning Spray – The Invisalign Cleaning Spray is a quick and easy way to clean your aligners on the go. The spray helps remove plaque and bacteria from the aligners and leaves them feeling fresh and clean.
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush – A soft-bristled toothbrush can gently brush away any food or plaque stuck in your aligners. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your aligners.
Can I Use a Toothbrush to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
A regular toothbrush is not recommended for cleaning Invisalign aligners due to its medium oval brush with stiff bristles, which can damage the plastic. Instead, it would help if you had something that won’t cause abrasive wear or erode your aligners over time, making them ineffective.
Invisalign offers special cleaners designed exclusively for its aligners. We suggest using Invisalign-exclusive items to keep your plastic aligners in tip-top shape.
Can I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Toothpaste not only keeps your aligners looking good as new, but it also prevents bacteria from accumulating inside.
Dampen a soft-bristled toothbrush and add a small amount of toothpaste. Gently scrub both pieces’ inside and outside surfaces with the bristles before rinsing thoroughly under cool water.
Can I Clean My Invisalign Aligners With Hot Water?
To keep your aligners in top shape, make sure to use lukewarm water when it’s time for cleaning. Hotter temperatures can cause warping and other damage that could hurt your treatment – not what any of us want!
Can I Use Mouthwash to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Cleaning the aligner trays with an antiseptic mouthwash ensures your Invisalign remains in good condition over its life cycle. It would help if you made it a daily habit to rinse the aligner with mouthwash or specialized cleaner and brush and floss daily. Doing this simple act can also reduce the uneasiness caused by bacteria and bad breath while helping protect your oral hygiene.
Can I Use Baking Soda to Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Baking soda is an ideal option for gently exfoliating without any worrying risk of damage. Here’s how to use it effectively: start with a bowl of lukewarm water and mix in about one teaspoon of baking soda. Soak your aligners for 15 minutes, and then use your toothbrush and toothpaste to scrub away any remaining buildup from the transparent surfaces.
This process should be carried out regularly while wearing the aligner to achieve improved results in cleaning, and be sure to cover the aligner when not in use to keep it clean.
Is It Okay to Clean My Invisalign Aligners in the Dishwasher?
No, it would help if you did not wash your Invisalign in the dishwasher. It will get destroyed. Instead of washing it in the dishwasher, it’s far better to take the time to clean and maintain it the way it should be.
How Can I Remove Stubborn Stains From My Invisalign Aligners?
- Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water before brushing them.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your aligners on all sides. Pay special attention to areas that come into contact with your teeth. Be sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching your aligners.
- Rinse your aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water after brushing.
- Soak your aligners in an Invisalign-approved cleaning solution for at least 10 minutes daily. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaning solution packaging.
- Rinse your aligners thoroughly after soaking them in the cleaning solution.
Are There Any Cleaning Methods I Should Avoid for My Invisalign Aligners?
Avoid hot water: It may seem logical since it kills bacteria, but you should never use hot water on your aligner. Heat damages the plastic causing them to warp or change shape. This will make your aligners less effective in straightening your teeth and could even cause discomfort when wearing them.
Avoid alcohol-based products: Alcohol has properties that can dry out plastic, which makes it damaging for Invisalign aligners. So even if the product is labelled safe for dentures and other oral appliances, it’s best to avoid using products with high levels of alcohol on your aligners.
Avoid harsh detergents: Dishwashing contains chemicals that help tackle challenging dishes but won’t be very kind to your Invisalign aligners. These chemicals can cause discolouration or residue buildup on the plastic surface of your clear braces and should be avoided when cleaning them.
Avoid scrubbing too aggressively: This could leave behind scratches or damage the material over time. Instead, be gentle when handling them, and store them in a case specifically designed to keep them clean whenever they’re not being worn to keep bacteria away from your mouth.
Are There Any Cleaning Tips for Maintaining My Invisalign Aligners While Traveling?
Maintaining your Invisalign aligners while travelling can be challenging, but with the right tips, you can keep your aligners clean and hygienic wherever you go. Here are some ideas to help make sure your smile stays just as perfect as when you left home.
Bring a few supplies with you on trips to adequately care for your aligners. You’ll need an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your aligners, a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush specifically made for cleaning aligners, and a container to store them in. This will help protect them from damage and contamination when taking them out of your mouth.
Don’t forget to pack plenty of extra replacement aligners—usually around three sets per month—so you don’t run out while away from home.
It’s also important to never put the aligner straight in your mouth after handling or eating anything.
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Their Invisalign Aligners?
Not cleaning your Invisalign every day: One of the most common mistakes people make when cleaning their Invisalign aligners is not doing it every day. Instead, cleaning your aligner daily, just as you would your teeth, is essential to remove any plaque or bacteria that may have accumulated.
Not rinsing your Invisalign before brushing: Rinsing your aligner will help remove any loose debris or plaque, making it easier to brush away.
You are not drying your Invisalign after cleaning. After you’ve cleaned your Invisalign aligner, be sure to dry it off before putting it back in your mouth. Allowing your aligner to air-dry is also an option, but be sure that there is no moisture on the aligner before putting it back in your mouth, as this could lead to discomfort or irritation.
You are not brushing your teeth after taking out your aligner. However, brushing your teeth after taking out your Invisalign aligner is essential, even if you’ve already touched them that day. This will help remove any plaque or bacteria that may have transferred the aligner to your teeth.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners does not need to be a chore. You can keep your aligners looking and feeling brand new with the right products and knowledge.
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is another step in caring for your orthodontic devices.