Easiest ways to clean Invisalign

Introduction

Invisalign aligners must be cleaned, which is one of the most crucial points to remember.

Even though the aligners are intended to be discarded every couple of weeks, they must still be cleaned. Otherwise, you may have to put on very smelly or dirty aligners every day.

Continue reading to discover the most effective methods for keeping your aligners clean.

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Differences between Cleaning vs. rinsing Invisalign aligners

Remember that there is a distinction between cleaning and rinsing Invisalign trays. Rinsing your aligners may make them appear slightly cleaner, but you haven’t addressed the bacteria that can accumulate beneath the surface.

On the Invisalign website, the nightly cleaning process consists of the following basic steps:

Every night, rinse your aligners with water.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the one you use to brush your teeth) and clear liquid soap to remove any debris or food particles that have accumulated on your aligners throughout the day.

After brushing, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

Always store in a protective case when not in use.

Cleaning equipment

Invisalign sells a tray-equipped “Steraligner” product. rubbing alcohol and sodium bicarbonate, a natural antiseptic, are included as ingredients.

You place your aligners in the tray and let them soak for three minutes to clean them. Brush with warm water after rinsing the sterilizing solution off.

Invisalign also sells “cleaning crystals,” which are dissolved in water and used to soak aligners.

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These crystals include the cleansing agent sodium sulfate. These ingredients are comparable to those of retainer-cleaning products (but not denture-cleaning products) if you’re looking for a cheaper and more accessible alternative.

Purchase Invisalign maintenance products online
Sterilizing Tray for Invisalign Steraligner
Crystals for the Invisalign Cleaning System

Exists research on the most effective cleaning methods?

The method described above is usually sufficient to keep your aligners clean overnight, but it may not be the most thorough method.

A study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational DermatologyReliable Source examined the pathogens on aligners that were replaced every two weeks for six weeks.

They investigated three strategies:

The process of rinsing with water
combined use of effervescent tablets and brushing
Individually brushing the aligners with toothpaste and a toothbrush
Researchers concluded that brushing and using effervescent tablets were the most effective methods for cleaning aligners. Additionally, they determined that brushing was only marginally inferior to tablet use.

How often should aligners be cleaned?

You should clean your aligners every night, typically while brushing and flossing your teeth. This helps remove any food, debris, and bacteria that have accumulated throughout the day.

Additionally, you can clean your Invisalign if they appear visibly dirty, such as if you accidentally drank something cloudy while wearing them or if you wore them too soon after eating.

In addition to more thorough cleaning, you should rinse your aligners every time you remove them.

Even though you change your aligners every two weeks, you should still clean them thoroughly.

Failure to do so may result in discoloration of the aligners (yellowing of the teeth) or bad breath. In addition, you continually expose your teeth to accumulated bacteria.

Any detergents to avoid?

Certain cleansers are simply too abrasive or damaging for use with Invisalign. These examples include:

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Denture cleaners mouthwashes, especially those containing alcohol-scented soaps, can quickly cause toothpaste to taste bitter.
Additionally, you should avoid using cleansing soaps with added dyes (such as blue, red, or green soaps). These substances can easily stain your Invisalign, prolonging your treatment by two weeks.

Using a toothbrush with coarse bristles, as opposed to a toothbrush with soft bristles, may also be too rough on your Invisalign.

Care instructions for aligners

Following best practices for maintaining your aligners will help keep them clean and free of bacteria. Here are some examples:

Always remove your aligners prior to eating. Otherwise, food particles may accumulate in the aligners or damage them, rendering them ineffective.
Avoid drinking anything other than water while you have your aligners in. If not, you risk discoloring or damaging them.
Not using extremely hot water to clean the trays.
Always store your aligners in an airtight container when not in use. This decreases the possibility of losing them and protects them from bacteria.
Using these guidelines can assist in keeping your aligners clean and your treatment as effective as possible.

Takeaway

Invisalign is a popular method for straightening teeth, but the aligners must be cleaned regularly to be effective.

Care for your aligners will help them remain as clear and unnoticeable as possible. Because they are disposable, they cannot typically withstand harsh cleaning methods, such as abrasive brushes or extremely hot water.

If you are having difficulty keeping your aligners clean, consult your dentist. They can recommend additional methods tailored to your dental needs that will help you maintain a clean mouth and aligners.

FAQs on How to clean Invisalign

How do you clean Invisalign properly?

Invisalign sells a tray-equipped “Steraligner” product. rubbing alcohol and sodium bicarbonate, a natural antiseptic, are included as ingredients. You place your aligners in the tray and let them soak for three minutes to clean them. Brush with warm water after rinsing the sterilizing solution off.

What can be used to thoroughly clean Invisalign trays?

Half-fill a small bowl with warm water and the other half with hydrogen peroxide. If your Invisalign are “cloudy,” soak them for a few hours or overnight to restore their clarity. Using a toothbrush dipped in baking soda, remove stains and buildup from the trays.

What is the best Invisalign cleaner?

As long as you are using white vinegar, distilled white vinegar is an excellent Invisalign cleaner. Other varieties of vinegar will discolor your aligners. Create a solution containing one part vinegar and three parts water. Allow your Invisalign to soak in water for 15 minutes.

How should retainers from Invisalign be cleaned?

Products that Are Safe for Cleaning Discolored Invisalign Retainers

Use a small amount of liquid dish soap and a toothbrush dedicated to cleaning your trays to remove residue. Plaque and debris can also be removed from retainers using a homemade solution of vinegar and water. This method is safe and effective.

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