You’ve got your Invisalign aligners, and you’re on the path to straight teeth and a perfect smile. But it’s not all just fun and games when it comes to teeth straightening. You also have to take good care of your aligners to prevent bad breath and tooth decay and to ensure that you come out of treatment with the best version of your smile possible.
That’s why in this article, we will address the best ways to clean Invisalign. These tips will also work for most other clear aligners as well, but you may want to check with the manufacturers of your specific brand beforehand just in case. Also, if you are thinking about opting for a different brand, there are plenty of Invisalign alternatives available as well.
How to Clean Invisalign?
Wondering how to clean your Invisalign? Thankfully, Invisalign actually offers some helpful advice on their website when it comes to keeping your Invisalign aligners cleans.
General Cleaning Guidelines
To keep your Invisalign aligners clean, you can:
- Use the Invisalign Cleaning System, which we will talk about in detail below. You can also brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste, rinsing them in lukewarm water when you’re done. Don’t use hot water to clean your aligners, as this could cause them to warp.
- Avoid staining by brushing your teeth after every meal, before putting your aligners back in.
- Make sure your aligners are totally clean and hygienic before putting them in.
Best Way to Clean Invisalign
Of all the ways there are to clean retainers, clear aligners, or invisible braces, there are some that we recommend above others. Let’s have a look at some of the best ways to clean your Invisalign retainers so you can have the best oral health possible.
Invisalign Cleaning System
The Invisalign cleaner system comes with a cleaning tub and 50 packets of Invisalign cleaning crystals. This system is made to keep your retainers free of odor, hygienic and clear, but removing plaque in just 15 minutes.
To use the cleaning system:
(1) Remove your aligners and rinse them under lukewarm water
(2) Place them into the cleaning tub and fill with lukewarm water
(3) Add one packet of cleaning crystals
(4) Shake the tube for 20 seconds to dissolve the crystals
(5) Gently shake again for 20 seconds
(6) Rinse the aligners thoroughly with warm water
(7) Store your crystals in a cool and dry place
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
If you’ve already purchased the Invisalign Cleaning System and run out of crystals (They should last for 50 weeks with cleaning once per week), you can buy for Invisalign cleaning crystals.
The ingredients of the cleaning crystals are sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Denture Cleaner for Invisalign
Some cleaners that can be used with both dentures and your invisible braces. These include popular brands like Retainer Brite or Dazzlepro, which is actually a UV sanitizing kit. If you have the Invisalign brand, it’s best to go with the cleaner that is meant specifically for Invisalign, so you don’t risk harming your aligners.
How To Clean Invisalign Aligners: What TO DO
There are plenty of varying tips for cleaning your Invisalign aligners, and advice will probably differ slightly even from dentist to dentist. That being said, the general guidelines are as follows:
- Take your aligners out each morning and clean your teeth and the trays
- Rinse the aligners every time you take them out
- Brush them gently without toothpaste before putting them back in, as this has been shown to decrease bacteria.
- Soak your aligners in a cleaning solution at least once per week
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting your trays back in
- Make sure to safely store your nighttime aligners at night if you have them
- Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled brush with warm water after each meal. But don’t use toothpaste, as it is too abrasive for Invisalign.
When and How Many Times Do I Have to Clean Invisalign Aligners?
It would be best to clean your aligners at least twice daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water to gently remove stains, bacteria, and food particles. You can gently brush your aligners after every meal before putting them back in your mouth, but you should at least rinse them if you don’t brush them.
Once every few days or once per week, you should soak your Invisalign aligners in a special cleansing solution.
How To Clean Invisalign: What NOT to DO
There are a surprising amount of rules and guidelines when it comes to cleaning your Invisalign aligners, but it’s imperative that you follow them lest you ruin your trays and have to order more, delaying your treatment time and potentially costing you more as well. So, before you go about cleaning your aligners, take a look at the list of don’ts when it comes to Invisalign aligner cleaning:
- Leave your aligners outside of their case
- Forget to take your aligners with you on trips
- Eat or drink with your aligners in
- Use toothpaste to clean your aligners
- Take your aligners out if it’s not necessary
You’ve invested good money into your smile, which proves that you value taking good care of your teeth. Well, taking good care of your teeth now also means caring for your aligners. If you let your aligners get dirty, you are exposing yourself to problems like bad breath and even tooth decay.
The good news is, cleaning Invisalign aligners is pretty easy, and there are a variety of options you can choose from. Whatever you do, make sure you clean both your aligners and your teeth at least twice a day, floss your teeth at least once a day and visit your dentist with regularity. And if you’re still trying to figure out if you want Invisalign or another brand, you can check out our in-depth Invisalign review.
