How Often You Must Clean Your Invisalign Trays?
Clean Invisalign aligners twice daily to ward off debris, leftover food bits, and bacteria inside the teeth. It is same time you brush your teeth and floss.
You must also wash your orthodontic device under lukewarm water every time you remove them to reduce the accumulation of bacteria.
Ignoring the aligner cleaning results in stains, discoloration, or bad breath. Your teeth also get exposed to germs.
It’s a good idea to wear your plastic aligners when your teeth are clean. So, pack a travel cleaning kit and bring it along wherever you go.
Different Ways to Clean Invisalign
Below are the different methods to clean the see-through aligners:
Use Non-Whitening Toothpaste
Teeth whitening toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients makes it easy for bacteria to accumulate around it. So to clean the aligners, always use gentle toothpaste, a soft-bristled brush, and warm water.
Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another way to clean your aligners. It serves as an excellent disinfectant. The procedure is as follows:
- Mix warm water and peroxide in equal parts.
- Now, stir it properly and put your aligners into it.
- After half an hour, eliminate it and wash it with cool water.
Cleaning Crystals
Cleaning crystals are built specially to clean Invisalign. They keep your plastic aligner smell-free and in an ideal state.
- Put one pack of cleaning crystals into one cup of warm water.
- Stir it properly and immerse the aligners into it for 15 minutes.
- Finally, wash it in cool water thoroughly.
Items That You Need to Clean Your Invisalign
Checkout the following things for cleaning your Invisalign aligners:
- Baking Soda and Water
Take one cup of water and one tablespoon of baking soda. Now, put your aligner into it for 60 minutes. Wash it before putting it back in your mouth.
- Soap and Water
Take lukewarm water and add a tiny amount of soap in the liquid form to combine them properly. Soak your device into it for 20-30 minutes. Now, wash the aligner properly.
- Water and Vinegar
Combine three parts of lukewarm water and 1 part of white vinegar. Now put your orthodontic device into it for 20 minutes. Then, wash it using cold water.
- Sterialigner
Sterialigner is a cleaning product from Invisalign. Ingredients contain a natural antiseptic, rubbing alcohol, and sodium bicarbonate. To clean your aligners, put them in a tray and immerse them for 3 minutes. Now, wash off the sterilizing solution and use a brush to clean it with lukewarm water.
Things You Need to Know While Cleaning Your Invisalign
Consider the following things when cleaning your orthodontic device:
- Strictly Say No to the Hot Water
Avoid the use of hot water while cleaning your Invisalign. Extreme temperatures can damage the plastic and make the device ineffective. Instead, use warm water to clean the aligner.
- Brush Aligner Twice a Day
The dentist in Park Ridge, IL, recommends brushing your aligners every morning and evening. Doing this will eradicate the buildup of plaque and bacteria effectively.
Now, use a soft brush and toothpaste to clean your device gently. But avoid scrubbing with toothpaste. It’s because it contains special minerals and additives that offer protection to the enamel. However, it can scratch the surface and make it less effective.
- Always Put Your Trays in the Case
When you take out your Invisalign aligner for drinking or eating something, make a habit of putting it back into the case. It will prevent the risk of losing or damaging it.
- Avoid Soaking Your Plastic Aligner in a Colored Mouthwash
When you immerse your device in the colored mouthwash, it leads to discoloration. It is mainly when the product contains alcohol. However, it is vital to wash your aligner and mouth properly afterward. Doing this will prevent stains on the trays.
- Do Not Use Denture Cleaners
Denture cleaners are too harsh on your Invisalign aligners. Therefore, try to avoid them for uninterrupted teeth straightening treatment.
- Avoid Using Scented Soaps
Blue, red, or green dyes in the scented soaps result in staining on the aligners. It makes them less appealing to wear.
- Avoid Dishwasher Use
Dishwashers at home usually use hot water. It can lead to discoloration on the aligner and can even damage it.
If you need help related to Invisalign cleaning, visit The Art of Dentistry today.