Taking care of your Invisalign trays is essential for a healthy smile. Learn how to clean Invisalign trays the right way with this step-by-step guide.
Over 4 million people get braces each year. However, Invisalign has grown in popularity over the past two decades or so, and over 5 million people have had Invisalign to keep their smiles straight.
This invisible alternative to braces allows you to straighten your teeth without the unsightly train track braces.
If you have Invisalign, you will need to clean the trays every so often. In this article, we’ll break down how to clean Invisalign trays so that you can keep your trays germ-free and clean. As you wear your Invisalign, it can get plaque and saliva dried onto it.
Read on for more detailed information on how to keep your Invisalign trays clean.
TAKE YOUR INVISALIGN OUT WHEN YOU EAT
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you don’t have any off-limits foods. However, you have to take your trays out when you eat, as if you do not, it can cause the food to cake under the trays. This can cause further issues, such as getting bacteria underneath your trays.
Always carry a case with you so that you can take your Invisalign out, even if you’re eating a snack outside of your home.
ALWAYS RINSE YOUR ALIGNERS AFTER EATING
You need to rinse your aligners every time you eat to prevent food from getting stuck in them. You should even do this if you go to a restaurant. This can be a hassle, but luckily, if you have a case, you can simply go to the bathroom and run your trays under the sink before putting them back in. You may also wish to carry a toothbrush and brush your teeth and your aligners before putting them back in your mouth for extra protection.
CLEAN YOUR ALIGNERS WHEN YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH
In addition to removing your aligners when you eat, you should also remove them when you wake up and before you go to bed for cleaning.
You can purchase a separate toothbrush just for the aligners and brush them with clear soap when you remove them. Brush your teeth, and then pop the aligners back in.
PURCHASE THE INVISALIGN CLEANING SYSTEM CRYSTALS
There is an Invisalign Cleaning System that you can purchase, which can help you clean your aligners. These crystals can be easily dissolved in a cup of warm water, and then place your aligners in the mixture for 15 minutes.
Afterward, brush the aligners. You can do so with the clear soap and then put them back in.
You should only do this once per day and can incorporate it into your daily routine. Soak the aligners while you’re showering or getting ready in the morning, during your nighttime routine, or while you’re eating dinner.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR ALIGNERS UNATTENDED WITHOUT BEING IN A CASE
If you set your aligners on the table, you’re likely to lose them or even forget them. This is fine if you’re home, but what happens if you put them on a food tray and accidentally throw them away? You’ll then have to pay for a costly replacement and go a few days without your trays, which can slow down your teeth getting straightened.
Always put your aligners in a case to ensure you don’t get bacteria on them. The bacteria can be harmful to the trays themselves, as well as things that you should not digest.
REMOVE STAINS WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Did you accidentally get a stain on your Invisalign trays? If so, you can remove it by soaking your trays in warm water and a little bit of hydrogen peroxide. Have the trays soak in the mixture for 30 minutes. Once you’ve finished, brushed the trays to keep them clean and rinse them with cold water. You may wish to soak them in the crystals to ensure they’re as clean as possible before putting them back in your mouth.
USE DISTILLED VINEGAR
If you don’t want to buy the Invisalign Cleaning System Crystals, you can also use distilled vinegar. Create a mixture that is half distilled vinegar and half distilled lukewarm water. Soak your trays for up to 30 minutes, and then brush the trays before rinsing them off with lukewarm water.
BUY RETAINER CLEANING PRODUCTS
You can also use retainer cleaning products to clean your Invisalign. Your Invisalign is made out of the same material as a clear dental retainer, and as such, you can use the same cleaner to get the plaque and saliva out. The only difference between the two is that your Invisalign changes to help your teeth shift so that they move into place. A retainer keeps the teeth that have already been corrected in the same place or may help someone stop grinding their teeth.
HOW TO CLEAN INVISALIGN TRAYS: IT’S UP TO YOU
How to clean your Invisalign trays depends on how you feel most comfortable and what works for you, and your budget. You should, however, never shirk the responsibility of cleaning them, as this can cause issues with your teeth. Having bacteria or plaque clinging to them can cause cavities or tooth discoloration, so you should make it a habit to clean your Invisalign at least once per day.
When discussing whether a teenage patient should have Invisalign or the traditional braces, one should consider if they are adult enough to clean them regularly.
If you’re interested in getting Invisalign trays, contact us now to set up a consultation to see if they’re right for you.