How to Clean Invisalign: What Orthodontists Recommend

It is necessary for cleaning to become part of your routine if you want a nicer smile by investing in aligners. Although most people tend to pay close attention to how many hours they have their aligners in place, the necessity of keeping their trays clean is not always considered, resulting in issues such as staining and foul smells. This is why learning how to clean Invisalign is an important step you should not skip.

However, cleaning your Invisalign does not have to be time-consuming. In fact, with a few tricks, you will be able to maintain your trays easily.

Why Cleaning Your Invisalign Trays Matters

Your trays rest on your teeth for long periods during the day. Because of this, they become quickly contaminated with saliva, plaque, and bacteria. Failure to clean will result in foul odors or cloudy appearance from the trays. Moreover, unwashed trays may cause recontamination of the oral cavity with bacteria.

It is crucial to know how to perform Invisalign tray cleaning correctly. Invisalign trays should be kept clean to ensure proper aesthetics and oral hygiene while using them. Moreover, clean trays are more pleasant to use since nobody would want to wear trays with bad odors or yellowish color within a week.

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Rinse Your Trays Every Time You Remove Them

One of the simplest ways to maintain aligners is rinsing them immediately after removing them to ensure that the saliva and plaque do not dry on the aligners.

Avoid washing the aligners using hot water since this may lead to distortion of the plastic component used in the construction of the trays.

If you want some tips on how to clean your Invisalign trays even when you are busy working, then try this approach which is recommended by our orthodontists.

Brush Your Aligners Gently

You must brush your trays in the same way you brush your teeth. However, avoid abrasive toothpaste as it might damage the plastic and cause discoloration.

Use:

• A soft toothbrush 
• Clear antibacterial soap
• Circular motion 

Clean both the inner and outer surfaces of your trays. Then rinse the trays and wear them in your mouth. Patients who are looking for “how to clean Invisalign” will be surprised to know that normal toothpaste may damage them.

Soak Your Aligners Daily

Soaking is effective in removing deposits that brushing alone cannot manage. Cleaning crystals for Invisalign work great, although there are other products that work just as well for cleaning clear aligners.

Just:

• Put some lukewarm water in a little cup
• Mix in the cleaning product
• Soak the trays for the recommended period of time
• Rinse them properly after removal

This will keep your trays fresh and clear, but it will prevent bacteria from growing on them as well.

Never Eat While Wearing Invisalign

The food debris can accumulate between the tray and teeth, making an ideal place for bacterial growth. Some foods and beverages can stain the aligner very fast. Always remove the trays prior to drinking or eating something except water and brush your teeth before putting the trays on.

At our Orthodontic clinic, people usually have questions about cleaning Invisalign trays that were stained by wine or coffee. In order to deal with such a problem you should prevent its occurrence.

Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes

While attempting to maintain the trays’ cleanliness, some people tend to damage the trays. Below are items that should be avoided during the process:

• Boiling water
• Colorful soap
• Toothpaste that has teeth whitening ingredients
• Aggressive cleaners
• Alcohol mouthwashes

Such items tend to deteriorate the durability of the plastic and even cause unwanted stains on the surface of the trays. Knowing the correct way to clean the Invisalign trays entails knowing which products should not be used.

Keep Your Teeth Clean Too

Always ensure that you have brushed and flossed your teeth before reinserting the trays to eliminate any leftover food debris and plaque. This way, your mouth will be cleaner, and the trays will stay that way for longer.

Good oral hygiene is always emphasized by dentists in relation to the maintenance of Invisalign trays since they both work together for an effective treatment process.

Keep Your Aligners in a Protective Box

Always put your trays into their protective box when you take them off. Leaving your trays out on any surface may cause bacteria accumulation and damage. It will also protect your trays from getting lost which occurs very often. In addition to learning how to clean Invisalign, establishing proper storage practices can make treatment easier for you.

A Clean Tray Helps Create a Better Smile

Invisalign is already less intrusive to your daily activities than traditional braces, but the maintenance of your Invisalign trays is a big part of your journey.

With time, this routine will become quick and easy for you. Rinsing, cleaning, soaking, and other steps of oral care will ensure that your aligners remain clear and discreet during your treatment.

If you are unsure about how to properly clean your Invisalign trays, the key factor is consistency. Just a few minutes a day spent on caring for your trays will ensure that your smile remains bright and healthy. Hello Ortho makes your Invisalign treatment process easy and comfortable while customizing your care to your unique smile. Let us help you through every step of your journey to ensure a positive experience from start to finish.