One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is having the ability to take the aligners out to eat and drink…but that doesn't mean they don't get dirty. Keeping your aligners clean is a vital part of your treatment, and it's the only way to keep them invisible, odorless, and free from germs. Without proper cleaning, your aligners can discolor, smell, and build up deposits of plaque and bacteria that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth.
Although your aligners are meant to be disposed of every two of weeks, they still require cleaning. If you are an Invisalign patient at Wazio Orthodontics, one of the most important things to remember about your aligners is that they need to be cleaned regularly.
When it comes to your Invisalign aligners, there is a difference between cleaning and rinsing. Rinsing your aligners may make them appear clean but rinsing alone does not address the unseen bacteria that can build up.
You should clean your aligners on a nightly basis, usually at the same time you brush and floss your teeth. This helps to remove any built-up food, debris, and bacteria that is naturally accumulate during the day.
The Following is the Basic Process for Nightly Cleaning:
- Rinse your aligners with water.
- Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a clear, fragrance-free liquid soap to remove any debris or food particles.
- Rinse your aligners thoroughly after brushing.
Helpful Tips to keep your Invisalign Aligners Looking Fresh and Clean:
- Always take out your aligners when eating. Otherwise, food particles can become built-up in the aligners or damage the aligners, so they are no longer effective.
- Refrain from drinking anything other than water while your aligners are in. Otherwise, you risk staining or damaging them.
- Refraining from using extremely hot water to clean the trays.
- Store your aligners in their protective case whenever they are not in your mouth. This reduces the likelihood you will lose them and protects them from bacteria.
Using these practices can help keep your aligners clean and your treatment most effective.
DO: Rinse your aligners any time you take them out of your mouth. This will rinse away bacteria, saliva, and food particles.
DON’T: Place your aligners into the dishwasher or in boiling water. Hot water will distort your aligners. It The best way to clean your aligners is with a clean, soft bristled toothbrush and cool water.
DO: Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent buildup of plaque and bacteria under the aligners.
DON’T: Use anything but clear soap or aligner specific cleaning products to clean your aligners. Anti-Bacterial soft soap is a fantastic way to keep your aligners free of bacteria and plaque.
DO: Brush your aligners every time you take them out or before you put them back in. But be careful, as overzealous brushing can leave visible marks and scratches on your aligners.
DON’T: Use toothpaste when brushing your aligners clean. Toothpaste is great for your teeth, but it can harm your aligners. When you brush your aligners, do so without toothpaste.
DO: Brush your aligners gently. Vigorous brushing can scratch your aligners and leave visible etchings. Brush carefully!
DON’T: Use denture cleaners to clean aligners and do not soak your aligners in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the plastic causing it to become more visible, sometimes making the teeth look yellow.
Aligner Cleaning Products
Steraligner: Invisalign aligner cleaning product with tray. To clean your aligners, simply place them in the tray and soak for 3 minutes. Rinse the sterilizing solution off, and brush with warm water.
Cleaning Crystals: Invisalign brand aligner cleaning crystals that dissolve in water so that you can soak your aligners. These crystals contain cleansing agents, including sodium sulfate.
NOTE: Some cleansers are simply too harsh or damaging to use on your Invisalign aligners. Examples of these include: Denture Cleaners, Mouthwashes, Scented Soaps, and Toothpaste.
It is important that your take care of your Invisalign aligners to ensure they are doing their best in helping shape your teeth according to your orthodontic treatment plan. Showing care to your aligners can help keep them as clear and undetectable as possible.
Proper upkeep and good oral hygiene are essential in keeping your Invisalign aligners clean, invisible and odor free. If you have questions about caring for your Invisalign aligners, we are here to help! Feel free to reach out to us or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at either our Batavia or St. Charles orthodontic offices.
Invisalign effectively treats a wide variety of cases, including crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite and underbite. Dr. Wazio and the team at Wazio Orthodontics have been creating beautifully straight smile using the Invisalign System for children, teens, and adults in Batavia, St. Charles, Wheaton, Geneva, Aurora, Elgin, West Chicago, North Aurora, Mooseheart, Wildrose, Valley View, South Elgin, Campton Hills, and Winfield for many years. Contact our office today to schedule your or your child’s initial Invisalign Exam.