How to Keep Your Invisalign® Aligners Clean
You’re wearing your Invisalign® aligners for several hours every day, which means that they’re exposed to food particles and bacteria. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s essential that you keep your Invisalign® aligners clean. In this blog, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts for taking care of your Invisalign® aligners.
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How Often Do You Clean Your Invisible Aligners?
If you’re not cleaning your Invisalign® aligners every day, you’re doing it wrong. Below, we’ll discuss detailed instructions for keeping your invisible aligners in top-notch shape.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle soap to clean aligners. Avoid rinsing them with hot water, and don’t use toothpaste, as it’s abrasive. Instead, use warm water and a separate toothbrush for your aligners.
Clean your aligners daily after brushing your teeth to remove any food particles and other debris stuck on them. Without daily cleaning, your aligners can discolor and cause bad breath. Deep cleaning of your aligners is also recommended as a supplement to daily cleaning. Do this at least once a week and use these products:
- Distilled white vinegar: If you notice any hard buildup on the clear aligners, soak your orthodontic trays in a vinegar solution mixed with warm water to remove the buildup. Gently brush the aligner with a soft toothbrush after soaking it for 15 minutes in the vinegar solution. Make sure ONLY to use distilled white vinegar to avoid staining your aligners. Other types of vinegar will only stain your invisible aligners.
- Cleaning crystals: Invisalign® cleaning crystals contain cleansing agents, including sodium sulfate, that prevent aligners from fading or yellowing. Soak the aligners in the solution for about 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Note: Avoid soaking them overnight.
- Hydrogen peroxide solution: Do you see any stains in your clear aligner? If yes, soak them in hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (use equal parts of each liquid) for at least 15 minutes before brushing and rinsing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Your Invisalign® Aligners
Follow these do’s and don’ts to ensure your aligners last longer.
Do Learn How to Clean Your Aligners Properly
Ideally, you should clean your aligners twice a day, in the morning and evening. You may also clean them every time you brush your teeth. If you’re out and don’t have your toothbrush, at least rinse your aligners with clean, warm water to remove any buildup of debris or food. When brushing, do it gently, and only use a soft toothbrush to avoid damaging your clear aligners. Also, never use mouthwashes, toothpaste, scented soaps, or denture cleaners on your aligners.
Do Follow Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Maintaining an oral hygiene routine prevents tooth decay, improves overall dental health, and keeps your invisible aligners clean. Part of your routine is always removing your aligners when eating or drinking to avoid staining them. If you keep wearing your aligners when eating or drinking, that may permanently damage your teeth.
Another routine is proper cleaning of your aligners, as discussed above. If aligners are improperly cleaned, food particles can get trapped, leading to gum disease and bad breath. If you have questions about maintaining your aligners, always consult your dentist.
Don’t Drink or Eat With Your Aligners
As mentioned, never eat or drink with your aligners on to avoid problems. Hard food can damage them, and sticky food can loosen your aligners. Acidic food and drinks can also erode and stain them. Sugary beverages such as juice or soda also contribute to plaque and bacteria buildup, which can cause a range of dental problems.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Aligner Case
If the aligner case isn’t cleaned, bacteria and dirt on the aligner case can find their way into your aligners, leading to oral health problems. To avoid this, regularly clean your aligner case with antibacterial soap and warm water.
Don’t Smoke
If you smoke while wearing aligners, stop now. Smoking leads to a lot of health problems and can stain your aligners. It can also rot your teeth, leading to tooth loss. To avoid gum disease and infection, eliminate smoking and strictly follow your routine for cleaning your aligners.
Invisalign® Aligner Options in Schaumburg and Norridge
If you have questions about Invisalign® aligners, please consult with Royal Dental Care. Call our office today at (773) 232-3929 (Norridge) or (847) 999-7620 (Schaumburg) or complete our online contact form.