How do you clean your Invisalign trays?

1. Have a daily cleaning routine
2. Brush and floss as often as possible
3. Rinse your aligners when removing them
4. Get rid of stains on the Invisalign trays
5. Avoid certain cleansers

You need to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours each day, so you can see results in your smile. Because of that, cleaning is vital as this helps keep your trays free from food debris and bacteria that could cause bad breath and tooth decay. But if you just started your treatment, you might be unsure of the dos and don’ts of cleaning. To help you, here is a guide on how to clean your Invisalign trays. Read on.

Have A Daily Cleaning Routine

The key to keeping your Invisalign trays clean is to have a consistent routine. Because the aligners need to be worn as you sleep, bacteria will gather on your teeth and aligners overnight.

The first thing you should do in the morning is to take your aligners out, brush your teeth, then brush the aligners. Make it a habit to clean your Invisalign trays every time you brush your teeth or when you notice that it’s dirty.

Additionally, use only a soft-bristled brush and a small amount of clear and mild soap when cleaning your aligners. Avoid using toothpaste in cleaning your aligners because toothpaste contains abrasives that could damage your aligners. You can use a toothbrush for babies and gently brush the trays to avoid damaging them. Perform the same cleaning routine during nighttime before heading to bed.

Aside from brushing, you can also soak your trays in Invisalign crystals or another cleanser specifically made for your clear aligners. These can help remove any built-up gunk that has accumulated on the trays. Make sure to follow product instructions for best results.

Brush And Floss As Often As Possible

Your oral hygiene will also impact the condition of your Invisalign trays. That’s why it’s a good idea to brush and floss your teeth before putting back the Invisalign trays. This way, no food particles, and bacteria will be trapped against your teeth — leading to tooth decay and other issues.

Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes in both instances. Just like your clear aligners, it’s also beneficial to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth. Flossing before brushing at least once a day to remove stuck food particles in between teeth is also helpful.

Rinse Your Aligners When Removing Them

The next time you would need to clean your aligners is when you need to eat or drink. During this time, you will need to remove your Invisalign trays to prevent damage caused by chewing.

Make it a habit to rinse the tray with clean water to remove any saliva, food particles, and bacteria that have built up. If you fail to do so, the trays can become discolored or smell unpleasant.

Don’t leave your Invisalign trays out in the open, as this can lead to the formation of dirt and bacteria. If you’re eating out, you could accidentally leave or throw your aligners. To avoid sullying or accidentally discarding your aligners, store them in a protective case as you’re having your meals.

Get Rid Of Stains On Invisalign Trays

Sometimes, you might find stains on your Invisalign aligners — especially if you regularly consume staining beverages such as coffee or tea or forget to clean the trays.

You can get rid of the stain from your clear aligners by using specially made Invisalign cleaning crystals. You can dissolve a pack of crystals into a cup of warm water before soaking your trays in. Soak the trays and allow them to submerge for 15 minutes before rinsing in warm water.

Another method to remove stains is to use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. You can mix water and 50% strength hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Rinse after soaking the aligners for several hours.

Avoid Certain Cleansers

To protect your Invisalign aligners from damage, you need to avoid using certain cleansers for cleaning. Here are some examples:

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Scented cleaners
• Denture cleaners
• Colored cleansers
• Coarse-bristled brushes

Toothpaste, colored cleansers, and scented soaps can leave a residue in your Invisalign trays — which can lead to discoloration or leave a strange taste in the mouth.

Key Takeaway

It’s important to know how to clean your Invisalign trays to help you avoid dental issues such as bad breath and tooth decay.

Fortunately, keeping your aligners free from food particles and bacteria is easy. You just need to get used to cleaning them every time you brush your teeth. Also, make it a habit to rinse the aligners every time you remove them. See to it that you use only dentist-approved cleansers to clean your aligners. Lastly, keeping your teeth clean through brushing and flossing can also help prevent dental issues.

If you’re interested in Invisalign treatment, you can contact us here at Elevate Dental!