Invisalign can help you achieve the healthy, straight smile you’ve always wanted. With its clear treatment plans and discreet look and feel it’s no wonder why Invisalign aligners have become a popular way to straighten teeth worldwide. For Invisalign treatment to be successful it’s important for you to follow the treatment plan set out by your Invisalign dentist – this includes ensuring your Invisalign aligners are kept clean! Follow our advice for how to clean your Invisalign aligners and make your Invisalign treatment a breeze.
Why Cleaning Your Invisalign Matters
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is important for both your Invisalign treatment plan and your overall oral health. Invisalign treatment requires you to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, this means that your aligners will need regular cleaning to avoid bacteria and plaque. Ensuring your Invisalign aligners are kept clean can also prevent bad breath, staining on your aligners as well as more serious oral health concerns including tooth decay or gum disease.
Cleaning vs. Rinsing Invisalign Aligners
When it comes to cleaning your Invisalign aligners you need to understand the difference between rinsing your aligners and thoroughly cleaning your aligners.
Rinsing your Invisalign aligners with warm water will help you remove some food and keep them feeling fresh. Rinsing each time you remove your aligners to eat is helpful but it won’t remove bacteria or prevent stains.
Complete cleaning of your Invisalign aligners is recommended once a day using a soft toothbrush. This will help to keep your aligners free from food, bacteria and stains.
Step-By-Step Guide for Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
Follow these easy steps to ensure your Invisalign aligners stay fresh and clean:
- Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is simple when you follow these steps:
- Rinse your aligners when you first remove them.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush with some toothpaste and warm water then gently brush your Invisalign aligners all over, taking care of any areas where there might be food.
- Once you’ve brushed your aligners rinse them thoroughly in lukewarm water.
- You can also using an Invisalign approved cleaning product including cleaning crystals or tablets to soak your aligners just ensure you follow the recommended cleaning instructions for the product.
- Handle your Invisalign aligners gently while cleaning, vigorous cleaning could potentially damage your aligners
Cleaning Products to Avoid
Not all cleaning products are safe use on Invisalign aligners. We recommend you avoid the following when cleaning your Invisalign aligners:
- Hot water
- Harsh chemicals including bleach
- Mouthwashes
- Soaps
How to Remove Stains from Invisalign Aligners
It’s not uncommon for your Invisalign aligners to stain over time, particularly if you drink coffee, tea and other coloured drinks while wearing your aligners. If you notice stains on your aligners here’s a couple of ways you can remove them:
- Try soaking them in baking soda by dissolving a small amount of baking soda in water and soaking your aligners for a couple of hours. This is a gentle way to remove stains.
- Use Invisalign cleaning crystals or Invisalign recommended cleaners.
- Make sure you clean your aligners well at least once per day to avoid stains
- If you notice stains on your Invisalign and are having trouble removing the stains when cleaning, we recommend contacting your Invisalign dentist for advice.
How Often Should You Clean Your Aligners?
To achieve the best results, we recommend a thorough clean of your Invisalign aligners once a day and rinsing your aligners every time you remove them. You can clean your Invisalign aligners more than once per day if necessary.
Mistakes to Avoid
Be careful to avoid the following mistakes when it comes to keeping your Invisalign aligners clean:
- Using hot water
- Not removing your Invisalign aligners when eating and drinking
- Not cleaning your aligners correctly
- Not storing your aligners in their case when your remove them
- Not taking good care of your oral health with regular flossing and brushing
- Missing appointments with your Invisalign dentist
FAQs Section
How do you clean Invisalign?
Rinse your aligners with warm water and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. You can also use an Invisalign cleaning product to clean your aligners.
Can I clean my Invisalign with toothpaste?
Yes you can, just make sure you are gentle with your cleaning. If you’re not sure which toothpaste to use, talk to your Invisalign dentist for recommendations.
Can you use baking soda to clean Invisalign?
Baking soda can be effective for removing stains on your Invisalign aligners. Make sure you dissolve the baking soda in water so you don’t scratch your aligners.
Can you use denture cleaner to clean Invisalign?
Some Invisalign patients find denture cleaners useful for cleaning their Invisalign aligners as it can help to remove bacteria and stains. Make sure you follow the instructions for cleaning carefully or seek advice from your Invisalign dentist.
Can you use Polident to clean Invisalign?
You can use Polident or other denture cleaning products for cleaning Invisalign just make sure to follow the instructions for correct, safe cleaning.
Do you have to clean your Invisalign every day?
It’s important to clean your Invisalign aligners at least once a day to prevent bacteria and plaque from occurring. Regular cleaning will also avoid bad breath and staining.
Why does my Invisalign get cloudy?
Sometimes Invisalign aligners can get cloudy from a build up of plaque, using the incorrect cleaning products or not cleaning your aligners regularly. If you use hot water to clean your aligners this may also cause cloudiness on your aligners. If you’re concerned about this, have a chat with your Invisalign dentist.
How to keep Invisalign from smelling?
To prevent your Invisalign from smelling make sure you clean your Invisalign aligners daily and rinse them whenever you take them out. If they continue to smell you may like to try an Invisalign or denture cleaning product.
Summary
It’s essential to keep your Invisalign aligners clean to maintaining your oral health and the appearance of your aligners. By following these simple cleaning steps, you can ensure that your aligners stay fresh and clear throughout your Invisalign journey. Remember to clean your aligners regularly and be gentle when handling them.
Ready to start your Invisalign journey? Book a consultation with Maven Dental today and take the first step toward your healthier, more confident smile!