Invisalign clear plastic aligners have some significant advantages over traditional metal braces. For one, they are nearly invisible when worn. Secondly, they are also removable, allowing you to eat more kinds of foods and to brush and floss your teeth more effectively.
However, it can be easy for Invisalign wearers to forget about Invisalign trays. Just like teeth, they must be cleaned to maintain their appearance and oral health. Dirty aligners are susceptible to staining and can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.
This is true even though you replace these trays about every two weeks.
Our orthodontists at Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry can help you properly care for your Invisalign. Contact us today for any questions about Invisalign.
Why is it Important to Clean Invisalign Trays?
When food particles decay, they lead to bacterial buildup on all surfaces. Since Invisalign is worn up to 22 hours daily, failing to clean your teeth before reinserting the aligners can transfer plaque bacteria to the trays.
Plaque buildup on the trays can lead to a heightened risk of bad breath, tooth decay, and gum irritation. These symptoms could lead to gingivitis and, ultimately, periodontal disease.
In the worst case, plaque can even cause permanent damage to tooth enamel.
Also, dirty aligner trays may begin to smell bad and lose their transparency, taking on a yellowish discoloration that can be hard to remove once it sets in.
How to Clean Invisalign Trays
First, we must establish that cleaning Invisalign trays means more than simply rinsing them in water. Rinsing alone does not effectively remove plaque bacteria from the trays. Instead, thoroughly cleaning trays includes brushing them or using effervescent crystals.
Cleaning with Invisalign Cleaning Crystals+
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals+ is the latest version of Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. Invisalign crystals are the best solution for deep cleaning and removing plaque and bacteria from the aligners. They help keep the aligners looking clear and new while extending their service life.
Cleaning Invisalign trays with these effervescent crystals takes three steps:
- Fill a container with 100 milliliters of warm water and one capful of the cleaning crystals.
- Place the aligners in the solution, stirring them for 20 seconds.
- After soaking the aligners for 15 minutes, thoroughly rinse the aligners with warm water.
Cleaning with Invisalign Cleaning Foam or Cleaning Spray
Invisalign Cleaning Foam and Invisalign Cleaning Spray are travel-friendly options that are more convenient than cleaning crystals as they don’t require soaking the aligners. Simply follow this procedure:
- Spread one pump of foam or one or two spray pumps inside each aligner, spreading the foam evenly throughout.
- Put the aligners back into the mouth. If using the foam option, spit out any excess foam.
You can use the cleaning foam or spray up to four times daily.
Cleaning with the Invisalign UV Case
This cleaning case uses ultraviolet light technology similar to what hospitals use to disinfect materials without needing water or chemicals.
- Before using the UV container, wipe the inside with a damp cloth and allow the container to dry thoroughly.
- Put the aligners in the tray side by side (do not stack them). For larger aligners, sanitize them one at a time.
- Close the container and press the on/off button.
Cleaning with the Invisalign Ultrasonic Cleaning Station
This device cleans the aligners with microscopic scrubbing bubbles. Here is how it works:
- With the tank on a level surface, add tap water to the cleaning station tank up to the marked level line.
- Put up to two aligners into the tank with the insides of the aligners facing up (do not stack the aligners).
- Close the tank lid, attach the power adapter, and plug into an electric outlet.
- Press the on/off button to activate the cleaning station.
- When the cleaning cycle is complete, unplug the cleaning station and dump out the used water.
Cleaning with a Toothbrush
If you are not using an Invisalign cleaning product, the aligners can still be cleaned nightly with a soft toothbrush and clear liquid soap. Follow this procedure:
- Rinse the aligners every night in cold water or lukewarm water. Do not use hot water; it can warp the trays.
- Brush the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, unscented, clear antibacterial soap to remove debris or food particles accumulated during the day (hard-bristle brushes may scratch the aligners).
- Rinse the aligners thoroughly after brushing.
Soaking in Hydrogen Peroxide
In low concentrations, soaking the Invisalign aligners or retainers in equal parts hydrogen peroxide mixed with warm water for at least 30 minutes is highly effective for removing stains. When the trays are done soaking, gently brush and rinse them before wearing them again.
Soaking in Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural antiseptic. A single tablespoon of baking soda mixed with one cup of warm water for at least 30 minutes is effective in removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Like hydrogen peroxide soaking, brush and rinse the trays or retainers before wearing them again.
Soaking in Distilled White Vinegar
For hard plaque buildups, distilled white vinegar mixed with one part vinegar and three parts water is an effective cleaner when soaked for at least 15 minutes.
When the trays are done soaking, brush and rinse them before wearing them again.
Note: do not use vinegar other than white vinegar to avoid staining the aligners or retainers.
How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign Trays?
Because Invisalign trays are worn at night during sleep, a good practice is to establish a morning oral hygiene routine, cleaning the aligners when brushing and flossing your teeth. This is optimum for keeping the aligners clean and preventing staining.
It is also a good idea to repeat this process each night before going to sleep.
Be sure that your teeth are clean before re-inserting the aligners.
Are There Any Cleaners You Should Not Use with Invisalign?
Ideally, you should use Invisalign cleaning products to clean your Invisalign trays or Invisalign retainers. Third-party cleansing agents may contain chemicals or abrasives that can damage them. These include:
- Denture cleaners
- Abrasives products
- Bleach
- Mouthwashes, especially ones that use alcohol
- Rubbing alcohol
- Toothpaste
- Scented soaps, or soaps that have colored dyes in them
- Coarse-bristle brushes
Other Ways to Keep Invisalign Clean
Aside from the cleaning products and proper cleaning procedures mentioned above, here are some other good oral hygiene habits to adopt or avoid that can help keep the invisible aligners clean.
- Do not eat or drink when wearing Invisalign aligners
- Do not leave the aligners out in the open
- Clean the Invisalign case with warm water and antibacterial soap
- Before putting the aligners in their case, make sure the aligners are dry
- Avoid smoking, as this can stain the clear trays or the retainers
Questions About Invisalign Cleaning Methods? Call Us.
At Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry, our orthodontists are authorized Invisalign dentists trained to use Invisalign clear aligners to create a customized Invisalign treatment and smile recovery plan for all our patients.
Call us today at (480) 422-4544 or reach out to us online to set up a free consultation.
We will happily help you make the best decision for your child’s needs.
