How To Clean Invisalign Aligners

Braces are in great demand these days. With the rise of social media and peer pressure, adults want their perfect smile as much as kids do! Ten years ago, you rarely heard about an adult requesting braces to fix their smile, but that isn’t the situation today! Social media standards have risen, and people strive for cosmetic perfection more than ever.

The wires, elastics, and metallic brackets might suit teens and children but not adults. The introduction of Invisalign aligners has dramatically bridged the gap. However, like any type of braces, they still need to be cleaned regularly to keep your smile healthy and beautiful!

This article explains how to clean your Invisalign aligners properly so they can be effective for correcting misalignment problems of the teeth and jaw while simultaneously preventing health issues like bad breath and tooth decay.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a revolutionary new technology allowing orthodontists to treat adults with less risk and complications. This is done with transparent plastic designed to fit flawlessly over the teeth without any attachment. It’s crafted with no brackets and wires.

This technology provides an easy alternative for patients with injury or tooth decay. Invisalign is a great option for those who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of traditional metal braces.

They are nearly invisible, removable, and can be taken out while eating or drinking, making them much more convenient than other braces.

What does Invisalign fix?

Invisalign was primarily invented to solve the problem of appearance and aliment, similar to traditional braces. The metal brackets are replaced by aligners, making them nearly invisible compared to braces! However, it does much more than improve appearance. Below are some of the pros it has over conventional braces.

Super comfortable

No more cuts and bruises on cheeks and lips for braces users! Since the aligners are not attached to teeth, they can be removed and replaced anytime. This gives it more edge over braces.

Accuracy

Braces are man-made; this means they have some slight errors in their production. However, the computerized design of Invisalign means there’s virtually no chance for human error, and it comes with superior accuracy.

They are designed to be invisible, so you can experience less self-consciousness when wearing them at work or out dating!

Hygiene

Braces are a necessary evil when it comes to dental hygiene. Toothbrushes and floss can’t reach all your teeth with braces, so you’re left without access points for cleaning in between!

Clear aligners provide an alternative means for users to practice oral hygiene properly. All you need is to remove the Aligners during regular brushing or string if necessary.

How to clean your Invisalign aligners:

• First, always wear the aligners to get the best result and remove them during mealtime only.
• Once you’re done with the meal, floss and brush your teeth.
• Use warm water to clean the Aligner thoroughly.
• The aligners begin to turn yellow over time. This is considered a normal occurrence. Replace “running water cleaning” with a small amount of toothpaste and a soft brush at this stage.
• Be gentle and brush those areas that need it most. Don’t scrub full force into one spot; Aligners are quite fragile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean my Invisalign?

Rinse aligners with water daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the aligners, and use liquid soap to gently remove food particles or debris accumulating during the day. After brushing, rinse it thoroughly.

How do you clean Invisalign without damaging it?

We recommend using a small quantity of gentle soap with a brush and floss with clean water. Stroke gently to avoid scratching or damaging the aligners.

How often should you clean your Invisalign?

Aligners should be cleaned twice daily, best when brushing your teeth. We recommend rinsing the Aligner with lukewarm water to reduce bacteria buildup. Avoid using extremely hot water not to warp the plastic.

Can you clean Invisalign with baking soda?

Yes, you can! Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Allow the tray to soak in the solution for approximately an hour; you can do this twice daily. Alternatively, you can clean it using toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Can I soak my Invisalign in mouthwash?

Avoid abrasive cleaners that might mar or scratch the smooth surface of the Aligner. Soaking an Aligner in mouthwash may stain it and make it less invisible. Also, avoid soaking it in Denture Cleaning Solution due to its abrasive nature; instead, use a Retainer Brite.

Can I brush my Invisalign with toothpaste?  

Yes, you can clean your Aligner with a toothbrush and toothpaste. However, we recommend using a gentle formula and brush. Use an all-purpose toothpaste with a gentle bristled toothbrush and brush the Aligner gently.

Conclusion 

So, you’ve decided that Invisalign is the right treatment for your teeth. Excellent choice! Invisalign has many benefits, but most importantly, it’s discreet and comfortable. To get the best results, keep your aligners clean and fresh so they don’t lead to tooth decay or stains.

You can use these cleaning methods for maintaining a healthy smile while straightening teeth with Invisalign trays. Contact us today if you want more information on how we can help you start using this incredible technology.

Dr Goldkind provides quality orthodontics from his orthodontic office in Morristown, NJ, and serves Florham Park, Madison, and Parsippany. If you’d like to discuss the orthodontic treatment options available at Goldkind Family Orthodontics, please call 973-538-5067 to schedule an appointment or use our SmileSnap feature!