Keeping your Invisalign aligners sparkling clean is crucial for maintaining their clarity and your oral health. With regular wear, aligners come into contact with food debris, saliva, and bacteria that can lead to discoloration, odors, and potential dental issues if left unchecked.
Neglecting proper aligner cleaning allows bacteria and stains to build up over time, resulting in cloudiness that affects their appearance and lifespan. Most importantly, keeping aligners clean helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Follow these simple yet effective cleaning tips daily and weekly to keep Invisalign aligners pristine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Invisalign Trays
Keep your Invisalign aligners crystal clear with this easy daily cleaning routine:
After removing aligners, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to wash away saliva and debris. Avoid hot water that could warp the plastic.
Gently brush aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of clear soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Scrub all surfaces to remove residue.
Rinse again with lukewarm water to eliminate any remaining soap or cleaner. This prevents unwanted tastes or reactions when reinserting.
Store aligners properly in their case when not wearing. Never wrap in tissue or paper towels, which can cause loss or scratches.
Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting aligners, removing plaque and particles. This promotes oral hygiene and prevents aligner stains.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Invisalign Trays
Here are common mistakes to avoid when cleaning Invisalign aligners:
Don’t use toothpaste or colored soap. Abrasives and dyes can scratch or stain the plastic. Use clear, non-abrasive antibacterial soap.
Avoid hot water. High heat can warp and distort the shape of aligners. Always use lukewarm water.
Don’t skip rinsing after brushing. Residual soap or cleaner can cause taste or tissue reactions. Rinse thoroughly.
Brush and floss before reinserting aligners. This prevents plaque and food particles from causing stains or odors in aligners.
Don’t store improperly. Wrapping in napkins or tissues risks loss and damage. Use an Invisalign case or designated aligner container.
Don’t clean too aggressively. Hard scrubbing can weaken plastic over time. Gentle brushing removes debris effectively.
How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign Trays?
For optimally clean aligners, daily cleaning is a must. Aim to clean your Invisalign trays at least twice daily – in the morning and evening.
A morning cleaning removes bacteria and plaque buildup that accumulated overnight. An evening cleaning clears away food particles and bacteria before extended wear while sleeping.
It’s also critical to clean aligners every time you remove them to eat or snack. This prevents the transfer of stains or bacteria from your mouth back into the aligners.
Don’t let cleaning slide – incorporate it into your daily routine. Frequent aligner cleaning keeps your smile sparkling clean and your oral health in check.
Invisalign in North Attleborough & Swansea
By following these simple yet essential cleaning guidelines, you can say goodbye to discolored, bacteria-laden aligners. Enjoy all the benefits of Invisalign with a healthy, sparkling smile. Invest in diligent aligner cleaning and maintain picture-perfect oral hygiene.
508 Dentist provides Invisalign services in Swansea, MA. Contact us at 508-336-8478 to learn more and schedule your appointment.