Clear plastic aligners like Invisalign are a popular alternative to braces for straightening teeth. Unlike braces, aligner trays have no metal wires or brackets, and they’re practically invisible in the mouth.
They’re also better for your oral health. Braces make brushing and flossing difficult, which poses an increased risk of a buildup of dental plaque. Plastic aligners are removable, so you can clean your teeth as normal. But to do their job properly your aligners also need to be cleaned frequently. In this post, Irving dentist Dental Concepts & Orthodontics looks at tips and hacks to keep your clear aligners clean and effective.
Can I Just Rinse My Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Rinsing is an important part of the Invisalign aligner cleaning process but it’s not enough on its own. Just rinsing your aligners may make them appear a bit cleaner, but it doesn’t remove bacteria that can build up. Your Invisalign clear aligners need a thorough cleaning every time you clean your teeth. And to clean your aligners effectively you need to establish a daily aligner cleaning routine.
The Daily Cleaning Routine for Clear Aligners
Harmful bacteria continue to build up in your mouth as you sleep. You need to remove these microbes from your Invisalign clear aligners as well as your teeth. So, brush and rinse your aligners every morning, in addition to cleaning your teeth. As you go through your day, you should take out your Invisalign aligners for meals, snacks, and drinks with the exception of plain water. Rinsing your Invisalign aligners before putting them back in will minimize bacteria and plaque buildup. When you take out your aligners to eat, it’s also a good idea to brush your teeth afterward, if possible, before putting the aligners back in. At night, you need to brush and rinse your aligners as well as cleaning your teeth before going to bed.
Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Basics
Keeping your aligners clean needs to be part of your daily oral hygiene routine to prevent accumulations of food debris, bacteria and plaque. And you need to use the right techniques to clean your aligners without damaging them. If your aligners become scratched during the cleaning process, food particles can get lodged in the grooves. This can lead to bacteria accumulation, staining, and unpleasant odors.
To avoid these problems, you should:
- Brush your aligners with a mild toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Brush gently to avoid damaging the plastic aligners.
- Rinse your aligners thoroughly after brushing.
- Avoid using the same brush you clean your teeth with. This could contain traces of abrasive toothpaste.
Invisalign Clear Aligner Deep Clean Soaking Options
Besides brushing and rinsing your aligners, they need a daily soaking for a deeper cleaning. There are various invisalign tips and tricks to do this which doesn’t take long.
Soap and Water
Using antibacterial soap and water is a simple way to soak your aligner trays. Add a small amount of mild antibacterial liquid soap to a bowl of warm water. Bubbles will appear on the top when the soap has dissolved completely. Soak your aligners in the solution for at least 20 minutes. Rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Soak your aligners for half an hour in a solution of equal measures of tepid water and a household hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of no more than three percent. Rinse the aligners, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove any residues of plaque or food debris.
White Vinegar
Mix a tablespoon of white vinegar into a cup of lukewarm water. Soak your aligners for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
Baking Soda
Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of warm water and soak your aligners for 30 to 60 minutes.
The Invisalign Cleaning System
If you have Invisalign aligners, a further aligner soaking option is provided by the proprietary Invisalign Cleaning System. This comes in the form of packets of special cleaning crystals that can remove stains, plaque, and tartar (hardened plaque). You simply dissolve the crystals in a cup of water and soak your aligners in the solution for 15 minutes. As an alternative to the Invisalign Cleaning System, you could use a retainer cleaning product. Another option is Steraligner liquid.
Clear Aligner Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
Looking for invisalign care tips? Here’s a quick rundown of the do’s and don’ts of how to keep your clear aligners clean and in good condition.
- Do rinse your aligners each time you remove them.
- Do brush and floss before putting your aligners back in, whenever possible.
- Do remove your aligners before using mouthwash.
- Do soak your aligners daily, leaving them to dry before putting them back in your mouth.
- Do keep your aligners in their protective case when you’re not wearing or cleaning them.
- Don’t eat or drink anything (except plain water) while wearing your aligners.
- Don’t use scented or colored soaps to clean your aligners.
- Don’t use denture cleaners to clean your aligners.
- Don’t wash or rinse your aligners in hot water or a dishwasher. This can warp the plastic.
- Don’t clean your aligners with mouthwash.
- Don’t store your aligners where its warm or humid, which can increase levels of bacteria.
Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Clean During Aligner Treatment
While ensuring effective cleaning of your clear aligners, it’s equally important to remember the importance of good general oral hygiene. Looking after your teeth and gums will help prevent food particles and bacteria getting trapped inside your aligners and pushing against your teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease. And regular professional dental cleanings are essential to support your oral health care routine at home, both during and after aligner treatment.
Why You Need to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean
Clear aligners are designed to be swapped out for a new set every couple of weeks. But it’s crucial to remember they still have to be kept clean while you use them. Otherwise, you won’t get the full benefit of aligner treatment. And no one wants dirty, smelly aligners in their mouth 20-plus hours a day. The clear plastic of aligners makes them barely noticeable when worn. However, without regular cleaning they’ll get unsightly stains. At the same time, you’ll likely get bad breath as your aligners give off an unpleasant odor. Your teeth can also become stained and more vulnerable to decay as bacteria become trapped between your teeth and your aligners. Knowing how to keep your clear aligners clean and effective will ensure they’re always stain-free and feel fresh in your mouth. It will also minimize treatment time.
Contact Dental Concepts if you’d like to know more about clear aligners in Irving and Allen.
