Invisalign has revolutionised the world of orthodontics. With its discreet, comfortable aligner system it’s easy to see why Invisalign has become a popular choice over braces in recent years. For Invisalign treatment to be effective you need to follow your treatment plan to a tee, which includes keeping your aligners clean and maintaining good oral hygiene. Find out how to best clean your Invisalign aligners and follow our tips to get the best out of your Invisalign treatment.
Why Cleaning Your Invisalign Matters
It’s important to keep your Invisalign aligners clean to ensure that your treatment runs smoothly, and no issues or delays occur. If you don’t take proper care of your aligners it can lead to oral issues including tooth decay and gum disease due to bacteria when aligners aren’t cleaned correctly. If you maintain good oral hygiene throughout your Invisalign treatment it will avoid delays and ensure that your aligners remain comfortable and continue to do their job effectively.
Cleaning vs. Rinsing Invisalign Aligners
There is a difference between cleaning your Invisalign aligners for thorough care and rinsing your aligners for quick maintenance. Rinsing your Invisalign aligners is good practice each time you remove them as it makes it easier for the thorough cleaning and also keeps them free of saliva or food. Proper cleaning should be done daily using a brush to keep them clean, removing bacteria and food that may have caught in your Invisalign aligners.
Best Practices for Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is so important. Follow these tips for cleaning your aligners:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush for your daily clean. Combine the soft 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.
- Rinse your aligners when you take them out.
- Avoid foods and drinks that could stain your Invisalign aligners
Products to Avoid When Cleaning Invisalign
Carefully cleaning is key to ensuring your Invisalign aligners keep free from damage. Avoid the following when cleaning your Invisalign aligners.
- Hot water
- Harsh chemicals
- Mouthwashes
- Soaps
How to Remove Stains from Invisalign Aligners
Stains can occur on your Invisalign aligners, particularly with drinks such as coffee, tea and other darker beverages. There are a couple of tricks you can try if you’re concerned about stains on your aligners.
- 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 to your aligners odour-free and clear
- Keep your aligners clean with regular cleaning. If you clean your Invisalign aligners often and well it will prevent stains from occurring.
If you’re worried about stains on your aligners feel free to reach out to your Invisalign dentist for guidance.
How Often Should You Clean Your Aligners?
We recommend cleaning your Invisalign aligners once per day, however you can clean more often if it’s required. We also recommend rinsing your aligners after you eat and drink to avoid food building up in them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to remove your Invisalign aligners when eating and drinking
- Not storing your aligners in their case when they’re not in use
- Not cleaning your aligners sufficiently
- Using hot water to rinse or clean your aligners
- Not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
FAQs
How do I clean my Invisalign retainers?
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste and warm water then gently brush your Invisalign aligners all over, taking care of any areas where there might be food. Then rinse them thoroughly in lukewarm water.
How do I clean stained Invisalign trays?
You can try soaking your aligners in a small amount of baking soda dissolved in water. Invisalign also has cleaning products you can purchase to remove stains such as Invisalign cleaning crystals or Polident.
Can I clean my Invisalign with Polident?
You can use Polident to clean your Invisalign aligners by dissolving the tablet in warm water and soaking your aligners before rinsing them thoroughly.
How do I clean Invisalign attachments?
You should clean any Invisalign attachments the same way you clean your Invisalign aligners. Brush them carefully with a soft toothbrush to keep them clean.
How often should Invisalign be cleaned?
We recommend cleaning your Invisalign aligners once per day and rinsing your aligners after you eat and drink.
Why does my Invisalign get cloudy?
If you notice your Invisalign aligners are cloudy it could be from plaque build up or using harsh chemicals to clean your Invisalign aligners. If you use hot water on your aligners this might also cause them to get cloudy.
How can I keep Invisalign from smelling?
By cleaning your Invisalign aligners well and often, you can prevent odours. You can also use Invisalign cleaning products to prevent odours and keep your aligners clean and fresh.
Why Choose Lumino for Invisalign?
As New Zealand’s largest dental group, we have Invisalign dentists located all over the country, including Diamond Invisalign Providers who are the most experienced and qualified of Invisalign providers. Our dentists understand your needs and listen to your concerns.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about Invisalign treatment and provide guidance on the process. Are you ready to take the leap and transform your smile? Book a consultation with Lumino today to start your Invisalign treatment today!