Invisalign aligners have become a popular choice for people looking for a discreet and effective way to straighten their teeth. While they are easy to use and remove, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of cleaning and disinfecting them properly. Regularly disinfecting your Invisalign aligners ensures your treatment stays on track and helps maintain your overall oral health.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?
There is a difference between cleaning your Invisalign aligners and disinfecting them. Cleaning your aligners helps to remove food particles and prevent stains, which can be done using a soft toothbrush. Disinfecting, your Invisalign aligners will help to eliminate harmful bacteria or germs that may be on your aligners. Both cleaning and disinfecting your Invisalign aligners should be part of your oral health routine throughout your Invisalign treatment journey.
Why Should You Disinfect Invisalign?
Disinfecting your Invisalign aligners is important for maintaining oral hygiene, preventing bacteria buildup, ensuring a clear appearance, and to ensure your treatment progresses as planned.
Preventing Plaque Buildup
Plaque can build up on your Invisalign aligners over time, potentially causing gum inflammation, tooth decay, and bad breath. Disinfecting your aligners helps reduce plaque buildup, keeping your Invisalign treatment on track.
Reducing Bacteria and Germs
Since your aligners sit on your teeth and in your mouth, they can gather bacteria, food particles or germs. Disinfecting your aligners helps to eliminate harmful bacteria that could lead to infection, bad breath and other oral health problems.
Preventing Stains
Disinfecting your Invisalign aligners regularly can help to prevent staining, discolouration, and cloudiness, keeping them clear throughout the duration of your treatment.
Preventing Odours
Invisalign aligners can start to smell if they’re not cleaned and disinfected regularly. Keeping up with a good cleaning and disinfecting routine will help keep your aligners fresh and odour free.
Maintaining Healthy Gums and Teeth
Disinfecting your Invisalign aligners helps reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems that could slow down your progress.
Which are the Best Products to Disinfect Invisalign Aligners?
When disinfecting your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to select products that are both effective and gentle enough to protect the material of your aligners.
Hydrogen Peroxide Soak (Recommended for Disinfection)
Hydrogen Peroxide Soak is the top recommended option for disinfecting your Invisalign aligners. Using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to soak your aligners can help kill bacteria and germs without damaging the material of your aligners. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, soak your aligners for 10-15 minutes, then rinse them with cold water before wearing them again.
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Invisalign has cleaning crystals that are specifically designed for disinfecting clear aligners and they are available at selected places. Invisalign cleaning crystals gently remove bacteria and odours while preserving the clarity of your aligners.
Denture Cleaners
Your dentist or orthodontist may also recommend denture cleaners, such as effervescent tablets, can be useful for disinfecting your Invisalign aligners. Denture cleaners can help break down bacteria and buildup without causing damage to the aligners.
What NOT to Use on Invisalign Aligners
Although disinfecting your aligners is essential, it's also important to avoid using any products that could damage them. Some cleaning products can be too harsh, potentially leading to discolouration, cloudiness, or even damage the aligners.
Harsh Chemicals or Bleach
Avoid using bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, and other harsh chemicals, as they can weaken the material of your aligners, causing cracks or discoloration. These substances can also cause irritation to your mouth and gums.
Hot Water
You should never use hot water to clean or disinfect your aligners, as hot temperatures can distort the plastic of your aligners. Always use lukewarm or cold water for cleaning and rinsing purposes.
How to Disinfect Invisalign After Being Sick?
If you’ve recently been sick, it’s important to disinfect your Invisalign aligners thoroughly to eliminate any germs or bacteria that may have transferred to the aligners while you were sick.
How to disinfect your aligners after being sick:
- Soak your aligners in a hydrogen peroxide solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse them thoroughly with warm water.
- Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean any difficult to reach areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sanitise my Invisalign?
To sanitise your Invisalign aligners, you can use products such as hydrogen peroxide and Invisalign cleaning crystals. Simply soak the aligners in the cleaning solution, then rinse them thoroughly with water before wearing them again.
What kills bacteria on Invisalign?
Hydrogen peroxide, Invisalign cleaning crystals and denture cleaners can kill bacteria on your Invisalign aligners. These products are effective in disinfecting and sanitising your aligners without causing damage.
How to disinfect Invisalign after dropping it?
If you drop your Invisalign aligners make sure you clean them immediately by rinsing with warm water, then disinfect them using a hydrogen peroxide soak to eliminate any bacteria or germs.
How to sterilise Invisalign after COVID?
To sterilise your Invisalign aligners after having COVID, disinfect them the same way as you would when you get sick, by using a hydrogen peroxide solution, rinsing with warmwater and then brushing gently with a soft toothbrush.
What is the best disinfectant for Invisalign?
The best disinfectants for Invisalign aligners are hydrogen peroxide solutions (3% concentration), Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaning tablets. These products are safe, effective, and gentle on your aligners.
How do you sterilise clear aligners?
To sterilise your aligners, soak them in a disinfecting solution, such as a 3% hydrogen peroxide, rinse them thoroughly with warm water and brush using a soft toothbrush before wearing them again.
Keep Your Invisalign Germ-Free
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean and disinfecting them is essential for the success of your treatment and overall oral health. Cleaning and disinfecting helps to prevent bacteria, plaque, and food buildup, which can cause discomfort, bad breath, or oral health problems. Clean your aligners daily with a gentle, soft toothbrush or solution approved by your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist to maintain clarity and hygiene.
Schedule an Invisalign consultation with Lumino today and get advice.