- Dr. Ash Sagar
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Having a beautiful, healthy smile is something that everyone strives for. But if you’re wearing Invisalign clear aligners, you must do more than brush and floss your teeth. To keep them looking their best, it’s important to clean the trays regularly too.
At Burwood Dental Care, we strive to provide patients with all the information they need for proper oral hygiene practices, so we put together this blog post. Read on for a comprehensive guide on cleaning your Invisalign trays.
Content Navigation
- 1 Summary of Article
- 2 How Often Should I Clean My Invisalign Trays?
- 3 How Do I Remove Plaque and Stains From My Invisalign Trays?
- 4 Can I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Invisalign Trays?
- 5 Can I Soak My Invisalign Trays in Mouthwash?
- 6 Can I Use Hot Water to Clean My Invisalign Trays?
- 7 Can I Use Denture Cleaner on My Invisalign Trays?
- 8 How Do I Store My Invisalign Trays When I'm Not Wearing Them?
- 9 Final Thoughts
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Summary of Article
Proper care and cleaning of Invisalign trays are essential for maintaining good oral health, preventing tooth decay, and achieving straighter teeth and a healthier smile. To avoid issues like stained aligners, bad breath, and infections, the trays should be cleaned at least twice a day and after meals. Homemade solutions like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and white vinegar can help remove stains and plaque, but abrasive toothpaste and harsh cleaning products should be avoided to prevent damaging the plastic material. Soaking in mouthwash is not recommended, and hot water should also be avoided as it can warp the trays.
Instead, brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or using Invisalign cleaning crystals are safer cleaning methods. By following these tips and properly caring for Invisalign trays, individuals can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile throughout treatment.
How Often Should I Clean My Invisalign Trays?
Like conventional metal braces, keeping Invisalign clean is integral to getting straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. It is important to regularly clean aligners to ensure the removal of food debris and dental plaque. Bacteria in plaque can cause several dental diseases that can delay Invisalign treatment and worsen oral health.
To keep your Invisalign trays working well, it’s essential to clean them at least twice a day, once in the morning upon waking up and before you sleep at night. Also, brushing your teeth after meals and before putting them back on will help remove food debris and built-up bacteria, preventing them from transferring into the trays and causing damage.
Listed below are the oral problems you may encounter if you don’t keep your aligners clean:
- Stained aligners:
Food particles may be trapped in the trays, causing bacteria accumulation. The bacteria can cause discolouration of your aligners. - Bad breath:
If your Invisalign aligners are not cleaned, it can cause a bad taste and smell. This can make wearing them unpleasant. - Infections:
Failing to clean Invisalign trays properly can increase risks of infections, like tooth decay and gum disease, which can reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
Remember that maintenance will go a long way in keeping Invisalign clean and your oral health goals on track!
How Do I Remove Plaque and Stains From My Invisalign Trays?
Regular cleaning of Invisalign trays is crucial to achieving straight teeth and a healthy smile. They must be cleaned regularly to prevent harmful bacteria, plaque, and stains.
The good news is that keeping Invisalign clean doesn’t have to be complicated! You may follow the oral hygiene routine below:
- Start by brushing each tray with a soft toothbrush. It is recommended that patients have a separate toothbrush for cleaning their aligner trays. Avoid using regular toothbrushes as abrasive brushes can scratch the aligners. Instead, use soft-bristled brushes.
- Rinse them with warm water, then soak them for three minutes using Invisalign cleaning crystals or soapy water. You may use liquid soaps, but avoid using coloured soap or scented soap as these can cause staining of the aligner. Anti-bacterial soap is much preferred.
- Rinse the aligners with water and make sure that they are completely dry before wearing them again. Use a clean towel or cloth to wipe them down thoroughly.
You can also make these homemade cleaning solutions for deep cleaning aligner trays:
- Baking Soda –
Soak and leave your Invisalign trays for one hour in a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of water. You may also place baking soda paste inside the aligner trays for 20 minutes. These cleansing agents can help remove stains on the nooks and crannies of your Invisalign aligners. - Hydrogen Peroxide –
Mix 1-part warm water and 1-part hydrogen peroxide and soak your aligners for 30 minutes. This is good for removing stains from your aligners and has antibacterial properties to prevent the buildup of bacteria. - White Vinegar –
Mix 1-part water and 3-part white vinegar to remove the stains in your Invisalign aligners. Soak the invisible aligners in the vinegar solution for 15 to 20 minutes while eating. Don’t forget to rinse them with water and gently brush them to remove the plaque loosened by the vinegar mixture.
These simple steps will help keep your Invisalign trays looking and feeling new.
Can I Use Toothpaste to Clean My Invisalign Trays?
It is important to clean Invisalign trays regularly to ensure successful orthodontic treatment. Cleaning them twice a day with toothpaste is a great way to remove stains, odours and plaque buildup. However, it’s important to note that you should not use abrasive toothpaste or harsh cleaning products on your Invisalign aligners, as these can scratch or damage the plastic material. Always use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning your aligners to help preserve their appearance and functionality.
Here are the steps to follow in cleaning Invisalign trays with non-abrasive toothpaste:
- Remove your Invisalign aligners from your mouth.
- Rinse your aligners under lukewarm water to remove any loose debris.
- Apply a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste to your toothbrush.
- Gently brush your aligners using a circular motion, careful not to use too much force or pressure.
- Rinse the aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any remaining toothpaste.
- Inspect the aligners for any remaining debris or discolouration. If necessary, repeat the brushing process or use a specialized Invisalign cleaning solution.
- Once your aligners are clean, you can place them back in your mouth.
It’s recommended to clean your Invisalign aligners at least twice a day or as often as you brush your teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.
Can I Soak My Invisalign Trays in Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is an important part of oral hygiene, so using it on your Invisalign trays can be tempting. However, be wary when considering soaking your Invisalign aligner in mouthwash. While this action may seem like a great way to keep them clean and fresh, the truth is that mouthwash contains strong alcohols and bleaching agents that can damage your trays and reduce their effectiveness. Coloured mouthwashes can also stain the Invisalign trays.
The good news is that there are other ways to clean Invisalign aligners without risking their integrity. You can gently brush them with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste or use Invisalign cleaning crystals. These are safer methods of cleaning Invisalign trays.
Can I Use Hot Water to Clean My Invisalign Trays?
A common misconception is that hot water must be used when cleaning Invisalign trays. However, hot water causes Invisalign trays to warp and should not be used to clean them. It will cause the plastic tray to lose shape, making it less effective. When this happens, you must visit your dentist to replace your damaged trays.
For this reason, it is crucial to follow the instructions given by your dentist on how to keep your Invisalign trays clean.
Can I Use Denture Cleaner on My Invisalign Trays?
How Do I Store My Invisalign Trays When I'm Not Wearing Them?
Final Thoughts
To maintain the quality of your aligners, it is crucial to follow the appropriate steps to keep them clean. Otherwise, they may develop discolouration and stains, affecting their appearance. Cleaning your Invisalign aligners regularly not only ensures their cleanliness but also helps prevent bacterial plaque build-up and potential dental health issues that can affect the treatment process.
If you want a lovely smile without the bulky feel of traditional braces, Invisalign from Burwood Dental Care is the one for you! We will ensure you know how to clean and maintain your Invisalign for effective and safe treatment. Don’t wait any longer. Get a stunning, healthy smile today with Burwood Dental Care’s state-of-the-art Invisalign services!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Although dental work, like crowns or bridges, may slow down the treatment, it generally only affects how effective or long it will take. Consulting a dental health practitioner is recommended to determine if Invisalign is the right option for you and to discuss any potential treatment limitations or modifications that may be needed.