Learn How to Clean Invisalign Aligners
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One of the most essential facts regarding Invisalign aligners to remember is that they need cleaning. Even if the aligners have to be removed after a few weeks, they still need to be cleaned. Otherwise, you will wear a filthy, smelly set of aligners that might influence your future treatment.
If you do not properly care for the Invisalign aligners, you might struggle with the growth of bacteria that produces smells, aligns decoloration, and damages the health of your teeth. These aligners, much like your teeth, need to clean every day to ensure that you receive optimum treatment.
Easy Steps to Clean Invisalign Trays
Here’s what a typical day should look like for an Invisalign maintenance:
- Brush your teeth and clean your aligners.
You are expected to be sleeping with your aligners. Many bacteria develop as you sleep, therefore it’s vital that they be cleaned when you wake up. The first thing to do when you wake up is clean your mouth to get rid of bacteria in the mouth. Clean the trays before you put them in your mouth. - Rinse your aligners whenever you remove it from your mouth.
Whenever you remove them, rinse your invisible aligners. The dry saliva is washed away by the rinse. Take them always in a case so that they won’t dry out or get bacteria exposed. Cold water rinses are better since warmer temperatures might distort and bend the trays. - Brush and use dental floss before you put on the trays. You should remove them when you are eating or drinking. Remember to brush and floss your teeth first before you put it back again. Cleaning the teeth eliminate bacteria and food particles that have been caught between your teeth. They may lead to cavities and other health problems if not eliminated.
- Soak trays every day. The best approach to guarantee it works is for the cleaning crystals or for denture cleaners to be soaked. Do not dip into hot water as the trays may be damaged. Use a spare toothbrush to remove all other food particles after soaking
Read The Purpose of Invisalign Attachments
Best Methods to Have Clean Invisalign Retainers
Soap Solution
In the warm water, put a soft, non-scented soap and whisk until suds have formed. Soak for around 30 minutes in the solution. Brush and rinse before you put it in your mouth.
Vinegar and Water
Use three parts of water with one part of white distilled vinegar. Soak and rinse for approximately 20 minutes before brushing. Rinse carefully to prevent the persistent taste of vinegar.
Baking Soda Solution
In 1/2 cup of water combine a spoonful of baking soda until it is in a consistent mixture. Put the trays in the solution for sixty minutes then vigorously brush until there is no residue. Baking Soda includes the active component for the purification or whitening of sodium bicarbonate.
Peroxide Solution
Mix the same quantities of hydrogen peroxide and water and then soak the trays for 30 minutes. Put it completely in your mouth and rinse before placing.
No Hassle Cleaning With Retainer Cleaners
These cleansers are supplied with tablets or dissolved powder in water. It is an efficient cleaning solution aimed at tooth plaque and bacteria. The bottom line is that the alternatives above are more expensive.
Sources:
- Long-term effects of different cleaning methods on copolyester retainer properties Emily Wible; Manika Agarwal; Sibel Altun; Tyler Ramir; Grace Viana; Carla Evans; Henry Lukic; Spiro Megremis; Phimon Atsawasuwan Angle Orthod (2019) 89 (2): 221–227.
- Tsolakis AΙ, Kakali L, Prevezanos P, Bitsanis I, Polyzois G. Use of Different Cleaning Methods for Removable Orthodontic Appliances: A Questionnaire Study. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2019;17(4):299-302. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.a42685. PMID: 31204392.
