How to Keep Your Invisalign Clean – Tips and Advice

Invisible aligner

Posted By: Edited and reviewed by Editorial Team May 8, 2024

Invisalign is a transparent teeth aligner system designed to straighten teeth in a less invasive (and visible) way. Knowing how to properly clean it is essential to prevent bacteria and dirt from damaging it, and ensure it works efficiently for as long as possible. Here’s a quick and easy-to-read guide on how to clean your Invisalign braces effectively, keeping your aligners intact and your smile glowing.

Why Should You Keep Your Invisalign Clean At All Times?

Most people who wear an Invisalign aligners do that for most of the day, so these dental braces can easily accumulate plaque, bacteria, and odors. Failing to clean them properly means you risk suffering from all kind of oral health issues. These include bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Also, a dirty aligner can lose its transparency, making it less invisible, and can become a loose fit, reducing the efficiency of the alignment process.

Daily Cleaning Routine

  1. Rinse After Removal: Rinsing your Invisalign aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them is quick and easy, and can go a long way toward making them cleaner. Just a little bit of running water can remove any dried saliva and plaque that is adhering to the trays, making subsequent cleaning much easier.
  2. Gently Brush the Aligners: The next step is to brush the aligners both on the inside and outside. Do that gently and use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid causing any damage to the implant. Do not use toothpaste as they often contain abrasive ingredients (especially teeth withening pastes). These substances can easily scratch the aligner surface, making them become opaque, and creating crevices where bacteria can multiply.
  3. Soak in Cleaning Solution: Buy a specialized cleaning solution and regularly soak your Invisalign aligners in it. If you don’t want to buy a specific product, even a simple denture cleaning tablet works very well to eliminate bacteria and prevent discoloration. Make sure you read carefully the instructions on the packaging to know what’s the recommended soaking duration. You don’t want to risk damaging the implant!
  4. Brush and Floss Teeth: Do not immediately reinsert your aligners after cleaning them. Instead, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to make sure there are no remains of food or plaque. Clean teeth reduce the risk of bacterial transfer to the aligners, maintaining oral hygiene and freshness.

Deep Cleaning Methods

  1. Vinegar Soak: Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water and soak your aligners for 15-30 minutes. Vinegar’s acidic nature helps to break down plaque and kill bacteria. Rinse the aligners thoroughly with water afterward to remove any vinegar residue.
  2. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Mix hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1:1 ratio and soak your aligners for 30 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective antibacterial agent that also helps to remove stubborn stains. Rinse the aligners thoroughly before reinserting them.
  3. Ultrasonic Cleaner: Investing in an ultrasonic cleaner specifically designed for cleaning dental appliances can provide a deep and thorough clean. These devices use high-frequency sound waves to dislodge debris and bacteria from the surface of the aligners, leaving them sanitized and clear.

Tips for Maintaining Clean Aligners

  1. Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can warp the shape of Invisalign aligners, compromising their effectiveness. Stick to lukewarm or room temperature water for rinsing and soaking.
  2. Keep Aligners Hydrated: When not wearing your aligners, store them in a clean, dry case to prevent them from drying out and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
  3. Handle with Care: Handle your Invisalign aligners with clean hands to prevent transferring dirt and bacteria. Avoid placing them on unclean surfaces or wrapping them in tissue, as this can introduce contaminants.
  4. Regular Replacement: Invisalign aligners are designed to be replaced every one to two weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Regularly replacing aligners ensures that you are always using clean and effective trays.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can ensure that your Invisalign aligners remain clean, clear, and effective throughout your orthodontic treatment journey. A commitment to proper cleaning not only promotes oral health but also enhances the efficiency of your Invisalign treatment, bringing you closer to achieving that radiant smile you desire.

Article edited and fact checked by our editorial team.

References:

  1. Rouzi M, Zhang X, Jiang Q, Long H, Lai W, Li X. Impact of Clear Aligners on Oral Health and Oral Microbiome During Orthodontic Treatment. Int Dent J. 2023 Oct;73(5):603-611.
  2. Madariaga A, Bucci R, Rongo R, Simeon V, D’Antò V, Valletta R. Impact of fixed orthodontic appliance and clear aligners on the periodontal health: a prospective clinical study. Dent J (Basel) 2020;8(1)
  3. Lin E, Julien K, Kesterke M, Buschang PH. Differences in finished case quality between Invisalign and traditional fixed appliances. Angle Orthod. 2022 Mar 1;92(2):173-179. doi: 10.2319/032921-246.1.

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