How to Clean Invisalign Aligners Properly?
Invisalign’s clear, removable plastic aligners make teeth straightening discreet and comfortable. However, proper cleaning is crucial for keeping aligners invisible and hygienic as you wear them daily. Read on for our complete guide on the best methods for cleaning Invisalign aligners.
Supplies Needed
To clean Invisalign aligners, you’ll need:
- Antibacterial hand or dish soap
- Clean toothbrush or aligner brush
- Denture cleaner tablets
- Clean towel
- Glass of cool water
Avoid using bleach, mouthwash, or hot water when cleaning aligners, as these can warp and damage the plastic.
Daily Cleaning
Daily cleaning removes debris so bacteria and stains don’t build up on aligners. Each morning and night:
- Rinse aligners under cool water before brushing. Never use hot water.
- Apply a small dab of antibacterial, fragrance-free soap to a soft bristle toothbrush.
- Gently brush all surfaces of aligners for 1-2 minutes. Scrub away any plaque and food particles.
- Rinse very thoroughly with cool water to remove all soap residue.
- Allow aligners to air dry completely before reinserting in your mouth. Never dry the plastic with a cloth or paper towel.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
In addition to daily brushing, use denture cleaner weekly to sanitize aligners and prevent bacteria buildup:
- Fill a cup with cool water and drop in a denture cleaning tablet, allowing it to dissolve fully.
- Submerge aligners in the solution for 15-20 minutes allowing tablets to disinfect.
- Rinse very thoroughly with cool water until no cleaner residue remains before reinserting.
Additional Cleaning Tips
- Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything but water.
- Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting aligners so no food debris remains.
- Clean aligners over a sink rather than counter to prevent dropping or losing them.
- Bring aligner cleaning supplies with you when traveling.
- Speak to a dentist if aligners retain odors or stains even after thorough cleaning.
Storing Aligners Properly
- Keep aligners in their case when removed to prevent losing or warping them.
- Don’t place aligners in hot places that can cause the plastic to deform.
- Allow aligners time to thoroughly air dry before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
- Always store aligners away from pets who may chew on or damage the plastic.
Caring for Attachments
- Use an attachment brush or toothpick to remove any plaque around attachments.
- Take extra care brushing areas with attachments to avoid detachment.
- Don’t use aligners with damaged or missing attachments, as they won’t track properly.
Signs Aligners Need Replacement
- Warping, cracks, or cloudiness mean aligners should be replaced.
- Missing or loose fit indicates they are no longer tracking teeth movement.
- Permanent stains or odors that don’t come out may require new aligners.
When to Avoid Wearing Aligners
- Remove aligners during contact sports or high-injury risk activities.
- Take aligners out before playing musical instruments involving the mouth.
- Aligners should not be worn for several days after oral surgery or procedures.
Good oral hygiene with Invisalign aligners:
- Handle aligners carefully with clean hands to avoid transferring bacteria and oils onto them.
- Gently brush your gums, tongue, cheeks and palate daily before reinserting cleaned aligners to remove bacteria.
- Soak aligners weekly in an antibacterial denture bath to kill any remaining germs and prevent buildup.
- Consider using a mouthwash approved for use with orthodontics to kill bacteria before wearing aligners.
- Change into a fresh new aligner set more often than prescribed if aligners start retaining odors or stains.
- See your dentist promptly if you notice any signs of infection like swelling, redness or irritation around teeth.
- Store used aligners in a sealed case and discard old sets properly to prevent cross-contamination.
- Monitor for any canker sores or irritation inside the mouth indicating hygiene or fit issues.
- Keep a small brush, soap and cleaner with you to clean aligners after eating away from home.
- Ask your orthodontist about sanitizing aligners with a UV light appliance for deeper disinfection.
Consistent, thorough aligner cleaning coupled with good oral hygiene habits ensures your Invisalign treatment stays safe, comfortable and effective. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
Properly caring for Invisalign aligners ensures they remain invisible while providing the teeth straightening results you want. Contact Chatfield Dental Braces London today to learn more about Invisalign relapse cost!
Invisalign’s clear, removable plastic aligners make teeth straightening discreet and comfortable. However, proper cleaning is crucial for keeping aligners invisible and hygienic as you wear them daily. Read on for our complete guide on the best methods for cleaning Invisalign aligners. Supplies Needed To clean Invisalign aligners, you’ll need: Avoid using bleach, mouthwash, or hot…