Just as you need to keep your teeth and gums clean, you need to make sure your Invisalign™ is cleansed regularly. This helps prevent infection and keeps your breath fresh. How to disinfect Invisalign™ is really a simple process once you get used to it, and the cleaner your oral appliance is, the less your barely-there straighteners show.
Time to Clean
Invisalign™ is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that works systematically to align your teeth. Your clear aligners need regular attention to keep them in top shape. When they get a build-up of plaque and tartar or food particles, it can create a barrier to their proper functioning. Here is how to clean and disinfect your Invisalign™:
- Step 1: Rinse – A good rinse with lukewarm water starts everything off right to get rid of surface grime. Be sure to avoid hot water at all costs as this can warp the plastic material and create an ill-fitting appliance. If this happens, your progress could be halted until new aligners can be created.
- Step 2: Brush – Brush your Invisalign™ as you would your teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t damage the appliance. You can choose either a small bit of unscented, anti-bacterial soap or get some cleaning crystals made specifically for the task of gently scrubbing the aligners.
If using cleaning crystals here is what to do:
- Mix a packet of the crystals into some lukewarm water until dissolved
- Put your aligners in the solution for 15 minutes
- Remove the Invisalign™ and brush then rinse them off
If using soap, make sure it is completely rinsed off before placing the clear trays back inside your mouth. Other options include using a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water, distilled white vinegar and water, or baking soda and water, all of which will clean your trays. Your aligners will be refreshed and ready to place back in your mouth!
How to Properly Store Your Invisalign™
When Invisalign™ is taken out of your mouth for eating and drinking, you should store it in a clean, dry case. You can use some unscented, anti-bacterial soap and water to regularly clean your case. This way, there is less chance of bacteria transferring from case to aligner to your mouth. Always brush and floss your teeth to prevent food particles that may be stuck in your mouth from making their way onto your aligners. Diligent cleaning will reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease as much as possible.
How to Remember to Clean Your Invisalign™
Creating a schedule for when to give your aligners a good wipe-down will help you remember to do so. You should wear your clear trays for at least 22 hours a day, so they provide the results you are looking for. As you sleep, bacteria tend to gather on your teeth and aligners, so a morning care routine is ideal. Also remember to give a thorough cleaning to your Invisalign™ at night, before you go to bed. Keep them clean with a quick wipe-down every time you take them out and put them back in. A clean mouth makes you feel better and prevents unwanted odours from occurring.
Keep Things Looking Great
Avoid discoloured, yellow Invisalign™ by maintaining a routine of cleaning and disinfecting the trays and storage containers. Think of your aligners as part of your mouth. This way you will remember to care for them as you would your natural teeth. In just a few months you will be flashing your big smile at every opportunity, knowing your teeth look and feel great!
Always keep your teeth clean to maintain proper oral hygiene so Invisalign™ can work for you.
Checking In
It is important to head to the dentist for regular check-ups of your Invisalign™, to make sure they are doing their job. Your dentist will be able to tell you how the process is going and monitor the movement of your teeth. At Savanna Market Dental, we care for your every oral health need whether it be for getting fitted for clear trays, or another dental service entirely. We will check in with you every step of the way, including making sure you know how to disinfect Invisalign™.
