Invisalign aligners are a top choice for discreetly straightening teeth, as they are barely noticeable to others, easy to manage, and reasonably priced. However, without proper care, they can become discoloured, develop odours, and harbour harmful bacteria. Since you need to wear your aligners 22 hours a day for multiple months or even years, keeping them clean is necessary for both your oral health and the effectiveness of your treatment. Let’s learn more about the cleaning process, so you can keep them happy and healthy.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear aligners that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment over time. Typically, patients receive a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks throughout their treatment, which can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on the complexity of their case.
Invisalign treatment is popular across all ages for people wanting to straighten their teeth discreetly without the visible metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. It provides the flexibility to remove aligners for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing, allowing patients to avoid the dietary restrictions that come with fixed braces. You can check out our full breakdown of Invisalign here.
What happens if Invisalign isn’t cleaned properly?
The thing is, if Invisalign isn’t cleaned properly, a couple of issues can arise. A lack of cleaning can cause trays to discolour into a yellow or brownish hue, making them look dirty as you wear them. Additionally, no cleaning can lead to leftover food particles lingering in the Invisalign trays. These particles create bacteria and plaque on your teeth, which causes not only a strong, unpleasant odour and bad breath but also increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
How to effectively clean Invisalign aligners
Are you wondering how to clean your aligners? Below are 4 methods you can use to clean Invisalign.
Method 1 – Clear hand soap
Using clear hand soap is the most recommended daily cleaning method by dental professionals. All you need is clear, unscented or lightly-scented hand soap, cool or lukewarm water, and a soft-bristled manual toothbrush. To effectively clean, it’s important to start by rinsing your aligners with cool water. Then, apply a small amount of clear hand soap to the soft toothbrush and gently brush all surfaces of the aligners. Once brushed, rinse thoroughly with cool water and check that all soap residue is removed before wearing. This is the top method for cleaning Invisalign daily because hand soap effectively removes bacteria and buildup without damaging the aligner material. It will keep your Invisalign nice, clean, and clear every day.
Method 2 – Hydrogen peroxide solution
Now, if your aligners develop stains or need deeper cleaning, hand soap won’t cut it. It’s recommended that you make a hydrogen peroxide solution to soak them in instead. You’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide, lukewarm water, and a clean container or bowl. Start by mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water. Soak aligners for 20 minutes, then remove and rinse thoroughly with cool water. If needed, brush gently with a soft toothbrush. It’s crucial that you never mix hydrogen peroxide with other cleaning solutions.
Method 3 – White vinegar solution
White vinegar is perfect for dissolving calcium deposits and stubborn buildup within the aligners. To make it, you’ll want to combine distilled white vinegar and water in a container or bowl and start by mixing 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Once the solution is made, soak aligners for 15-20 minutes and then remove and brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and soak in plain water for a few minutes to remove vinegar odour. This solution will help to remove the buildup inside and restore your aligners to a clean state.
Method 4 – Cleaning crystals
The last option is Invisalign cleaning crystals which are specially formulated cleaning products designed by dentists To use them, dissolve Invisalign crystals in lukewarm water as directed and then soak aligners for 15 minutes or as recommended on the packaging. Rinse thoroughly before wearing. While cleaning crystals are more effective, these products are more expensive than household alternatives.
Recommended routine for Invisalign cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your Invisalign, a daily routine can help to keep it consistent.
In the morning, we recommend removing aligners upon waking, then rinsing immediately with cool water, cleaning with clear hand soap and a soft brush, and rinsing again before putting them on. We also recommend using the above methods periodically to avoid staining and plaque buildup. An example schedule could be:
- Daily: Clear hand soap cleaning
- 2-3 times per week: Hydrogen peroxide soak if needed for stains
- Weekly: Deep clean with vinegar solution if buildup occurs
What to avoid when cleaning Invisalign
Cleaning Invisalign shouldn’t be done lazily, or else you may damage them. It’s critical that you avoid running your Invisalign under hot water because it can warp the plastic, causing aligners to lose their shape and fit improperly. Additionally, toothpaste isn’t the best to put directly on Invisalign to clean. This is because toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that create microscopic scratches on aligners, making them more prone to staining and bacteria accumulation. Some patients think baking soda can help with cleaning, but it is also too abrasive and will scratch the aligner surface. Lastly, heavily scented soaps aren’t ideal because they can stain your clear aligners.
Best practices for long-term care
To help your aligners last as long as possible, we recommend that you make aligner cleaning part of your regular oral hygiene routine and that you rinse aligners frequently with water whenever you remove them. Always wash your hands before handling aligners to stop the spread of additional germs. Then make sure that you use your aligner case to hold them when not wearing them, so they don’t get lost, forgotten, or thrown away. It’s also important to never eat or drink anything except water while wearing aligners, so they don’t stain. With these practices, you’ll be more than ready to take care of your aligners and maintain their effectiveness throughout your treatment.
Keep your smile transformation on track
Proper Invisalign care is straightforward but needed. Consistent daily cleaning prevents most problems and keeps your aligners clear, odour-free, and hygienic throughout your treatment. So if you can combine clear hand soap daily cleaning with hydrogen peroxide or vinegar solutions for targeted treatments, you’ll be golden. Don’t let your cleaning mistakes cause extra damage, take action the right way at the start.
At Oakleigh Dental, our team of Invisalign professionals are here to help you through your oral health journey. Whether you’re interested in inquiring about Invisalign or booking your next appointment, we are here to help. Get in touch and take the first step on your Invisalign journey.
