How to Clean Invisalign: The Best Methods
If you have Invisalign®, you’ve probably heard how important it is to take proper care of your clear aligners.
Throughout your treatment, you’ll want to keep your trays looking and smelling fresh, so it’s crucial to kill the bad bacteria.
But do you know the best way to clean your aligners?
In this blog, we’ll tell you:
- How to clean Invisalign aligners
- How often to clean them
- How to prevent stains
- And more!
Let’s dive in.
How do you clean your Invisalign aligners?
There are multiple ways to clean your aligners, but the best methods for cleaning Invisalign are with:
- Soap and water
- Invisalign cleaning crystals
There’s debate about whether or not you can use toothpaste to clean your trays. But it’s recommended that you avoid cleaning them with toothpaste, as it could scratch the aligner material… This text opens a new tab to the Invisalign website….
How to clean Invisalign trays with soap and water:
When cleaning your trays with this method, use a gentle, clear liquid soap and lukewarm water.
Never use hot water to clean your aligners or else they’ll melt or warp.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, thoroughly scrub the trays to remove any debris or food particles.
Use a separate toothbrush solely for cleaning purposes to prevent cross-contamination.
How to clean Invisalign trays with cleaning crystals:
Invisalign cleaning crystals… This text opens a new tab to the Invisalign Accessories website… are little crystals that dissolve into water to form a solution.
They contain safe cleansing agents, such as sodium sulfate, which break down any plaque or residue stuck in the crevices of your aligners.
To begin cleaning your Invisalign, you’ll thoroughly rinse your trays under water.
Then, fill a clean cup with lukewarm water, and pour one packet of cleaning crystals into the water. Stir or shake the cup until they’ve fully dissolved.
Next, submerge your aligners in the solution and let them soak for 15-30 minutes.
Finally, rinse the trays under running warm water.
With both cleaning methods, you’ll want to let your Invisalign air dry before putting them back in your mouth or their case.
How often should you clean your Invisalign aligners?
Clean your aligners when you’re brushing your teeth in the morning and evening (twice a day).
Cleaning and rinsing your trays will prevent bacterial buildup, which can cause unpleasant odors and stains, not to mention affect your smile’s health.
Regularly cleaning your aligners will ultimately help you stay on track with your treatment plan.
You can further avoid any issues by:
- Rinsing your aligners whenever you remove them
- Removing your trays before you eat or drink (anything besides water)
- Rinsing and cleaning your mouth before putting the aligners back in
“But what if I stain my Invisalign aligners?”
Remove stains with hydrogen peroxide.
You can find hydrogen peroxide at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
Use a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. If there’s also plaque dried on the trays, add two tablespoons of baking soda.
It could take hours to remove the stains fully, so you may want to let this solution soak overnight.
Have any other questions?
Reach out to our expert orthodontist and Invisalign Provider, Dr. Justin Silvestre.
Dr. Silvestre is always happy to give advice to patients, and he offers free consultations, including complimentary video consultations.
Or reach us by:
- Phone: 215-799-4602
- Email: info@indianvalleybraces.com
Orthodontic Specialists Indian Valley is located in Souderton, PA… This text opens a new tab to our Google listing… and serves patients from surrounding communities, including Harleysville, Hatfield, Hilltown, Sellersville, Perkasie, Quakertown, and Lansdale.
