The necessity to clean Invisalign aligners is among the most crucial things to keep in mind.
Even though the aligners are supposed to be thrown away every few weeks, they still need to be cleaned.
Otherwise, you could have to wear a gross pair of aligners every day.
Discover the ideal methods for cleaning your aligners.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ People often use Invisalign to straighten their teeth, but for the aligners to work properly, they must be cleaned frequently.
✅ Your aligners can remain as transparent and unnoticeable as possible if you take some care of them.
✅ Because they are designed to be thrown away, they frequently can’t withstand aggressive cleaning techniques such as using very hot water or abrasive brushes.
✅ Speak with your dentist if you’re having trouble keeping your aligners clean.
✅ You can maintain your mouth and aligners clean with the help of various strategies they can suggest that are tailored to your dental requirements.
When to rinse or clean Invisalign aligners
Keep in mind that there is a difference between cleaning and rinsing when it comes to Invisalign. While rinsing your aligners may give the impression that they are cleaner, however, you haven’t taken any action to eliminate the bacteria that can accumulate underneath the surface. The fundamental cleaning procedure for nightly cleaning is as follows according to the Invisalign website.
Every night, rinse your aligners with water. Remove any debris or food particles that have accumulated over the day and brush your aligners gently with clear liquid soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the one you use to brush your teeth every day).
When not in use, keep them in a safe case and properly rinse them after brushing.
Cleaning supplies
A “Steraligner” product with a tray is offered by Invisalign. Rub alcohol and sodium bicarbonate, a natural antiseptic, is included in the ingredients. You put your aligners in the tray and let them soak for three minutes to clean them. Rinse with warm water after brushing with the sterilizing solution.
Additionally, Invisalign offers “cleaning crystals,” a solution that you dissolve in water and use to soak your aligners. These crystals include sodium sulphate and other cleaning chemicals. If you’re looking for a less expensive and more readily available option, these chemicals are comparable to those of retainer cleaning products (but not denture cleansers).
Are there studies on the ideal cleaning methods?
The basic cleaning technique mentioned above is frequently sufficient to keep your aligners clean at night, while it might not be the most effective option.
The pathogens on invisible aligners that were replaced every two weeks during a six-week period were the subject of a study that was published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology.
They looked at three strategies:
- Using water to rinse
- using toothpaste and effervescent pills
- using only a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean the aligners
Researchers came to the conclusion of their study that the best methods for cleaning aligners were brushing and using effervescent pills. Additionally, they found that utilizing the pills was somewhat superior to brushing.
How often should your aligners be cleaned?
Every night, you should clean your aligners, typically at the same time that you wash and floss your teeth. This aids in clearing away any accumulated food particles, trash, and bacteria that you unavoidably gather throughout the day.
If you accidentally drank something opaque while wearing your Invisalign or if you put them on too soon after eating, or if they appear noticeably dirty in any other way, you can clean them. You should rinse your aligners every time you take them off in addition to using more thorough cleaning techniques. You change your aligners every two weeks, but they still merit thorough cleaning.
Failure to do so may result in poor breath or discolored aligners that make your teeth appear yellow. Additionally, you keep exposing your teeth to bacteria that has accumulated.
Any cleaners to stay away from?
You shouldn’t use some cleaners on your Invisalign aligners since they are either too harsh or harmful. These, for instance, include mouthwashes, especially those with alcohol in them; denture cleansers, toothpaste, and perfumed soaps which can quickly begin to taste bitter.
Additionally, you should avoid using cleaning soaps with color additives (such as blue, red, or green soaps). These are simple to stain, which makes using Invisalign for two weeks more difficult. Additionally, using a toothbrush with hard bristles rather than soft ones could be too abrasive on your Invisalign.
The ideal ways to maintain your aligners
Maintaining clean, sterile aligners can be accomplished by adhering to a few care guidelines. Here are a few instances:
- Remove your aligners before eating at all times. Otherwise, food particles could accumulate inside the aligners or they might get damaged and stop working.
- Drink just water throughout the time that your aligners are in place. Otherwise, you run the risk of harming or staining them.
- Not washing the trays with water that is too hot.
- Keep your aligners in an airtight container whenever you aren’t using them. This lessens the possibility that you’ll misplace them and safeguards them from bacteria.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain your aligners clean and get the most out of your treatment.