Keep aligners spotless with our guide on how to use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Avoid bacterial build-up and discolouration of your Invisalign™ to protect your teeth while they straighten. How do you do this? Make sure you regularly give a thorough cleaning to your aligners. This ensures everything works properly and you can smile knowing you have fresh breath! Invisalign offers a pain-free way to a beautiful smile, but you need to take care of your aligners to prevent unwanted problems. One simple way to do this is by understanding how to use Invisalign™ cleaning crystals.
The Crystal-Clear Solution
Invisalign™ cleaning crystals are made specifically for getting rid of dirt, bacteria, and any other build-up on your invisible aligners. They are the stand-out choice for cleaning your orthodontic appliance, and here is why:
- Sanitize – They sanitize every part of your aligners.
- Maintenance – Maintain the invisible braces’ appearance by keeping the aligners in top shape and warding off residue that can lead to discolouration.
- Health – Keep your health up by steering clear of bacteria that can make you sick by growing inside your mouth and instead use these cleaning crystals.
- Smooth – Your tongue easily slides across the aligners without feeling bumps along the way because this cleaning method eliminates nasty plaque with ease.
- Fresh Breath – Avoid a smelly mouth when you use a cleaning product made to get rid of built-up food debris that can lend itself to stinky breath.
What Exactly Are Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals?
Cleaning crystals are a specially formulated powder made of sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium dichlorosocyanurate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
The Answer to “How Do I Use Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals”?
These step-by-step instructions guide you so you will know exactly what to do. The cleaning crystals will work as they should to help you maintain your aligners.
- Step 1: Pre-Rinse – Place your aligners under some lukewarm water to give them a quick rinse. This will eliminate loose food or dirt that is on the surface.
- Step 2: Submersion – Fill a cup or bowl with lukewarm water and pour in the cleaning crystals then mix until they fully dissolve.
- Step 3: Soak – Put your aligners in the solution and let them soak for about 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Rinse- Remove your aligners from the container and rinse them with lukewarm water. This way all the crystals come off.
- Step 5: Brush – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to eliminate any additional debris still stuck on the Invisalign™.
- Step 6: Rinse Again – Rinse the aligners for a third time with some lukewarm water.
- Step 7: Dry – Use a clean cloth or towel to dry off the aligners.
- Step 8: Ready – The aligners are now ready to wear once again.
If not using your aligners right away, it is important to place them in a clean and dry case, so they are protected from the elements. Always do one more rinse with some water before placing them back in your mouth. Cleaning your clear trays like this twice a day is ideal. Keep in mind that you must wear your Invisalign™ for 22 hours every day so they can work their magic.
What Do Clean Aligners Look Like?
Know when your aligners are clean by looking for the following:
- Clear surface
- No visible build-up
- Odor free
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Invisalign™
- Soaking for Too Long – Leaving your aligners in the solution for too long can cause them to become damaged and unable to continue to work as they should.
- Scented or Coloured Soap Rinse – While using unscented, anti-bacterial soap may be ok for your Invisalign™, using scented and coloured soaps can cause deterioration or stains. Chemicals can cause negative reactions so they should be avoided at all costs. Toothpaste should also be avoided as a cleaning solution since it is gritty and can easily scratch the surface of your oral appliance.
- Avoid Hot Water – Hot water can deform your clear trays and require you to return to the dentist for a whole new set.
- Using a Hard Brush – Any type of tool that is a bit stiff or rough can damage your Invisalign™, rendering it unusable.
- Skipping a Wash – It is important to wash the case you place your Invisalign in to avoid bacteria transferring from the container onto your aligners and into your mouth.
Additional Oral Health Steps
Knowing how to use Invisalign™ cleaning crystals is not the only step you need to keep up with the process of straightening your teeth. You should always brush and floss your teeth as well since dirty teeth just add bacteria into your invisible trays which can cause complications.
Your Dentist Is Here for You
How to use Invisalign™ cleaning crystals is an easy process to become accustomed to. At Glenbrook Dental, we will guide you with answers to any additional questions you may have on the topic. We are here to give you that wonderful smile you have been dreaming of and will show you exactly how you can achieve it!