How to Clean Invisalign™ Aligners and Retainers Effectively
Keep your Invisalign™ aligners spotless with these cleaning tips for trays and retainers!
Clear aligners are ideal for straightening your teeth however, you want to ensure you know how to clean Invisalign™ correctly to avoid problems. Keeping your dental appliance clean means there is less chance of running into issues due to food particles and bacteria building up between the appliance and your teeth. The cleaning process should be part of your daily routine to provide a comfortable and fresh-fitting appliance.
What is The Difference Between an Aligner and a Retainer?
An Invisalign™ aligner is a thermoplastic tray custom-made to help your teeth move into their proper position. A retainer, on the other hand, keeps your teeth in position once they have been properly maneuvered in your mouth. You will need both appliances for successful Invisalign™ results.
It is important to wear your retainer for the rest of your life to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your dentist may however suggest you only need to wear a retainer three to five times per week. The timing will depend on your new bone growth and the stability of your teeth.
How Do You Clean Invisalign™ Aligners and Retainers?
It is crucial to know how to clean Invisalign™ retainers and how to clean Invisalign™ trays. Regular cleaning is key to keeping the appliance fresh and free from bacteria. Here is what you should do:
Rinse your appliance under some lukewarm water when you take it out of your mouth
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with some unscented anti-bacterial soap or cleaning crystals and water to lightly scrub your oral appliance without damaging it
Rinse off your orthodontic appliance once more, with just water
Dry off the oral appliance and put it back in your mouth or place it in a dry, airtight container if not using it right away.
No matter when you clean your oral appliance, you will always want to run it under some lukewarm water before placing it back in your mouth. Some other cleaning choices may include:
Hydrogen peroxide and water
Distilled white vinegar with water
Baking soda and water
Ultrasonic cleaner
What to Avoid When It Comes to How to Clean Invisalign™
Hot Water – Never use hot water on your Invisalign™ aligners or retainers as this can cause the material to bend and no longer fit correctly in your mouth.
Long Soaks – You may think the longer you soak your appliance the better, but this is untrue. Soaking it for more than 15 minutes will likely cause it to become corroded and unusable.
Tips for Maintaining Your Aligners and Retainers
Clean Twice a Day at Minimum – Cleaning your oral appliance at least twice a day is required to keep gunk off it. This will result in a properly working device that smells great.
Take it Out – Pop your aligner or retainer off when eating. This will avoid breaking, getting food stuck on the appliance, or food particles getting trapped between your gums and the aligner. Just make sure you wear it for at least 22 hours a day, so it does its job.
Regularly Visit the Dentist – When you wear an aligner or retainer, it is vital that you keep your scheduled dental appointments. Your dentist will monitor your progress and check to make sure your appliance is working correctly. Your dentist will record the changes to your oral cavity and guide you through the rest of the alignment process accordingly.
Care for Your Teeth
It is important to clean your aligners and retainers to keep your mouth and body healthy. Your teeth play an important part in your facial structure so make sure you pay attention to any aches, pains, or changes in your teeth, gums, and bone.
At Glenbrook Dental, we help you achieve the smile you desire with open communication, advice, and consistent checks throughout your dental journey. We understand that everyone’s needs are different, and we take time to come up with a customized solution for you. If an adjustment is needed in your treatment, we will discuss alternate dental plans with you. Do you have further questions about how to clean Invisalign™ or any other dental concerns? We are here to provide you with answers.
Your Guide to Better Dental Health
