How To Clean Invisalign®Aligners

Invisalign treatment is a fabulous (and nearly invisible) way for teens and adults alike to straighten their teeth and beautify their smiles. And another perk? Invisalign aligners, also referred to as retainers or trays, are super easy to clean and maintain. If you need to clean your aligners, follow these steps for flawless cleaning tips.
We typically suggest cleaning Invisalign aligners twice daily. Why? Because, just like your natural teeth, removable orthodontic appliances can be filled with bacteria and food particles that can leave them stained, give you bad breath and affect your teeth and gums. In fact, it’s a good habit to clean your trays and your teeth every time you eat before wearing them again. You should also never eat or drink anything but water while wearing Invisalign aligners as they can easily stain, scratch, or crack.

How To Clean Invisalign Retainers

Remember not to just rinse your aligners. This won’t actually do much other than rinse loose food particles off. You need to take the time to clean your Invisalign retainers properly and thoroughly to maintain their shape and your oral health. There are a few different cleaning methods you can use.

Method 1

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and add a dab of clear liquid soap to gently scrub off stuck-on food particles and dried saliva. Rinse them well with cold water and brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in your mouth. If you don’t want to use soap, use non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t leave scratches on your clear aligners.

Note: Using a clear soap will prevent the set of aligners from yellowing. It’s also always best to use cold water or lukewarm water when cleaning your aligners as they can bend or crack from hot water.

Method 2

You can actually buy Invisalign cleaning crystals which were specifically created by the brand to clean and disinfect the clear aligners as efficiently as possible. Just fill a glass with lukewarm water, mix the cleaning solution into the water, soak your aligners for 15-30 minutes, and when the time is up, scrub off any leftover mixture with your soft toothbrush, rinse, and they’re ready to be worn again. The crystals are made from non-toxic materials and can be used to clean Invisalign aligners twice a day.

Method 3

You can follow the same steps as method 2 only with denture cleaner if you don’t have any Invisalign crystals. This is a great retainer cleaner and can be purchased at any local drugstore. Denture cleaners are typically made from sodium bicarbonate (or baking soda), citric acid, and potassium monopersulfate (a bleaching agent), therefore, you should rinse them off well.

Method 4

White distilled vinegar always does the trick. Fill a glass with half lukewarm water, half the vinegar, and soak the Invisalign trays for around 15-20 minutes. If you can taste the vinegar, gently scrub them with your soft brush, rinsing them in the process with cool water.

How To Store Your Aligners

If you aren’t wearing or cleaning your aligners, always keep your aligners in their respective cases. This ensures they’re kept safe from being dropped, scratched, and cracked. Leaving them in the open air can also expose them to more bacteria. Plus, they’re small and compact so you can easily keep them in your purse or travel bag.

Cleaning Invisalign Aligners Is Easy, Trust Us!

If you’re wondering how to clean Invisalign aligners, trust us, they’re very simple to maintain. Follow one of these cleaning solutions to ensure your trays are bacteria and stain-free. But always remember to brush your teeth and floss before wearing your trays again. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can make the process of your Invisalign treatment that much simpler and faster. Should you ever have any further questions about your treatment or how to clean your aligners, always reach out to your dentist.

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