Your Complete Guide to Caring For Invisalign Clear Aligners: Tips, Tricks & Best Practices
Are you unsure of how to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and smelling fresh? Neglecting to care for your Invisalign clear aligners can lead to gingivitis, halitosis (bad breath), cloudy or smelly aligners, and even increased risk of cavities. The tips and tricks in this blog will teach you the best way to clean Invisalign aligners, and general Invisalign care. We will cut through the confusion, offer simple, effective, and safe methods to keep your aligners sparkling and your smile journey on track.
Why Proper Invisalign Care Matters
Are you unsure of how to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and smelling fresh? Neglecting to care for your Invisalign clear aligners can lead to gingivitis, halitosis (bad breath), cloudy or smelly aligners, and even increased risk of cavities. The tips and tricks in this blog will teach you the best way to clean Invisalign aligners, and general Invisalign care. We will cut through the confusion, offer simple, effective, and safe methods to keep your aligners sparkling and your smile journey on track.
Your Daily Invisalign Care Routine
Step 1: Rinse – rinse your aligners under lukewarm water immediately after removing them from your mouth.
Step 2: Brush Gently – use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the inside of the aligners (where the teeth go) to remove any debris.
Expert Tip: keep a separate toothbrush just for your aligners
Step 3: Add Soap – add a small amount of non-abrasive soap (like clear antibacterial hand soap) to the toothbrush and brush aligners again. Toothpaste with baking soda or whitening properties should be avoided due to their abrasiveness.
Expert Tip: Make small circular motions with your toothbrush to get into all the little grooves
Step 4: Thorough Rinsing – Rinse off your aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water, shaking off excess water before placing in your case, or back in your mouth.
Deep Cleaning Your Aligners
Occasionally you may want to deep clean your aligners, for example if you drop your aligners on the ground, notice a bad smell or plaque buildup. There are special cleaners that you can use to soak your aligners, such as Invisalign cleaning crystals, or Polident Retainer Cleaner.
- Fill a clean container, like a small bowl, with warm (not hot) water
- Add the cleaning crystals or tablet to the water, following product instructions
- Place aligners in container, submerging in the solution
- Allow aligners to soak for a few minutes (always follow product instructions)
- Rinse aligners thoroughly, and brush with soft-bristled toothbrush as needed
- Dispose of solution according to manufacturer’s instructions
Expert Tip: Never use hot water when cleaning your aligners, as it can warp the aligners
Products to avoid and why
Abrasive Toothpaste – gritty particles in toothpaste, which act as whitening agents, can scratch the aligner material, increasing the risk of bacterial buildup
Mouthwash – aligners should not be soaked in mouthwash, as it can damage the aligner material, and may stain it
Harsh Chemicals (bleach, household cleaning products) – extremely damaging to the aligner material, and can be toxic if ingested
Hot Water – putting your aligners in hot water can warp the aligner material, causing it to not fit properly, which can affect tooth movement or cause tissue damage.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Smile On Track
By following our daily care routine and following your Orthodontist’s instructions, your Invisalign treatment will be smooth and rewarding. Being consistent and mindful of caring for your aligners in the beginning will help these tasks become a habit.
Ready to get started on your own Invisalign journey? Find a docbraces location nearest you and request a complimentary consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 22-hour rule for Invisalign? This refers to the amount of time aligners should be on your teeth with Invisalign. They should be worn all the time, except eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
How do I survive the first week of Invisalign? Wearing aligners may feel strange at first but wearing them consistently will help you adapt quickly and with minimal effort.
Can I swim with Invisalign on my teeth? Yes! All Invisalign aligners are custom made for a snug, reliable fit, so there is no worry about them falling out.
Do I sleep with Invisalign on? Yes, absolutely! In fact, the best time to switch to a new set of aligners is before bed – it gives the aligners all night to move the teeth without interruption.
How do you protect your enamel with Invisalign? The best way to protect enamel is to keep clean Invisalign aligners and brushing after each meal before reinserting your enamel. Always remove your aligners when you are drinking any sugary or acidic beverages.
How to clean Invisalign retainers? Follow our handy guide above on how often to clean Invisalign, the best way to clean Invisalign trays and proper Invisalign care. All you need is a toothbrush and some mild soap!
What is the best way to clean Invisalign trays? Cleaning with a toothbrush and mild antibacterial hand soap is an effective cleaning method, and there are also specific aligner and retainer cleaners that you can use – always make sure to follow the retainer cleaner or Invisalign crystal instructions for use.
Note: specific products named in this blog are examples, and are not endorsed by docbraces