How to Clean Invisalign Braces – All You Need To Know
Having slipped on your first Invisalign tray and admired its discreet appearance in the mirror, you’re probably wondering how to clean Invisalign braces. After all, it’s the near-invisible factor that attracted you to Invisalign in the first place, and should they become discoloured or start to look dingy, it’s handy to know how to clean stained Invisalign.
Cleaning your Invisalign trays is as important as brushing and flossing your teeth, and not only keeps your trays fresh for longer, but helps maintain your oral health too.
While you’ll quickly learn how to clean Invisalign correctly by following our tips below, it’s also important to be aware of certain cleaning methods which could damage your Invisalign. Some people prefer to clean their Invisalign trays with professional cleaning products such as Invisalign cleaning crystals while others prefer cleaning Invisalign with vinegar and baking soda at home. Don’t worry, armed with the right information you’ll easily be able to keep your Invisalign trays as clean as when you first got them.
How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign Braces?
Ideally, you should clean your Invisalign trays every time you remove them. One of the best ways to get to grips with learning how to clean Invisalign and remembering to do it is by adopting a daily routine. This way, caring for your Invisalign trays will become second nature.
Invisalign – First Things First
Since most of us clean our teeth first thing in the morning, this is also the perfect time to take your trays out and clean them thoroughly. While you’re asleep it’s quite likely that bacteria may have accumulated on your Invisalign trays, so it’s important that you start the day off with clean teeth and clean Invisalign trays. Make this a habit in the morning and the evenings.
A word of warning – You might think it’s a good idea while you’ve got your toothbrush loaded with toothpaste, to give your Invisalign aligners a quick once-over; this can damage your Invisalign since toothpaste leaves behind micro scratches and can even create tiny gaps for bacteria to enter. Using mouthwash is equally as bad since it can discolour your Invisalign depending on the colour of mouthwash you’re using.
Every Time You Remove Your Invisalign Be Sure to Rinse
Try and remember to rinse your Invisalign trays each time you remove them. This prevents the build-up of dry saliva and plaque which just so happens to be the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. One easy method of ridding your Invisalign aligners of bacteria is to brush them with a soft bristle toothbrush using a liquid anti-bacterial soap. Make sure you rinse them off well before putting them back in your mouth though (a soapy taste is sure to ruin your appetite) and set aside a special toothbrush just for your Invisalign trays.
Floss, Floss, and Floss
Yes, we know plenty of you aren’t going to like this tip but flossing your teeth after every meal or snack is even more important when you wear Invisalign trays. If you place your trays back in your mouth having not flossed, then any food particles left between your teeth will get trapped inside the Invisalign trays and this could lead to cavities and other dental issues further down the line.
Learn to Love Water!
Your dentist will have told you to remove your Invisalign trays whenever you eat or drink anything but water but to save yourself a whole lot of hassle every time you want a drink, we suggest you learn to love water. It’s good for your health and will keep you hydrated especially on hot summer days.
Here’s a quick tip if you want to know how to whiten Invisalign trays that became slightly discoloured after you drank a sneaky glass of red wine with your aligners still in. Soak your trays in a solution of half hydrogen peroxide and half water for around 20 minutes. This colourless liquid will remove any stains from your Invisalign and contains antibacterial properties.
While you only wear your Invisalign trays for around two weeks before swapping them out, it’s really important to keep your teeth and your Invisalign trays in tip-top condition for the very best teeth straightening results. By learning how to clean Invisalign you’re already well on your way to the beautiful straight smile you’re longing for.
