A Definitive Guide on How to Clean Invisalign Trays

Everyone dreams of having a perfect smile. But not all are lucky to have well-aligned teeth. Fortunately, the issue can easily be corrected through dental cosmetology, and there is no better solution than Invisalign.

Invisalign is constantly gaining popularity, with the market estimated to reach $8.2 billion by 2026. Invisalign are virtually invisible, and you can eat anything with them. They are comfortable and easy to clean.

Keeping your Invisalign trays clean is critical. It prevents discoloration of the trays and ensures that they serve you for the longest time. Learn how to clean Invisalign trays in this definitive guide.

How To Clean Invisalign Trays

One thing you need to know about Invisalign trays is that they should be cleaned. Otherwise, you’ll end up with smelly aligners.  Check out these simple but essential steps to keep Invisalign trays clean.

Develop a Morning Routine

Make it a habit to remove and clean your Invisalign trays when you wake up in the morning. Do so as you can brush your teeth to get rid of any overnight bacterial buildup. Be sure to use Invisalign cleaner to give them a fresh feel as you begin your day.

Cleaning your aligners every morning is a critical part of maintaining oral hygiene. Otherwise, you are prone to infections and developing bad breath. Ensure you include this step in your bedtime routine as well.

Rinse the Trays Thoroughly

Among the most critical Invisalign care tips is to rinse them before putting them back.

This step prevents saliva and food buildup. It is highly recommended that you rinse the trays every time you take them out to eat, in addition to the morning and bedtime routine.

You can use antibacterial soap or rinse them with clean, running water. You may also use a soft-bristled brush to clean the trays and get rid of any stuck particles.

If you take the aligners off to eat, it will help if you brushed your teeth before putting the Invisalign trays back to avoid compromising their cleanliness.

Soak the Aligners

Rinsing is not enough to keep the trays clean. It would help if you soaked them for some time, at least once every day. Some food particles are hard to remove by just rinsing and brushing the trays. Soaking the trays will loosen the particles, making them easy to remove.

Get some aligners cleaning crystals and soak the trays as per the instructions. You should wait for 10 to 15 minutes before removing them from the solution. Brush the trays to get rid of the loosened dirt and rinse them thoroughly before putting them back.

Brush Your Teeth Before Putting on the Aligners

Your effort to clean Invisalign trays will be rendered futile if you put them on dirty teeth. Your teeth and gums should be free of bacteria and plaque buildup, and you can ensure this by brushing or flossing each time you remove the Invisalign.

Failure to do so will result in food particles getting stuck against your teeth. In return, you could develop dental issues such as cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.

How to Maintain Invisalign Trays

Cleaning Invisalign trays is part of taking care of your teeth and mouth. But maintaining cleanliness and functionality is more important. How well you care for them will determine how long they will serve you.

Don’t Leave the Trays in the Open

Invisalign trays are an expensive investment. With the numerous benefits of Invisalign, you wouldn’t want all the money spent to go to waste by failing to offer them proper care. You obviously won’t have the trays 24/7. The recommended time to have the Invisalign in your mouth is 20 to 22 hours per day.

Every time you take them out, make sure to put them in their case securely. Leaving them anyhow in the open exposes the Invisalign trays to bacteria and germs. Moreover, they could get lost or damaged.

Take the Trays Out Before Eating or Drinking

Invisalign trays are comfortable, and you can easily eat with them. However, that only subjects them to buildups and food getting trapped between the trays and your teeth. Also, the trays are not as strong, and chewing with them on could damage them.

Therefore, if you are about to eat or drink anything other than water, you should remove your trays first.

Use Invisalign Cleaner

As tempting as it could be, you should not use toothpaste when brushing the aligners. Toothpaste is a bit harsh and can damage or discolor the trays. Instead, get an Invisalign cleaner to maximize the trays’ lifespan.

Don’t Subject the Trays to Colored Products

The best way to maintain Invisalign trays is to clean them with the right products and equipment. Some recommended products include;

• President
• Vinegar
• Invisalign Cleaning Kit
• Uncolored mouthwash
• Hydrogen peroxide

Avoid colored or scented cleaning products as most of them contain abrasive ingredients. Such ingredients cause buildup, discoloration and may lead to awful odor.

If you lack any of the mentioned products, you can use a mild soap or detergent and a soft brush to clean the aligners. Ensure that the soap is free of scents and dyes.

Sanitize the Trays Once in a While

Anything that goes to the mouth should be free from germs. While brushing and rinsing help you get rid of the visible buildup, some kinds of dirt are invisible and can only be eliminated through sanitization.

You can do so by placing them in alcohol, maybe once a month. Alcohol contains antibacterial properties, so you can trust that it will remove any germs and bacteria from the trays.

Change the Trays Regularly

Your dentist will determine how long you should take to change Invisalign trays, depending on your dental needs. Changing them at the recommended pace brings you closer to attaining the intended results. It also saves you from developing further dental issues.

Maintain Bright and Functional Invisalign Trays Through Proper Cleaning

Now that you understand how to clean Invisalign trays, you have no excuse for not cleaning them regularly and adequately.

Besides cleaning, ensure that you are following the proper steps to maintain their functionality. The highlighted tips and steps will help you retain the trays curb appeal, which is equivalent to a bright smile.

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