If you’re using Invisalign®, keeping them clean is essential for ensuring effective treatment and maintaining your confident smile. While these clear aligners are designed to be nearly invisible, improper or inadequate care can cause them to become cloudy or accumulate bacteria, compromising both your oral hygiene and the aesthetic appeal of your aligners. That’s why choosing the right Invisalign cleaner and adopting good cleaning practices is crucial for anyone undergoing this teeth-straightening journey. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cleaning solutions available and share tips on how to care for your Invisalign trays, ensuring the best results for your smile.
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Why It’s Important to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners
Wearing Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours a day means your aligners are constantly exposed to saliva, food particles, and bacteria. Since Invisalign is removable, you have the advantage of easily taking them out for thorough cleaning, ensuring they remain hygienic and clear. Otherwise, these virtually invisible trays can become stained, develop an odour, or lead to oral health issues such as plaque buildup and gum disease. By cleaning your aligners daily, you can:
- Prevent bacteria and plaque accumulation
- Keep your aligners odour-free
- Ensure your aligners remain transparent
- Preserve your overall oral hygiene
Best Invisalign Cleaners on the Market
There are various products available for cleaning Invisalign, each with its own advantages based on your needs, budget, and preferences. Choosing the right cleaner will keep your trays looking fresh and feeling comfortable throughout your treatment. Here are some top options to consider:
1. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Specifically designed for Invisalign aligners, these cleaning crystals offer a reliable and effective solution. By dissolving the crystals in lukewarm water and soaking your trays, they help remove bacteria, plaque, and built-up residue, keeping your aligners clear and fresh. The main drawback is their higher price point compared to other methods. However, their dedicated purpose as Invisalign-specific cleaners ensures effectiveness in maintaining both hygiene and clarity, making them a trusted and preferred choice for many.
2. Retainer Cleaning Tablets
Retainer cleaning tablets are a popular option that work well with Invisalign trays. These tablets typically dissolve in water, releasing bubbles that help break down stains, eliminate odours, and disinfect your aligners. Quick, easy to use, and affordable, they offer a convenient solution for daily cleaning. However, while effective for general maintenance and preventing plaque buildup, they may not be as suited for tackling more stubborn or heavy stains.
3. Ultrasonic Cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaners are devices that use sound waves and a cleaning solution to clean dental appliances, including Invisalign trays. The sound waves create tiny bubbles that effectively remove plaque, bacteria, and debris, reaching areas that traditional cleaning methods may miss. Ultrasonic cleaners are highly efficient and provide a deeper clean compared to manual methods. However, these devices are generally more expensive than other cleaning options and may be considered a luxury item for those seeking a premium cleaning solution.
What Not to Use on Your Invisalign Aligners
While maintaining a cleaning routine is essential, you should avoid:
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste with beads agent can be too abrasive and can scratch the surface of your aligners, making them more visible.
- Mouthwash: Coloured mouthwashes, especially those containing alcohol, can stain your trays and reduce their clarity.
- Hot Water: Heat can warp the plastic and compromise the fit of your aligners. Always use lukewarm or cold water for rinsing or soaking.
- Bleach: Bleach can weaken the plastic and distort the fit of your trays.
- Other DIY agents/alternatives: Some common options include denture cleaning tablets, baking soda, or vinegar. These options may lead to unwanted side effects such as accidental damage. As such, we recommend using products specifically designed for cleaning.
Best Practices for Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners
Using the right cleaner is important, but there are additional steps you can take to ensure your Invisalign trays stay in the best condition throughout your treatment.
- Rinse regularly: Rinse your aligners with water whenever you remove them, especially before eating. This helps wash away saliva and food particles, preventing plaque buildup.
- Brush gently: You may consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your aligners daily.
- Soak daily: Soak your aligners daily using one of the recommended cleaners and follow the instructions carefully. Be mindful not to soak them excessively, as prolonged exposure to certain solutions could cause damage.
- Store appropriately: When not in use, always store your aligners in their protective case to avoid exposure to bacteria and prevent loss or damage.
Summary: Clear & Clean Aligners, Confident Results
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean doesn’t have to be complicated, thanks to the
wide variety of solutions available. Whichever option you choose, consistent
care is key to keeping your aligners clear and odour-free throughout
your treatment, helping you achieve your desired smile in a healthy and
hygienic way.
At True Dental Studio, we offer Invisalign treatment with personalised, experienced,
and friendly care. If you’re dealing with tough stains on your aligners, bring them
along during your scaling and polishing appointments for a thorough cleaning. Contact us today
to learn more about our Invisalign services and let us support you on your journey
to a straighter, more confident smile.
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At True Dental, it is our commitment to ensure our patients are kept as comfortable as possible. We aim to minimize discomfort, if any, for our patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to clean your Invisalign aligners is to rinse them with lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, unscented soap or a specialised aligner cleaner. You should also soak your aligners daily in a cleaning solution like the Retainer Cleaning Tablets to eliminate bacteria and stains.
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are widely considered the best product to clean Invisalign aligners, as they are specifically formulated for the trays. Other good options include Retainer Brite, Steraligner, and ultrasonic cleaners.
Polident and Efferdent are popular denture cleaners that can also be used to clean Invisalign trays. However, denture cleaners may not be as gentle as products specifically designed for Invisalign, so occasional use is recommended.
To prevent yellowing, clean your Invisalign trays daily with a specialised cleaner, avoid eating foods like curry or drinking staining liquids like coffee or tea while wearing them, and brush your teeth after every meal before putting the aligners back in.
To keep your Invisalign aligners odour-free, clean them daily with a specialised solution like Retainer Brite or Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. Rinse your trays after eating and avoid using alcohol-based mouthwash, which can contribute to unpleasant smells.
Use a clear, unscented, antibacterial soap for cleaning your Invisalign trays. Ensure that the soap is mild and free of harsh chemicals or fragrances that might damage the trays or leave a residue.
To keep your teeth white while using Invisalign, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, especially after eating. Avoid staining foods and drinks, and consider using whitening toothpaste or treatments recommended by your dentist.
Clear, unscented, antibacterial soap is the best option for cleaning retainers. It’s mild, effective, and doesn’t leave residue or strong scents, making it safe for daily use on retainers and aligners.
No, it’s not recommended to use Listerine or other alcohol-based mouthwashes to clean your Invisalign trays, as these products can stain or damage the plastic. Stick to clear, antibacterial soap or a specialised cleaner.
Retainer Brite and Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are two popular cleaners for retainers. Both are effective at removing bacteria, stains, and odours while being gentle on the material.
Yes, Polident can be used to clean Invisalign aligners occasionally. However, since it’s formulated for dentures, it may not be as gentle as aligner-specific products, so it’s better to use products like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals for regular cleaning.
The easiest way to clean Invisalign is to rinse them with lukewarm water, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and antibacterial soap, and soak them daily in a specialised cleaner like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.
You should clean your Invisalign aligners at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Additionally, rinse them after meals and soak them daily in a specialised cleaning solution.
It’s fine to leave your Invisalign aligners in water for short periods, but water alone won’t clean them. To properly maintain them, soak them in a specialised cleaner like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.