Invisalign aligners are an effective yet discreet way to realign your teeth and enhance your smile. While Invisalign aligners have many benefits over traditional metal braces, they need extra care.
In this article, you’ll learn why your Invisalign aligners need cleaning and the best ways to clean your aligners.
Why Should I Clean my Invisalign?
It is necessary to wear the Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. You only have to take them out while eating or brushing your teeth. Although you get new aligners every couple of weeks, you still need to clean them regularly.
Since you wear Invisalign aligners over your teeth, there are chances that a white film, called plaque, can build up on them. This buildup contains bacteria that negatively impact oral hygiene and may lead to infections.
However, by cleaning your Invisalign aligners, you can prevent not only bacterial buildup but also avoid potential oral health problems.
How Often Should I Clean my Invisalign?
Just as you brush & floss your teeth daily, you must clean your Invisalign aligners daily. While rinsing your aligners after every meal is important, it is still not enough to prevent plaque buildup. You can clean your Invisalign at night before bed or in the morning.
It is worth mentioning that along with cleaning Invisalign, be sure to follow your dentist’s directions. It is better to avoid using hot water when rinsing your aligners and take your aligners out when you’re eating or drinking.
Best Ways to Clean Invisalign
Cleaning Invisalign aligners daily removes the food particles, debris, and bacteria that might have accumulated. Here are some of the top ways to clean your Invisalign:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use non-whitening, non-coloured toothpaste.
- Dissolve cleaning crystals in water and soak Invisalign in it
- Soak your aligners in a retainer cleaner solution.
- Use effervescent cleaning tablets.
Cleaners to Avoid
Make sure to avoid harsh cleaners to clean your Invisalign aligners. Here are some examples.
- Coloured mouthwashes, especially the ones that contain alcohol.
- Scented soaps.
- Abrasive toothpaste.
- Cleaning soaps with dyes.
- Dishwashers.
- Bleaching chemicals.
Can I Use Vinegar to Clean my Invisalign?
Vinegar is another effective way to clean your Invisalign. Dissolve white vinegar in distilled water in a 1:3 ratio, and let your aligners soak in it for 15-20 minutes. After that, take a soft bristle toothbrush and remove the buildup. Finally, rinse your aligners with water.
Vinegar can safely remove bacterial buildup and deodorise your aligners as well. So, yes, you are allowed to use vinegar to clean your aligners. But make sure you’re using the 1:3 ratio.
Invisalign Treatment in Pennant Hills, NSW
We offer a good range of quality dental services at Hills Dental Design, including Invisalign treatment in Pennant Hills, NSW, Australia. Our team of highly experienced dental experts can correct your orthodontic issues using Invisalign.
If you need help cleaning Invisalign, our experts will be happy to assist you. Contact our dentists in Pennant Hills today to have more information on properly caring for your Invisalign.