When you found out you could fix your dental alignment with Invisalign instead of painful metal braces, you were as happy as a clam. But then you realized you needed to learn how to clean Invisalign trays, and your soon-to-be perfect smile may have briefly turned upside down. It's an unavoidable fact: wearing clear orthodontic aligners requires a consistent and thorough maintenance routine. But don't fret — we have seven easy-to-follow oral hygiene tips that'll show you how to clean Invisalign braces effectively and keep your teeth bright and healthy during your entire aligning treatment.
1. Clean Invisalign Trays Twice Every Day
Start your morning routine by cleaning your orthodontic trays. Do this at the same time you brush your teeth. Use a different toothbrush for your clear aligners than you use for your teeth. While we sleep, our mouths generate a lot of bacteria, so it's important to start the day with fresh and clean aligners to keep that bacteria away from your teeth and gums. Repeat the routine before bedtime. Clean your Invisalign tray thoroughly to remove any saliva, food particles or bacteria that may have built up during the day. Brush your teeth and then reinsert the Invisalign before you go to bed.2. Don't Use Toothpaste or Fancy Soap on Invisalign
Toothpaste can be too abrasive and can actually dull your clear aligners and make them more noticeable, which pretty much defeats one of the primary advantages of getting Invisalign in the first place. Soaps that are colored and/or scented can likewise stain your trays and could leave an unpleasant taste when you put them back in your mouth.3. Clean Invisalign Trays With Antibacterial Soap
So what should you use to keep your Invisalign braces fresh, clean AND invisible? Only use a mild clear antibacterial soap to clean them. Your orthodontic aligners attract bacteria, and that can cause them to smell bad.4. Brush and Floss Your Teeth Before Putting the Invisalign Back In
When you take your trays out to eat, or for any other reason, take a moment to brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in your mouth. If you don't, you risk allowing food particles that may be stuck in your teeth to get trapped in your Invisalign, which could cause tooth decay.5. Rinse Your Invisalign Whenever You Remove It
This tip goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. While you've got your Invisalign out, rinse it to get rid of any bacteria or food that might be in there. Saliva and plaque can also build up during the day, and you want to rinse that out to keep your Invisalign clean and fresh.6. Keep Orthodontic Trays in Their Case
Don't allow your trays to become a welcome home for airborne bacteria. Leaving them exposed to the air will do just that. Keep them in their case any time they aren't in your mouth. Be sure to carry the case with you wherever you go so you can protect your Invisalign if you eat out or otherwise remove them away from home.7. Soak Invisalign for 20 Minutes Every Day
Soak your aligners for 20 minutes a day either in Invisalign cleaning crystals solution or a mild denture cleaner. Stop using the denture cleaner if you notice your clear aligners turning cloudy or yellow. Only soak them in warm water, as water that's too hot can affect the shape of your trays.Have Questions About How to Clean Invisalign Trays?
If you want more information about how to clean Invisalign orthodontic trays, or to learn more about Invisalign in general, our helpful and knowledgeable staff is here for you. Contact Beth's Braces today for more oral hygiene tips or to schedule a consultation!
