How to Clean & Care for Invisalign Aligners

Last updated November 30, 2018

Proper upkeep and good oral hygiene are essential for keeping your Invisalign aligners clean, invisible, and odor-free. Although Invisalign allows for aligners to be removed for eating and drinking, failing to clean your trays properly afterwards can result in discoloration and a buildup of bacteria.

Luckily, keeping your smile bright is both easy and affordable. Here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts that will help you keep your aligners clean and crystal clear:

DO:

Rinse your aligners when you remove them. Dry saliva and plaque create a perfect breeding ground for foul smelling bacteria.
Soak your aligners. Denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and the official Invisalign cleaning crystals are all excellent options for keeping your trays clear and sanitized.
Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners. Proper oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Since Invisalign is form fitted, failing to brush and floss properly can trap harmful particles between your teeth and aligner, which increases your risk for dental issues in the future.
Clean your aligners with a clear anti-bacterial soft soap. A clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.
Brush your aligners gently. Vigorous brushing can scratch your aligners and leave visible etchings. Brush carefully!

DON’T:

Eat or drink (anything but water) while wearing Invisalign. Many foods and drinks can stain or discolor your aligners and cause them to stink.
Use toothpaste to clean your aligners. Many types of toothpaste (especially those with whitening agents) are abrasive and can dull your aligners or create small traps for bacteria to dwell.
Use colored soaps. Although anti-bacterial soap is a great way to clean your Invisalign braces, using anything but clear soap can cause your aligners to take on alternative hues and shades.
Leave your aligners exposed or unprotected while eating. Aside from an increased risk of misplacing them, leaving your aligners in the open exposes them to harmful germs and bacteria. Rinse them, soak them, and then rinse them again before returning them to your mouth.

Invisalign is a great alternative to wearing braces for many teens and adults. If you have questions or problems while traveling with aligners, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!

Source: aabraces.com