Would you like to know how to keep your Invisalign clean? Whether you currently use the aligners or are thinking about getting them to obtain a straighter smile, you must be sure to know the proper cleaning process.
If the aligners are not cleaned, they can become discoloured or scratched, and therefore no longer invisible. Invisalign is an increasingly popular choice for many people who want straight teeth but are looking to avoid or minimise the appearance of traditional braces. Invisalign consists of a series of clear plastic trays that hold your teeth in place as you wear them, gradually moving them into the proper alignment over time.
At Oldbury Smile Spa, we know how important it is to make sure your aligners stay as fresh and clean as possible to ensure the best treatment results possible. Read on to learn how you can keep your Invisalign clean with these cleaning tips from our dental team.
How Often Should You Clean Your Aligners?
It’s recommended that you clean your aligners every day on a nightly basis. However, everyone is different so it depends on how much you wear them. If you wear them around the clock then they will get cleaned once a week, if not then they can be cleaned two to three times a week.
It all depends on how much you have been wearing them and if there is any build-up of food or germs in them. The best way to know when you should clean them is by looking at them. If they are starting to look dirty, have an unpleasant smell or are discoloured then it’s time for a good old scrub!
How To Look After Your Aligners
Here are some tips for looking after your aligners:
- Take your aligners out every time you eat so that food particles do not collect and affect the aligners.
- Be careful and avoid any drinks other than water when you have your aligners in. Otherwise, you might damage or stain them.
- Avoid using very hot water to clean the trays.
- Avoid using toothpaste or mouthwash to clean your aligners
- It’s best to keep your aligners safe from contamination by storing them in an airtight container. The less likely you are to lose them and the less they will be exposed to bacterial infections.
- Notify your orthodontist if your aligners become damaged: If your aligners become damaged, notify your orthodontist immediately. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to switch to a new set of aligners.
Practising these techniques will help to keep your aligners clean and help your treatment stay effective.
Why Cleaning Invisalign Matters
While food doesn’t normally cause problems for people with Invisalign, some need to take the right steps to maintain cleanliness to avoid these issues. This is the result of not cleaning your aligners:
Bad Breath
Saliva helps to remove food debris and odour from teeth. Invisalign dental trays hinder saliva from doing its job. If the aligners are not cleaned off of the particles, it will eventually result in bad breath.
Cavities
Bacteria in the mouth produce plaque, a cavity-causing substance. Invisalign, while not causing cavities, can nevertheless trap plaque between teeth for long periods. This enables decay to attack a tooth in the form of a cavity.
Stains
Invisalign should be removed when you eat or drink anything since food and beverages can stain the clear plastic. Instead of being transparent, the aligners may look yellow or brown. This completely defeats the purpose of a discreet teeth straightening technique.
Gum Irritation
Putting dirty Invisalign aligners in your mouth can irritate gum tissue and promote gingivitis or gum disease.
Build-up Of Bacteria
If you don’t clean your teeth, there’s more chance for germs and bacteria to accumulate and, you guessed it, result in foul odour and bad breath.
Invisalign Cleaning Methods
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- Invisalign Crystals – They are specially designed so they won’t scratch or discolour your aligners.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – Because it is more concentrated, it is more appropriate for removing Invisalign stains.
- Distilled White Vinegar – You can clean your Invisalign with distilled white vinegar, but any other type of vinegar will permanently stain them.
- Baking Soda – While baking soda won’t do anything to harm your aligners, it can help remove unwanted bacteria and remove stuck-on food. It’s also effective at removing plaque.
- Antibacterial Soap – It is recommended to use non-scented soap to clean your trays but antibacterial soap is okay too if it is clear and not tinted with colour.
Cleansers to avoid:
A few types of cleansers are simply too harsh or too destructive to use on your Invisalign aligners. Such products include:
- Denture cleaners
- Mouthwash
- Scented soap
- Toothpaste
More discreet and comfortable than conventional methods, Invisalign is the best way to fix crooked teeth. You’ll need to maintain your aligners, though. Dirty mouthpieces can lead to tooth decay and stains, so don’t let that be you. Clean with these techniques to remove stains and maintain your clean aligners.
Have you started your Invisalign treatment? Contact us to schedule an appointment with us today.
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