Invisalign® braces are a popular teeth straightening option due to their discrete appearance, comfort and convenience. But to get the most out of your orthodontics treatment and ensure they are functioning optimally, you need to know how to clean Invisalign braces properly.

There are several ways to clean your Invisalign retainers, from specially formulated cleaning solutions to sanitising agents made from simple ingredients you have at home. These ways are to clean your Invisalign and not your teeth so make sure you rinse your Invisalign thoroughly before putting them back on your teeth. Here are our top five tips to clean Invisalign braces.

 

Clean With Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

Invisalign cleaning crystals are the recommended way to clean Invisalign braces.  They are designed to be gentle on the thermoplastic material preventing scratches and deterioration, while effectively eliminating harmful bacteria.

To use the Invisalign crystals, remove your Invisalign and rinse under warm water to remove debris and food particles that may have become trapped.

 

Fill the compatible Invisalign cleaning container (or any other small container deep enough to submerge your aligner trays) with warm water and add a packet of Invisalign cleaning crystals. Stir to dissolve the Invisalign crystals completely and form a cleaning solution.

Place your Invisalign braces in the cleaning solution and leave to soak for approximately 15 minutes. Remove the Invisalign and use a soft-bristled brush, such as a baby toothbrush, to gently scrub the inside nooks and crannies of the trays. Rinse thoroughly under tepid water and they are clean and ready to wear.

 

Dental Patient

Clean Invisalign With Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in many types of medicated mouthwash and whitening toothpaste. It is a mild bleaching and antibacterial agent. It is safe for use at low concentrations, so if you want to clean Invisalign braces using hydrogen peroxide ensure the solution you are using does not exceed 3%.

Combine equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide with warm water and fully submerge and soak your Invisalign for 30-45 minutes. Remove the trays from the solution and gently brush the trays to ensure all areas of the mould have been cleaned, then rinse using lukewarm water.

Avoid using a hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash or whitening toothpaste as the colouring can stain your Invisalign trays, and the abrasive particles can damage the plastic creating openings on your aligners that encourage bacterial growth.

 

Cleaning Invisalign With Baking Soda

Baking soda not only has mildly abrasive qualities to remove stubborn plaque build-up inside your Invisalign aligners but it is also a strong alkaline substance which can eliminate bacteria.

To create a baking soda cleaning solution, dissolve 1 tablespoon of soda in 1 cup of warm water. Soak your Invisalign aligners for 30 minutes, ensuring they are fully submerged, then remove and lightly scrub with a soft toothbrush.

Be careful not to apply too much pressure because this can damage the thermoplastic. Rinse them thoroughly in warm but not hot water to remove any baking soda particles. Hot water can warp the plastic material, making the aligners ineffective.

Dental Patient

Clean Invisalign With Distilled White Vinegar

One of the most natural and simple ways to clean Invisalign braces is to use distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is highly acidic which destroys pathogens, however, ensure you use white vinegar and not red wine, malt or balsamic varieties as the colouring agents will stain your Invisalign aligners.

Create a sterilising solution using 1 part distilled white vinegar and 3 parts warm water in a container and place your Invisalign braces inside. Leave the braces to soak for 15-30 minutes to loosen plaque, then brush them with a soft-bristled brush and rinse clean.

Clean Invisalign With Antibacterial Dish or Hand Soap

Antibacterial soaps and detergents are specifically formulated to eliminate bacteria and harmful pathogens and loosen organic matter from surfaces. These are the fifth in our tips list to clean Invisalign retainers. You need to make sure the soap you use is clear, as the dyes used in antibacterial detergents can discolour your retainers.

To use antibacterial soap to clean Invisalign braces apply a small amount directly to the trays and scrub gently with a soft brush. Or you can make a solution using soap and warm water and soak the aligners for 15 minutes before scrubbing them to remove debris. Always rinse your trays thoroughly after using antibacterial soaps before placing your Invisalign back on your teeth as these substances are not meant for human consumption.

 

Easy Tips to Clean Your Invisalign Braces

Patients choose Invisalign aligners instead of traditional braces for their almost invisible appearance and comfort.  However, it is important to know how to clean Invisalign braces to maintain their clarity and ensure you have good oral hygiene for the duration of your orthodontics treatment.  It is important to learn how to properly care for your teeth and trust your dental health to an experienced dentist.

At Advanced Dental Care in Dubbo, we offer modern orthodontics to straighten teeth including Invisalign retainers and traditional braces and we can teach you how to properly care for your Invisalign braces. Our experienced dental team can also assist by providing tips on how to care for your gums during and after your orthodontic treatment.

If you are interested in learning the cost of orthodontics or more tips on how to clean and care for Invisalign aligners properly, call us on (02) 6188 7103 to speak with our experienced dental staff about available orthodontic treatments and get your smile back.

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