How to Clean My Invisalign Clear Aligners
Are you wondering about “How to clean my Invisalign clear aligners?” We’ll look at the easy steps.
Previously, we looked at “How to clean my retainers” in the Wired Orthodontics blog. For more, please see the Patient Info, which you can access on our home page.
When cleaning Invisalign clear aligners, it’s very similar to cleaning a retainer. Since aligners come out, it’s easy, and you can also brush your teeth without the wires of braces to work around.
By keeping your Invisalign clear aligners clean, you will continue to enjoy a discreet treatment. Plus, you will be brushing bacteria or yeast from the surfaces. By removing this buildup, you can enjoy better oral health and avoid the dreaded halitosis (bad breath).
Now, let’s look at the steps for “How to clean my Invisalign clear aligners.”
Remember to Always Avoid Heat
Invisalign’s thin SmartTrack material is comfortable to wear and durable. However, it can warp if exposed to hot temperatures, like hot drinks, water, or environments (Such as a hot car).
Thus, it’s necessary to take out your aligners if you enjoy drinking hot coffee or tea. Likewise, when it’s time to clean them, be sure to avoid using hot water. Instead, use lukewarm or cool water.
Whenever you remove the aligners, it’s best to put them in their case. That way, they are protected and stay clean. Plus, always putting the case in the same place, like a purse or backpack, helps prevent losing it.
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How to Clean My Invisalign Clear Aligners
When you receive your Invisalign clear aligners, the kit comes with some cleaning crystals. Additionally, you’ll need some very simple items.
Items you’ll need:
- A soft toothbrush
- Clear, liquid soap
When selecting your toothbrush, choose a soft one. Also, you may want a second soft travel-size brush to carry with you. Likewise, you may want to carry a small bottle of travel-size clear soap.
As for the soap, make sure it has no dyes which can discolor your aligners. Clear antibacterial soap is great.
How to Clean My Invisalign Clear Aligners:
Take out your aligners at a sink. Then, using your soft toothbrush and clear soap, gently brush all the surfaces.
When clear liquid soap isn’t available, many people use toothpaste. The downside: toothpaste is abrasive and can scuff up the surface of Invisalign clear aligners. Then, they won’t look as clear, and the surface may be easier for bacteria to grow on.
Invisalign’s Clear Aligners – Crystals and Other Products
If you enjoy them, Invisalign’s cleaning products will help keep aligners clean. After a brief soak, they will come out like new. After a rinse, you can resume wearing them.
Remember: It’s best to wear aligners for at least 20 hours a day. Thus, only remove them to eat, drink, brush, or clean your aligners briefly.
Cleaners for Retainers
Products sold for soaking retainers are generally not abrasive like denture cleaners. Therefore, they can work for aligners as well. Following orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or braces, you’ll wear a retainer. So, you’ll already have some cleaning products on hand.
When you come for your appointment, we can discuss the products we recommend. Or, feel free to send an email or call us at (647) 344-9473.
Cleaning While On the Go
During the day, always take out your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. Then, keep the Invisalign clear aligners in their case.
After meals or snacks, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth and, at the same time, your aligners. If you don’t have access to a sink, at least rinse well before wearing your aligners. Then, brush at your next opportunity.
Clean Your Invisalign Case Daily
Every day, it’s a simple process to rinse your Invisalign case with warm, soapy water. Then, pat it dry with a towel. Simple!
If You Lose Your Aligners or Case
By getting in the habit of putting your case in the same place every time, you will be unlikely ever to lose it. However, it can happen. So, if you ever lose your aligners or damage them, be sure to call us right away to arrange a replacement.
Also, it’s a good idea to keep your last set of aligners, just in case you lose one. While waiting for a replacement, wear these.
We hope this information about “how to clean my Invisalign clear aligners” is helpful.
Questions? We’re here for you at (647) 344-9473.
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