Are you weighing the pros and cons of Invisalign compared to traditional braces? The average cost of traditional braces comes out to $6,000. Likewise, the price tag for Invisalign aligners is comparable, but think about how much time they might save when it comes to proper dental hygiene. Let’s dive deeper into this topic.
Cleaning vs. Rinsing Invisalign Aligners
You’ll still need to keep in mind that the cleaning process for Invisalign aligners goes beyond just rinsing them out under lukewarm (not hot) water. On the one hand, you do need to rinse your aligners every time you remove them.
However, the procedure that’s meant to clean Invisalign aligners is more extensive but not difficult or extremely time-consuming.
How Do You Clean Invisalign Trays?
Now this is the most important question because a set of clean Invisalign aligner trays prevents bacterial buildup.
Brush Your Aligners Twice a Day
After removing your trays, you can rinse them in lukewarm water and then brush them with a soft toothbrush and a clear, unscented liquid hand soap. Be sure to reach into each gap in order to remove any film or stains.
A toothbrush works best for cleaning the inner part of the aligners. Afterward, rinse them thoroughly in lukewarm water to remove any soap residue.
Soak Your Aligners Once a Week
Also, midweek, you can soak your Invisalign aligners in a denture cup and an equal mixture of lukewarm water and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. And of course, don’t forget to rinse them before use.
You can also use white vinegar diluted in lukewarm water instead of peroxide. However, keep in mind that the scent of vinegar tends to linger for a while. So additional rinsing might be necessary before wearing your aligners.
Which Cleaning Accessories Work Best to Clean Invisalign Aligners?
A soft, manual toothbrush and clear hand soap work well for cleaning your aligners. You might avoid using a toothbrush with hard bristles, though this might seem counterintuitive. The reason is that hard bristles might scratch up your trays and damage them.
You should also invest in a denture cup or a similar covered container. This accessory works well for soaking your trays in peroxide or diluted white vinegar.
Also, you can purchase the Invisalign cleaning products, such as the Cleaning System which comes with the cleaning crystals and a tub for soaking your trays. Plus, you can use the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Foam instead of hand soap, but both prove to be just as effective.
How Often Should You Clean Your Aligners?
Ideally, you should clean your Invisalign aligner trays twice daily. By cleaning your aligners regularly, you ward off bacteria buildup and staining. Plus, don’t forget to rinse them after eating or drinking, since you have to remove them anyway.
Also, you should soak them on a weekly basis in a denture cup with one of the solutions mentioned above or by using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. Either option works great for removing stains.
Which Cleansers to Avoid?
Most of all, remember not to use toothpaste or baking soda to clean your Invisalign aligners. These substances are much too abrasive and would scratch and ruin the trays.
You might also steer clear of scented soaps or those with dyes because they can stain your trays. (Or at the very least, you’re stuck with an odd odor emitting from your mouth due to some perfumes found in soaps.)
And most importantly, don’t use hot or boiling water to rinse or soak your trays. This common error can actually warp them out of shape.
Best ways to care for your aligners
All in all, you don’t have to invest in pricey products to maintain your aligners. If you follow the tips mentioned above, your trays will last until the next visit when you’ll receive a new set.
Plus, we have some more important hints to remember:
- Avoid leaving your trays out for long periods. (They might collect dust or get dirty, depending on the environment; plus you might lose them.)
- Refrain from eating and drinking while wearing your aligners.
- Keep your trays in a cup when removing them while eating.
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly since this also helps prevent staining.
By properly cleaning your Invisalign aligners, you can avoid problems with plaque buildup and gum infection during your treatment.
Conclusion
Basically, the proper care for your Invisalign aligners is quite easy compared to brushing your teeth with traditional braces. The only extra steps involved is to clean your trays completely, which takes very little time at all.
If you ever have questions about caring for your Invisalign aligners or notice any signs of staining or damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ziehmer Orthodontics. Our team will provide clear guidance on how to keep your aligners clean and in great shape, so you can move from one set of trays to the next with confidence.
