Are you wondering “how to clean my Invisalign clear aligners?” Keeping your aligners clean goes a long way to making sure your treatment remains comfortable and discreet.
Since the aligners are clear and removable, treatment is convenient. While you work on your smile, most people won’t know. Plus, you can eat your favorite foods and brush your teeth as usual.
Since the aligners come out, they are easy to clean. However, the thin SmartTrack material is somewhat delicate. So, it’s important to gently clean the aligners without abrasive cleaners or toothpaste.
Avoid Hot Liquids
SmartTrack material allows a precise, comfortable fit shaped to your unique smile. However, the aligners are for temporary use as you switch to the next set in the series. So, they aren’t meant to last long-term. As such, they can be delicate when it comes to hot liquids.
Therefore, always take out aligners when you eat or drink something other than plain, cool water. When cleaning aligners, avoid using hot water. Otherwise, the aligners may warp.
Avoid Staining Aligners
Recently, we looked at foods to avoid with Invisalign and braces. Although aligners come out, it’s still a good idea to limit or avoid sugary foods and drinks. Plus, some foods may stain your aligners or clear braces. Thus, it’s a good idea to be mindful of these items for discreet treatment. Otherwise, you may not be able to clean off discoloration.
Keep Aligners in Their Case
Whenever you eat, drink, or clean your teeth, you should take out the aligners. (except for plain water)
Sometimes, people sit their aligners on a napkin. However, this is easily lost and ends up in the trash can.
Therefore, it’s best to get in the habit of carrying your Invisalign case. Always place the aligners in the case, rinsing them off if possible. Then, place the case in the same place every time so you’ll never forget to bring it with you.
Importantly, the case will help prevent bacterial growth on your aligners. Thus, it can also help you avoid bad breath during treatment.
Reserve a Soft Toothbrush for Cleaning Aligners
Once a night, it’s time to brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush gently. We recommend buying a toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t scuff up the plastic. Then, keep this brush aside for cleaning your aligners.
Gently brush all the surfaces of your aligners under cool tap water.
Products to Clean Invisalign
Many people use Invisalign’s cleaning system, including cleaning crystals and a sterilizing tray. These work great if you want to try them.
Clear Liquid Soap
Fortunately, clear liquid soap will work adequately. Note, soaps with added coloration could discolor the aligners.
Retainer Cleaning Products
As another alternative to Invisalign cleaning products, you may use cleaning products made for delicate retainers.
Remember, these not the same as products used to clean dentures. Both denture cleaners and toothpaste are too abrasive on the thin aligners.
Following Invisalign or braces, you’ll wear a retainer to make sure your smile stays perfect. Thus, you’ll already have the retainer cleaning products on hand.
Before treatment, we’ll discuss how to “clean my Invisalign,” including the cleaning products we recommend.
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Steps to Clean My Invisalign
Here are the easy steps to clean aligners:
- Rinse your aligners under the tap. (never use hot water)
- Use your designated soft brush and clear soap to brush the aligners on all surfaces.
- Rinse the aligners again until clean.
- Put your aligners back in for the night.
While you sleep, your aligners will continue to work their magic, slowly moving your teeth to their ideal positions. After breakfast, rinse them before putting them in for the day.
Daytime Cleaning on the Move
To keep your aligners clean on the go, we recommend carrying a soft travel toothbrush with you. Then, whenever your aligners need it, you can gently brush them in cool water. While on the move, clean or rinse the aligners when you get the opportunity.
Remember to place the aligners in your case when you eat or drink something other than water. If, for any reason, they come into contact with food, then clean them as soon as possible.
That’s it! As you can see, caring for the aligners is not difficult and will help you enjoy a better experience during treatment. Following Invisalign, you can start showing off the beautiful smile you deserve!
We hope these tips on “how to clean my Invisalign clear aligners” are helpful. If you have any questions, call us anytime at 914.739.6500.
Glaser Orthodontics is proud to offer world-class service to the Jefferson Valley, Westchester, and Putnam Counties, NY.
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