Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep it clean. These aligners are in your mouth for 22 hours a day. Making sure they are free of harmful bacteria is crucial to your health. Dr. F. Andrew Lasley and the Centralia Orthodontics team want to help you take care of your aligners, which is why we put together a guide all about Invisalign cleaning techniques.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear removable aligners that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment over a period of time, fixing problems that include overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, overcrowding, crookedness, and gaps between teeth. They function like braces do by putting pressure on teeth to move them, only with little to no changes in your lifestyle like dietary restrictions.
The aligners are made of multiple layers of medical-grade plastic and feature rounded edges for additional comfort. Patients wear Invisalign for 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks to begin the next stage of shifting. Length of treatment lasts between 12-15 months but could be shorter or longer depending on the severity of your problem and how well your teeth respond to treatment.
Do You Need To Clean Invisalign?
Because bacteria can grow on the inside and outside of your aligners, keeping them clean is an absolute must. Not only can this bacteria causes cavities and gum disease that would delay your treatment, but stains can also develop on your aligners which would make them no longer invisible, which means others would see the aligners and the stains. You could also develop bad breath.
How Do You Clean Invisalign?
The good news is that there are several different Invisalign cleaning techniques to choose from that you can use to clean your aligners, some being more convenient or more mobile to use than others. Centralia Orthodontics recommends the following techniques:
Steraligner
One of the easiest cleaning products to use on the market for cleaning your aligners is Steraligner. Steraligner is a cleaning solution that cleans your aligners in minutes. Simply soak your aligners in a dish of the cleaner for 3-5 minutes before rinsing them thoroughly and putting them back over your teeth.
Cleaning Crystals
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are one of the top Invisalign cleaning techniques and you know it’s compatible with clear aligners because it was made by the same company that manufactures them. Create a soaking solution by mixing the crystals in a cup of water. Your aligners will be clean in about 15 minutes.
Cleaning Tablets
Similar to cleaning crystals, cleaning tablets work by dissolving in warm water to create a soaking solution. This method requires a little more time to work, however, at 30 minutes. This method is perfect for use before bedtime when you want a short break from wearing your aligners.
WhiteFoam Cleaner
WhiteFoam Cleaner is an incredibly mobile method for cleaning your aligners when you don’t have much time for other methods. Whether you are at a restaurant or other public place, just one pump of this cleaner will cover your aligners inside and out. Simply put your aligners back in your mouth and spit out the excess foam and you’re all done cleaning. Repeat this process six times a day.
OAP Gel and Foam
This product offers a more organic cleaner for those who would prefer natural ingredients. And it’s a quick cleaning method, too! Brush the gel or foam onto your aligners and wait a whole 60 seconds before rinsing.
Dish and Hand Soaps
Maybe you don’t have professional cleaning products and need a quick at-home solution to clean your Invisalign that is as easy as brushing your teeth. Well, try dish and hand soaps that have no color and no scent. Brush the soap on your aligners thoroughly inside and out with a soft brush or cloth before rinsing them off.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar with warm water is an effective home remedy to clean your aligners. Soak them for 30 minutes. Don’t soak them too long and use this method sparingly since it can damage them. Be sure to rinse.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Two teaspoons of peroxide in a half cup of warm water will clean your aligners in 20 minutes, killing bacteria in the process. Be sure to rinse them off. Hydrogen peroxide is also the most cost-effective method if money is too tight to afford other cleaning products.
Toothbrush
Of course, there’s always the toothbrush method. You already clean your teeth with a toothbrush, you might as well use a soft toothbrush to clean your aligners. Just make sure you use non-abrasive toothpaste or dish soap.
Cleaning Kit
If you’re wondering how you’ll keep your aligners clean on the go, pack a cleaning kit that you can take with you everywhere so you’ll always be able to clean them.
How Often Should You Clean Invisalign?
Try to clean Invisalign every opportunity you get throughout the day, especially since you have to take them out to eat anyway. Eating and snacking are the perfect times to clean your aligners. You should also clean your teeth after eating as well to prevent food particles from contaminating your aligners. Before bedtime and after waking up in the morning are also good times to clean. Keeping them clean allows them to work at peak effectiveness to straighten your teeth while preventing stains and bacteria.
What Shouldn’t You Use To Clean Invisalign?
There are a few things you should not do to clean Invisalign. Don’t use hot water to clean your aligners because it can deform them. Using mouthwash is also a bad idea because it can stain them. And regular toothpaste can scratch them up, so use a baby toothpaste or dish soap instead.
Contact Centralia Orthodontics Today!
Keeping your aligners clean is a necessary part of Invisalign treatment. It may seem inconvenient, but the results of your treatment will be worth it. Centralia Orthodontics is here to support your journey to a healthy and happy smile. We proudly serve Centralia and surrounding communities in Washington state. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call our office at 360-228-2629 today!
