How to Best Clean Invisalign Aligners

One of the most important factors to note about Invisalign aligners is that they require regular, thorough cleaning. Otherwise, you will put on a set of dirty and smelly aligners daily. 

What Are Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign aligners are a discreet and quick solution for misaligned teeth. They gradually straighten misaligned teeth and correct bite problems. Unlike traditional braces and other orthodontic treatments, these aligners are removable, making them a more appealing choice. 

Although there are many benefits to choosing this orthodontic solution, you will face problems if you fail to care for your aligners properly. Poor cleaning can lead to discoloration of your aligners, lousy odor due to bacterial buildup, and diminished oral health. Other people will notice that you are wearing braces, defeating one of the primary purposes of choosing clear aligners in the first place. 

Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

Although traditional braces require more maintenance than Invisalign aligners, caring for your clear aligners is still necessary. Remember, there is a difference between rinsing and cleaning. Your aligners will appear cleaner when you rinse them, but that will not do anything to address the bacteria. The best practices for cleaning your retainers include the following.

Create a Daily Hygiene Routine

You should wear your retainers for about 22 hours a day for the first six months for them to do their job. Bacteria will be hard at work building up on your teeth and aligners while you have them on.

So, you must follow good hygiene practices by creating a daily cleaning routine to eliminate harmful bacteria. Remove your aligners when you wake up, and give your teeth and aligners a good brushing. Repeat the process before you go to bed. 

Rinse Your Aligners When You Take Them Off

You cannot have your aligners on 24/7. You will have to remove them long enough to eat and drink. It would be best to rinse them before putting them back in your mouth. That will keep plaque and saliva buildup to a minimum. Whenever you take them out to eat, brush or at least rinse your teeth before putting them back in your mouth. 

Soak Them in Cleaning Crystals at Least Once a Day

Cleaning crystals eliminate stains, bacterial buildup, and foul odors from your aligner trays. The cleaning solution takes about 15 minutes to work on the aligners. You should give them a good brush once you remove them from the cleaning solution to eliminate any stubborn stains and plaque. Finally, rinse them, and brush your teeth before putting them back in your mouth.

Do Not Drink or Eat With Your Aligners

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners do not have a list of foods to avoid. You are not supposed to have them on while you eat or drink. Pressure from chewing can damage them, and food particles can stick to them. Also, colorful foods and drinks can stain them. 

Invisalign aligners are the most comfortable and discreet way to straighten misaligned teeth. However, dirty aligners can lead to stains and tooth decay. Use the tips above to eliminate stains and keep your aligners smelling and looking great.

For more on Invisalign, visit Above & Beyond Dental at our Bedford, Texas office. Call 817-571-1667 to schedule an appointment today.