Step By Step Guide to Clean Invisalign Trays – Do’s & Dont’s

Good oral hygiene and clean invisalign trays are the two things you need to get a gleaming smile after your treatment. 

Brushing and regular flossing are enough for good oral hygiene. These remove plaque, clean your teeth, and protect you from cavities. 

However, to keep your invisalign trays clean, you must put in the effort. If you don’t take care of their cleaning, they will become dull, dingy, and smelly. 

Below is a step-by-step guide, tips, and tricks to clean your Invisalign trays.

Read: Cleaning A Mouthguard: Tips, Tricks, And Deep Cleaning

Why is it essential to Keep Invisalign Trays Clean?

Usually, the food particles easily stick to teh Invisalign trays, which results in the growth of various bacteria. Bacterial growth leads to the formation of dental cavities and gum diseases, as well as bad breath. 

Moreover, it can cause several bacterial infections and mouth ulcers. So, cleaning Invisalign trays at home after using a meal is essential. Furthermore, it helps keep trays from discoloration and buildup, leaving them safe. 

Best Practices for Cleaning Invisalign Trays 

There are several ways to use kitchen ingredients to keep the Invisalign trays neat and clean. For instance, if you are thinking about how to clean trays at home, baking soda is the best ingredient.  

The studies reveal that cleaning and disinfection for retainers and orthodontic aligners is essential to prevent mouth infections. Here, we share a few best practices to keep aligners clean with toothpaste, vinegar, and other ingredients.

i. Brush Them Twice a Day 

Firstly, gently clean your Invisalign trays with a soft toothbrush brush and mild anti-bacterial soap.

Remember, if you don’t clean them regularly, bacteria and plaque will build up in your aligners, badly affecting your health. 

iI. Keep Aligners in the Case 

Keep your aligners in their case or an air-tight container when you are not using your aligners.  

III. Soak Invisalign Trays in Cleaning Crystals 

Cleaning crystals are specially made for these trays and help remove residues, stains, and buildup. Now, you may be wondering how to clean trays with these crystals. Well, here is the step-by-step guide. 

Step By Step Guide to Clean Invisalign Trays

Here’s how you can clean your Invisalign trays effortlessly:

Read: 10 Effective Tips For Cleaning Teeth With Braces

How to Clean My Invisalign Trays?

An important question is how and what to use for cleaning the trays and aligners. You can use a number of chemicals and ingredients, such as invisalign cleaning crystals, hydrogen peroxide, and more. Below, we have unveiled the best and worst cleansers for cleaning Invisalign trays.

Have a look! 

Best Cleansers To Use for Invisalign Cases

You can use any of the following products to clean your Invisalign trays:

1- Antibacterial Soap

Clear antibacterial soaps are an excellent option to clean aligners. You can use them in the following ways:

Regardless of which way you are using it, don’t forget to wash your aligners thoroughly. Besides, avoid using colored soaps because they will stain the plastic.

2- Distilled White Vinegar

Vinegar has some medicinal uses and is one of the best choices for cleaning Invisalign trays due to its anti-microbial and antioxidant properties.

Here’s how to use vinegar to clean Invisalign trays :

3- Hydrogen Peroxide

If your aligners have stains, use low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

For this purpose:

4- Baking Soda And Water

Baking soda is famous for its cleaning and absorbent properties.

Follow these steps to use it:

5- Invisalign Crystals

The best option to clean your aligners is using Invisalign crystals because these don’t discolor or scratch your aligners.

To use them, follow these steps:

Cleaners To Avoid for Invisalign Trays

Some cleaning products are harmful to Invisalign trays. Avoid using them to get the best out of your treatment. 

Dishwasher 

It can cause discoloration and may make your aligners less fit to wear by distorting the plastic. 

Toothpaste 

Most toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients like silica, creating fine scratches and stains on aligners. 

Mouthwash 

Mouthwash contains coloring dyes that cause permanent stains on your aligners, making them less appealing to wear. 

Other Products 

Furthermore, you should avoid using cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or bleach. These can destroy your Invisalign trays and will make your treatment less effective. 

Additional Tips To Take Care of Your Invisalign Trays 

Follow a Morning Hygiene Routine 

According to research, the number of bacteria in saliva significantly increases during sleep. As you are instructed to wear aligners during sleep, bacteria will gather in them and your mouth. Once you wake up, make it a habit to brush your teeth and aligners properly.

Avoid Eating With Your Aligners 

Invisalign trays can easily get stained due to the certain ingredients used in colorful drinks and food. They are not designed to bear chewing pressure, so always take them off before eating. 

Also, avoid drinking any other liquid other than water.

Rinse Them Thoroughly After Removing 

Whenever you take off your aligners, rinse them properly with clean water. Always store them in their case or airtight containers so bacteria don’t grow on them. 

Read: ClearCorrect Vs Invisalign Major Differences Explained

Conclusion

Invisalign trays are comfortable, and you can easily remove them whenever you want. They help to straighten your teeth, but they need regular cleaning. Dirty aligners can lead to many oral health issues like tooth decay. 

Aligners are fragile, and using harsh chemicals, boiling water, or abrasive brushes for cleaning is unsafe. Use anti-bacterial soap, Invisalign cleaning crystals, white vinegar, or a safe amount of hydrogen peroxide for their cleaning. 

Need help to select the correct type of space maintainers for you or your child? Message us, and our Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry team will be at your service!

Read: Invisalign: What It Is, Types, Functions, Dos And Don’ts

FAQs

How often should I clean my Invisalign trays?

Properly clean your Invisalign trays every night. If they appear dirty, clean them immediately.

Also, rinse them whenever you remove your aligners. Remember, improper cleaning of space maintainers can cause issues like gum disease, bad breath, etc.

How to Remove Stains from Invisalign trays?

If your trays become discolored (turning yellow or brown), we recommend gently brushing the inside with a soft toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap.

Soaking stubborn stains in a mixture of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part lukewarm water for 20 minutes can help remove the stains from trays and restore their original appearance.

Regular maintenance with the above-mentioned tips ensures your trays stay clean and clear, supporting your dental health throughout your Invisalign treatment.

Can I brush my Invisalign with toothpaste?

Most toothpaste contains certain abrasive ingredients, which will cause stains on your Invisalign trays. So, it’s better to avoid using toothpaste for their cleaning.

How do you sterilize Invisalign trays?

Vinegar and baking soda have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which can help them sterilize. Use hot water or a dry oven to sterilize them.

Is it OK to clean Invisalign retainers with soap?

Yes, in fact, it is a general and common practice to clean invisalign retainers with a mild soap. Ensure to use a soft bristle brush to clean them.

What is the best way to clean an Invisalign case?

The best way to clean Invisalign trays is by soaking them in lukewarm water or sterilizing them before use. However, you can prefer deep cleaning aligners using toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide, or toothpaste.