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

Good oral hygiene and clean Invisalign 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 keep you safe from cavities. 

However, to clean your Invisalign, you need to put in 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

Best Practices for Cleaning Invisalign Trays 

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 

When you are not using your aligners, keep them in their case or an air-tight container.  

iii- Soak Invisalign Trays in Cleaning Crystals 

Cleaning crystals are specially made for Invisalign trays and help remove bacterial buildup, odors, and stains. 

Step By Step Guide to Clean Invisalign Trays

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

• Firstly, wash them with slightly warm water. 
• Then take a soft-bristled brush and a small amount of bacterial soap. 
• Now properly brush the inner and outer surfaces of the Invisalign trays. 
• Then, thoroughly rinse them with water to remove any residues. 
• Soak aligners in the solution of cleaning crystals, vinegar, or a small amount of hydrogen peroxide for better cleaning and removing stains. Don’t forget to wash them with clean water afterward. 

Read: 10 Effective Tips For Cleaning Teeth With Braces

What Should I Use to Clean My Invisalign Trays? 

Below, we have unveiled the best and worst cleansers to clean Invisalign trays. Have a look! 

Cleansers To Use 

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

1- Antibacterial Soap 

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

• Apply directly on your aligners. 
• Make a soap solution in lukewarm water and soak aligners for some time.

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 to clean Invisalign trays due to its anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. 1 Here’s how you can use it: 

• Firstly, make a solution by mixing three parts of water and 1 part of vinegar. 
• Soak the Invisalign trays in this solution for 15-20 minutes. 
• Afterward, use a toothbrush to clean aligners further and rinse them thoroughly. 

3- Hydrogen Peroxide

If your aligners have stains, use low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.  For this purpose: 

• Take equal parts of slightly warm water and hydrogen peroxide. 
• Soak your Invisalign trays for 20-30 minutes. 
• Use a toothbrush to remove hard buildup and stains.

Lastly, wash aligners properly with clean water.

4- Baking Soda And Water

Baking soda is famous for its cleaning and absorbent properties.  Follow these steps to use it: 

• Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in lukewarm water. 
• Soak aligners in this solution for 30 minutes. 
• Brush Invisalign trays and rinse them with water. 

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: 

• Dissolve a packet of cleaning crystals in warm water. 
• Soak your trays in this solution for 15-20 minutes. 
• Brush them and rinse them with water. 

Read: Flossing With Braces: Health Benefits, Methods & Expert Tips

Cleaners To Avoid

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

i- Dishwasher 

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

ii- Toothpaste 

Most toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients like silica and will create fine scratches and stains on aligners. 

iii- 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 those cleaning products which contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or bleach. These can destroy your Invisalign trays and will make your treatment less effective. 

Read: Clear Braces Vs Metal Braces: Which Is Right For You?

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. 2   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: Little Smiles: Using Finger Brushes For Baby Dental Health

Conclusion

Invisalign trays are comfortable to use, 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 their 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! 

FAQs

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 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. 3 

Endnotes

1. Johnston, C. S., & Gaas, C. A. (2006). Vinegar: medicinal uses and antiglycemic effect. Medscape General Medicine, 8(2), 61.
2. Sotozono, M., Kuriki, N., Asahi, Y., Noiri, Y., Hayashi, M., Motooka, D., … & Ebisu, S. (2021). Impact of sleep on the microbiome of oral biofilms. Plos one, 16(12), e0259850. 
3. Kapoor, U., Sharma, G., Juneja, M., & Nagpal, A. (2016). Halitosis: Current concepts on etiology, diagnosis and management. European journal of dentistry, 10(02), 292-300.