How Often Do You Clean Invisalign?
Cleaning Invisalign regularly is essential to keep your aligners looking fresh and clear. You should clean and wash Invisalign at least twice a day, just like brushing your teeth—once in the morning, and once before bed. You should also at least rinse Invisalign with water every time you remove them to prevent drying of saliva enzymes and plaque buildup. A quick rinse and gentle brush after meals help prevent staining and bacterial growth.
The last thing you want is your Invisalign to start looking cloudy and stained, so watch out for these common myths when you clean Invisalign:
- Soaking in water is enough: Unfortunately not. While soaking helps, it doesn’t remove debris or dried saliva and enzymes. A gentle brush is still needed.
- Any toothpaste is safe: Wrong. Many toothpastes are too abrasive and can scratch the aligners, making them appear cloudy instead of clear.
- Hot water cleans better: No. Heat can warp the material. Always use either lukewarm or cool water.
Best Way to Clean Clear Aligners: Daily and Deep Cleaning
A simple cleaning routine will remove plaque and bacteria buildup, while a deeper clean will keep your clear aligners looking clear and feeling fresh. Here’s the best way to clean clear aligners with both daily care and deep cleaning methods.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Rinse Invisalign with Water
Each time you remove your aligners, don’t let them dry out. Rinse them under water in order to wash away saliva and debris.
Brush Gently
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designated solely for cleaning your aligners and a mild approved toothpaste to brush the inside and outside of your aligners. Do not use any abrasive toothpastes, or clean clear aligners with mouthwash or denture cleaners.
Rinse and Dry
Before putting them back into your mouth, rinse and dry your aligners thoroughly. Make sure to brush your teeth after each meal before reinserting.
Invisalign Specific Options
The manufacturer of Invisalign has made cleaning easy with a number of daily cleaning options. For whenever you’re on the go, you can use the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Foam for daily cleaning after meals. Just foam, rinse and spit. While the Invisalign UV Case offers daily sanitizing using Germicidal UV-C technology.
Deep Cleaning Techniques
Weekly Soaking
A once weekly soak using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals will keep your aligners odour-free, hygienic and clear. The soak will remove plaque from aligners in about 15 minutes.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
At home ultrasonic cleaning devices are capable of cleaning and removing over 95% of odour causing bacteria from Invisalign aligners. With the push of a button the microscopic bubbles will deep clean and freshen your aligners.
Other Methods
You might come across alternative soaking methods online for cleaning Invisalign, However, these methods have not been tested by the manufacturer and are not recommended. If you're unsure about the best way to clean your clear aligners, talk to us—we'll provide you a safe and effective cleaning routine.
How to Wash Invisalign Aligners Properly
Rinsing your Invisalign with water might remove surface debris, but it doesn’t properly clean them. To keep your aligners free from bacteria, stains and odours, they need a thorough wash after meals.
Your step-by-step guide to washing Invisalign after meals:
- Rinse immediately to remove saliva and debris.
- Gently brush your aligners with a mild toothpaste, or rinse with Invisalign Cleaning Foam. You may find it easiest to clean the outside of your aligners by brushing them while they are still on your teeth, then remove your aligners to clean the inside surfaces.
- Rinse again to remove cleaning residue from your aligners.
- Dry thoroughly. Dry your Invisalign before reinserting into your mouth, and not before brushing your teeth after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Store Safely. If you’re taking a break, ensure your aligners are thoroughly dry before storing your aligners in their protective case.
How to Disinfect Invisalign Without Damaging Your Aligners
Since aligners sit directly against your teeth for most of the day, keeping them germ-free is key to maintaining good oral hygiene. Disinfecting Invisalign is the same as giving them a deep clean, so you can weekly soak with Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or ultrasonic cleaning. Another method is by using a hydrogen peroxide solution. This antibacterial and disinfecting agent is safe to use when diluted. Simply mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, then let your retainer soak for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. If you’re unsure of what to use, reach out to us for our expert advice.
What to Avoid When Disinfecting Invisalign
- Mouthwash
- Hot water
- Bleach or harsh chemicals
- Denture cleaners
- Strong or abrasive toothpastes
How to Clean Stains Off Invisalign Aligners
You probably already know not to eat with your aligners in your mouth, but drinking common culprits for staining is also a no-no. These include tea, coffee, red wine, smoking, juices and soft drinks. Improper cleaning habits can also cause staining or cloudiness, affecting both appearance and hygiene of your aligners. More importantly, if you have food residue in your mouth when you put your aligners back in, the aligners can become stained.
How to Remove Stains from Invisalign
Using the Invisalign cleaning agents such as the Cleaning Crystals or Foam will remove stains from your aligners. Other methods include soaking your aligners in M3 Naturals Retainer cleaner, a product safe to use with your Invisalign. Once again, diluted Hydrogen Peroxide soak is a safe method for removing stains.
How to Prevent Stains on Invisalign
- Remove aligners before drinking coffee, tea, red wine, coloured soft drinks or smoking.
- Rinse Invisalign every time you take them out.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting aligners back in.
- Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals regularly to keep them clear and fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Invisalign
Even with the best intentions, some cleaning habits can damage your aligners or make them less effective. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:
Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean for Best Results
A proper Invisalign cleaning routine is essential to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from plaque and bacteria buildup. By following daily and deep-cleaning methods, you can prevent stains, odours, and hygiene issues that could impact your Invisalign treatment. Need expert guidance on caring for your aligners? Find out more about Cronulla Beach Dental’s Invisalign services and get the best Invisalign care for your smile!
