Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic methods today, since the transparent trays are almost invisible in the mouth and much more comfortable to wear than traditional metal braces. In this article, we answer a common question asked by people who start wearing Invisalign: How do you clean Invisalign Trays the Right Way?
How Do You Clean Invisalign Trays the Right Way?
We recommend following these simple rules to ensure that you clean your Invisalign aligners properly and do not damage them in the process:
- Rinse your trays every time before putting them back in your mouth. After meals, rinse your mouth as well or use a water flosser if possible.
- Use lukewarm water to rinse your trays. Never clean Invisalign with hot water, as it can damage or warp the material they are made of.
- Thoroughly clean your aligners on the inside and outside twice a day when you brush your teeth.
- Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface of your aligners, as it can lead to discoloration.
- Opt for an unscented antibacterial soap or a non-abrasive toothpaste for cleaning Invisalign.
- Never use products containing baking soda, charcoal, or other abrasive or whitening ingredients, as they will damage your trays.
- Soak your aligner in a lukewarm Invisalign cleaning solution or water with soap or toothpaste to remove plaque buildup and prevent staining.
- Do not forget to clean your Invisalign container every evening to remove saliva buildup. You can clean the tray the same way you clean your aligners.
Why Is It Essential to Clean Invisalign Trays Properly?
When you wear your Invisalign for at least 22 hours a day and do not clean it properly, food residue and plaque become trapped under your trays for an extended period every day. As a result, bacteria and acid linger on your teeth, and over time, they weaken and destroy the enamel, causing cavities and gum disease. Additionally, wearing trays that are not thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis will inevitably lead to bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth.
How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene When Wearing Invisalign?
In general, maintaining oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign is straightforward, as you can remove your trays to brush and floss your teeth. In fact, this is one of the most significant advantages of Invisalign compared to traditional braces, which often can make oral hygiene challenging.
Remember that thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth is just as important as cleaning the trays to avoid cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, especially when wearing Invisalign. We recommend following these tips to ensure that your oral hygiene is sufficient:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Spend two full minutes brushing your teeth (30 seconds for each side of your mouth)
- Floss every evening, making sure to remove all food residue and plaque that accumulates between the teeth during the day
- Add a water flosser to enhance your oral hygiene routine. This device has been proven effective in preventing gum disease and cavities when used as the first step in your routine, before traditional flossing and brushing. Remember that a water flosser should be an addition to your routine and can not replace other steps.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and fluoride treatments to maintain good oral health.
- Get an Orthodontic Treatment at Dental Care of Chino Hills
If you are considering an orthodontic treatment, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Dental Care of Chino Hills today. Our specialists will carefully examine your case to provide you with an optimal treatment plan that meets your specific goals and needs.