Just like brushing your teeth, cleaning your Invisalign aligners daily is a must. Keeping your teeth and your aligners clean helps prevent cavities and contributes to your overall health. Even though your aligners are disposable, you will use them most of the day, every day for two weeks, and they may become stained or house bacteria and plaque if not cleaned properly.
There are a number of ways to clean your aligners, as well as certain practices you should avoid if you want to keep them in the best shape possible.
You should thoroughly clean your aligners at least once a day. A good time would be at the end of the day when you are brushing and flossing your teeth. Tying this new habit to your nightly oral hygiene routine will ensure you don’t forget to deep clean your aligners daily. Of course, you can feel free to give your aligners a thorough cleaning anytime you think they need it.
There are two easy and effective methods we suggest to clean your aligners. The first option is to soak the aligners in specially formulated cleaners. You can purchase Invisalign cleaning crystals, foam, or cleaning solution, which you can find here. Invisalign’s cleaning solution is a great option to disinfect your Invisalign aligners. Soaking for just 3-5 minutes will remove 99.9% of bacteria.
If you don’t have Invisalign cleaner available, a second effective method is to use a separate soft-bristled toothbrush and clear soap to scrub your aligners each night (do not use your regular toothbrush and toothpaste). Brush your aligners inside and out to remove food particles, saliva, and anything else that accumulated throughout the day.
Soaking AND brushing the aligners will be the most effective method for keeping your aligners clean and germ-free. After using either method, be sure to rinse your aligners well, so they don’t have an unpleasant taste.
Rinsing your aligners with water often is an integral part of keeping them clean. Every time you remove your aligners to eat, drink, or for any other reason, you should rinse your aligners before inserting them again. While this will not replace a thorough daily cleaning, it will keep them free from debris, saliva, and other gunk throughout the day.
If your aligners become cloudy or stained and regular cleaning doesn’t cut it, you can soak them in a 50/50 water/hydrogen peroxide mixture for a couple of hours. Dipping a toothbrush in water/baking soda paste and scrubbing a stubborn stain may also help remove a stubborn stain.
Do not clean or soak them in very hot or boiling water, denture cleaner, or mouthwash. Aligners will degrade with exposure to harsh chemicals and temperatures. Do not use toothpaste or colorful soap. Stick with specially formulated cleaners or clear, mild soaps.
If you’re ever unsure about how to properly clean your aligners, just reach out to get answers from our team!
