In order for your oral health to stay in the best condition, you want to keep as much harmful bacteria at bay as you can - whether you wear braces or not. When something is introduced to the mouth though, like fixed braces, removable braces or Invisalign® aligners, it can attract more bacteria than usual, allowing it to build up in and around brackets and wires, or inside a clear aligner.
With Invisalign®, even though there's a reduced chance of bacteria and food particles being caught around brackets, it's still vitally important to keep your trays clean so your oral health stays in top condition.
Why it's Important to Keep your Invisalign Trays Clean
Invisalign® trays need cleaning thoroughly, multiple times a day, to help prevent bacterial growth which can contribute to dental issues further down the line. The more time bacteria spends in the mouth and on the teeth, the higher the chance of cavities, decay, and ultimately tooth loss or gum disease. Cloudy, stained aligners can also make teeth appear yellow and contribute to bad breath.
How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign® aligners and retainers should be cleaned multiple times a day - morning and night at the very least - so food and bacteria are removed throughout the day and before sleep. Cleaning them at the same time you brush and floss your teeth means you're putting a clean aligner back into a clean mouth, which is great for oral health. A quick rinse in between cleanings helps keep food particles from getting trapped and keeps the trays looking new for longer.
Your Guide to Keeping your Invisalign Trays Clean
A thorough clean is needed morning and night, with more emphasis on the night-time clean as the aligner stays put for many hours before it's taken off again. Whatever is left on your teeth and aligner overnight will sit there until morning, so it's worth getting into a steady routine:
- Rinse your aligners every night with cool water.
- Brush your aligner or retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, clear liquid soap to remove food particles and debris.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing.
- When not in use, store your retainer or aligner in a protective case.
- Repeat in the morning after wearing overnight.
Investing in Invisalign Care
You don't have to spend more money to keep your Invisalign® aligners clean, but if you'd like to, the official Invisalign® cleaning crystals are a good option. The crystals contain cleansing agents such as sodium sulphate that dissolve in water and clean your aligners as they soak. A mild liquid soap in cool water also works well. Never use warm water to clean your aligners - heat can distort the plastic.
Alongside cleaning, looking after your aligners properly matters too:
- While wearing your aligners, only drink water - other drinks risk staining or damaging them.
- Remove your aligners before eating so food particles don't build up against them.
- Only use cool water to rinse and clean.
- Store them in an airtight container when not in use to protect them from bacteria and damage.
Cheshire Orthodontics: Help from a Specialist Orthodontist in Sandbach
Here at Cheshire Orthodontics, Invisalign® is one of our most popular clear aligner systems thanks to how discreet and easy it is to live with. Invisalign® aligners are custom-made for your teeth - wafer-thin, medical-grade plastic that gently and gradually moves your teeth from where they are to where you want them to be.
If you'd like to talk to us about Invisalign® or one of our other treatments, contact your Specialist Orthodontist in Sandbach to book a consultation and find out more.