One of the benefits of Invisalign orthodontic aligners is that they can be removed, which allows patients to brush and floss like normal. However, it's important to clean your aligners, too. Here’s how.
Follow these steps to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and free of bacteria:
Rinse your aligners thoroughly each time you remove them. Don't give bacteria a chance to develop by leaving dried saliva and plaque on your aligners! Be sure to always use room temperature or cool water when doing this, as hot water may damage your aligners.
Brush and floss your teeth before you put you aligners back in so that the leftovers from your lunch don't get trapped in the tight spaces between your aligners and your teeth. It’s a recipe for bad breath and decay.
Brush your aligners when you you brush your teeth. Using soft soap and a toothbrush, clean them inside and out thoroughly but gently. Then rinse with cool water.
Soak your Invisalign aligners every week in the official Invisalign cleaning crystals, or in Denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, or just white vinegar to remove any buildup and to keep your trays sanitized.
All this may seem like a lot of work, but getting into these habits is essential for your oral health during your Invisalign treatment and by extension its ultimate success.
By maintaining these habits, you’ll be able keep your aligners clean and healthy for you to have in your mouth, and eliminate the risk of their tasting or smelling foul!