If you are an adult seeking a straighter smile, you now have more options than ever. Invisalign aligners are a popular and discreet way to adjust your teeth and create your desired smile. To ensure your aligners are cared for properly, it is important to understand how to best care for them.
5 Steps to Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
To maintain good oral hygiene with Invisalign, it is essential to clean your aligners daily. This entails using a gentle toothbrush and clear, unscented soap to scrub away any bacteria or debris that may have accumulated.
Follow these five cleaning steps every day:
- Rinse your aligners in either lukewarm or cold water to eliminate any big pieces of debris that may be stuck on them.
- Immerse the aligners in a mixture of your preferred cleansing agent for some time for appropriate sanitization.
- Ensure your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly while your aligners are submerged in water.
- A good practice after soaking your aligners is to rinse them with cold water to remove any residue that may have accumulated during the soaking process. This will help ensure that your aligners are clean and free of any bacteria or other contaminants that could harm your teeth and gums.
- Finally, clean your trays with a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
Appropriate Tools for Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
Using a cleaning product specifically designed for Invisalign aligners is the most convenient way to keep your aligners clean and free of bacteria. There are many products available to choose from, and it is important to pick one that is gentle and suitable for your specific aligners.
1. Invisalign Cleaning Tools
You can keep your Invisalign aligners clean and in good condition by using a cleaning solution made specifically for them and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Obtain the cleaning solution from your orthodontist or from Invisalign directly. For best results, scrub the trays with the toothbrush to remove any residue, being sure not to use an abrasive brush as this could damage the trays and render them ineffective.
2. Soap and Water
To clean clear aligners, mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with warm water. Agitate the water to create suds, and soak your aligners for about half an hour. Once done, rinse them off with clean water.
3. Baking Soda and Water
By combining one tablespoon of baking soda with half a cup of water, a solution is made that can be used to soak your aligners for an hour. After it’s been soaked for an hour, take the aligners out and rinse them off before putting them back in your mouth.
How Often Should You Clean Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners must be taken care of daily, just like your teeth. You should clean them every time you take them out to prevent bacteria from growing and causing oral health issues. It is best to scrub them once in the morning and once in the evening.
After meals, rinse them in cold water before putting them back in. This will help prevent bacteria from accumulating. Additionally, scrub your aligners every so often, as plaque and white film can form on them if they are not properly cleaned. You should always store your Invisalign aligner trays in their case when you are not wearing them.
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your Invisalign aligners is essential for achieving the desired results. It is important to brush and floss your teeth before wearing your aligners and rinse them in lukewarm water before and after each use. Additionally, it is important to avoid eating with your aligners and keep them in their case when not in use. By following these steps, you can ensure you get the most out of your Invisalign treatment and achieve the beautiful, straight smile you desire.
Galleria Dental Arts provide quality dental care to patients with a focus on a comprehensive approach to oral health. As cosmetic dentists, we offer checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers, and more. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care to patients of all ages and do so using advanced dental equipment. If you’re considering getting Invisalign in Manassas, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!
