Do you know how to clean Invisalign aligners? Do you know how to sterilize Invisalign? Can you use denture cleaner on Invisalign? Patients new to Invisalign orthodontic treatment need to learn the best way to care for their Invisalign trays. Proper care will ensure not only a straight smile but also a healthy one. 

At Petrous Orthodontics, we want to teach you the best ways to clean Invisalign trays. Dirty trays aren’t just gross — they’re filled with bacteria that can weaken your tooth enamel and germs that can make you ill. That’s why it’s so important to clean your Invisalign correctly.

Why Clean Your Invisalign?

Why is it so important to clean Invisalign? Your clear aligners pick up the bacteria, plaque, and food particles in your mouth. Rinsing your aligners with water can remove some of that, but not all. Left uncleaned, that same bacteria and plaque can build up on your clear aligners and be returned to your mouth, along with other germs. 

That buildup can make your clear aligners turn a dingy color or cloudy. They can also smell and taste funny. In addition, the germs and bacteria you will be putting into your mouth can cause mouth sores or even illness. 

It’s vital to your oral health and your overall health that you clean and sanitize your Invisalign. 

How to Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

There are special cleaners for Invisalign. These cleansers come in the form of soluble crystals or tablets. Dissolve these in warm water according to the directions on the package, then soak your clear aligners in the solution. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type and brand of cleaner. 

Some people like to soak their clear aligners overnight. We don’t recommend this because soaking them too long in the crystals or tablet solutions can make them look cloudy. Besides, you need to wear your Invisalign at least 22 hours a day to be effective, so you must wear your clear aligners overnight. 

Can You Use Denture Cleaner With Invisalign?

Many people ask if it’s OK to use denture cleanser with Invisalign, but the short answer is no. Denture cleanser usually contains micro abrasives that scrub dentures clean but can leave tiny scratches on Invisalign’s clear acrylic surface. These microabrasions can make clear aligners look cloudy and more visible on your teeth.

The same goes for your toothpaste. Do not use toothpaste with Invisalign or scrub Invisalign with a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush. These can also leave microabrasions on your trays and make them look dull or cloudy.

How to Disinfect Invisalign

If you want to know how to sterilize Invisalign, use a mild antibacterial soap dissolved in warm water as a cleaning solution. You can also use a bit of vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide dissolved in water to clean your aligner trays. Just be sure to rinse your clear aligners well before you put them into your mouth. 

Can I Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner for Invisalign?

You may have seen those ultrasonic cleaners for Invisalign that use sonic wave vibration to clean the trays and remove bacteria. We recommend using one of these cleaners if you have one. They effectively clean clear aligners and usually do it in about five minutes.

Dos and Don’ts of Invisalign

It’s very important to take care of your Invisalign trays and not dispose of them when you switch to the next set. We may find that you need to wear the previous set a bit longer or ask you to wear the previous set if you lose a tray and need to order a replacement. 

It’s important to keep your trays clean and safe in case you need to reuse them. Here are some tips on how best to care for your Invisalign.

• Do keep track of when to move to the next set of Invisalign trays. It’s important to stay on course to keep your treatment schedule. 
• Do clean your Invisalign trays daily. Soak your trays at least 3-4 times a week (preferably daily) and clean them lightly with a cotton swab to get into the nooks and crannies.
• Do store your Invisalign when they aren’t in your mouth. We will provide a storage container, but we recommend you get an extra one for when you go out to eat. Storage containers can be found at your local retailer or pharmacy.
• Do wear your Invisalign at least 22 hours a day, removing them only for eating or drinking or brushing and flossing your teeth. Wearing them for less time can result in a delay in your treatment or less-than-perfect results.
• Don’t wrap your clear aligners in a napkin, paper, or other material that can be mistakenly thrown away. Always keep your trays in a designated Invisalign storage container when not wearing your aligners.
• Don’t expose your trays to excessive heat, including washing them with hot water, putting them in the dishwasher or washing machine, or leaving them in a hot car. The heat can warp the trays and make them unusable. 
• Don’t throw away your trays when moving to the next set, in case we need to backtrack or in case you lose a tray and we need time to reorder a set. 
• Don’t miss your appointment with your orthodontist. We will need to check your treatment progress and ensure your trays fit correctly to keep your treatment plan on track.

Best Way to Clean Invisalign

What’s the best way to clean Invisalign? The best method is to use a designated Invisalign cleaner, such as the Invisalign crystals or tablets. We also recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner. Other methods (soap, vinegar, etc.) will work, too. The main point is to clean your Invisalign regularly and thoroughly. 

Are you looking for Invisalign treatment in Royal Oak, MI? Petrous Orthodontics wants you to love your smile, and Invisalign is a great way to get the smile you’ve always wanted in less time than you may expect. Schedule an appointment with us to see how Invisalign can change your smile!