Invisalign is a teeth straightening system consisting of clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth to gently shift them into alignment. These trays and the retainers are clear to begin with, but will need periodic cleaning to keep them clear and free of bacteria. You wear the trays throughout your treatment to align your teeth and retainers at the end of your treatment to hold your teeth in the new position.
How do you clean your Invisalign retainers and trays? Here’s what dentists and Invisalign consultants recommend.
Rinse Your Trays and Retainers When You Take Them Out
The first step to keeping your trays and retainers clean is to be proactive. Rinse them off whenever you take them out before storing them in the case. This goes a long way toward removing food and bacteria as a lot of it can be rinsed away with water. You may not always have the ability to thoroughly clean them, but try to rinse them whenever you can.
Brush Your Trays and Retainers Daily
Once a day you should brush your trays and retainers with a soft bristled toothbrush and a clear, non-scented soap. Use a different toothbrush than the one you use on your teeth and avoid using toothpaste because it is too abrasive and may scratch your trays. Brushing them daily removes food residue and bacteria, which not only helps them stay clear, but it keeps them smelling fresher. Rinse them thoroughly after cleaning and be sure to brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in your mouth.
Use the Invisalign Cleaning System
Invisalign offers a cleaning system that is designed especially for your trays and retainers. The set comes with cleaning crystals and a case. Place your trays or retainers in the case with water and the cleaning crystals. Shake the case and the crystals go to work to remove food residue, bacteria, and stains. Rinse them thoroughly after cleaning. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in your mouth.
What Not to Do
When it comes to cleaning your Invisalign trays and retainers, here’s what you should not do:
- Do not use hot water. Hot water can warp or even melt the plastic. Instead use lukewarm or cool water to rinse and clean your trays.
- Do not soak them in mouthwash. Mouthwash often contains harsh chemicals, such as alcohol, that could damage the plastic. They also contain dyes that could transfer to your trays or retainers.
- Do not use alcohol. As mentioned before, alcohol is too harsh for your trays and retainers.
- Do not soak them in denture cleaner. Denture cleaner is intended specifically for dentures, which are made of different materials than your Invisalign trays and retainers. It could cause damage to your trays.
- Do not use abrasive toothpaste. Most toothpastes are too abrasive for your trays and retainers because they are made to scrub plaque and stains off of your teeth. When used on your trays it can scratch the plastic and make it look cloudy instead of clear.
- Do not use soap with dyes or perfumes. Soap often contains dyes and strong perfumes that could transfer to your trays and retainers to make them look and taste unpleasant.
Tender Smiles for Kids Offers Invisalign
Are you looking for a dental practice that offers Invisalign for children and teens? Tender Smiles for Kids provides Invisalign for patients that are ideal candidates for this teeth straightening system. Our dentists have the experience required to design and monitor Invisalign treatment plans at any of our 5 convenient locations.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.