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‘How to clean Invisalign?’ is one of the most frequently asked questions by Invisalign users. Hygiene maintenance of clear aligners is the key to their optimal function.
In this article, we will not just elaborate on the methods of cleaning Invisalign but also shed light on why it is so important.
Invisalign or clear aligners are corrective appliances for esthetic restoration. Clear aligners restore crooked smiles, fill in the gaps between teeth, and bring back teeth to their optimal shape and size. Even though clear aligners need to be replaced after a couple of weeks, maintaining their hygiene is necessary.
You should keep the Invisalign clean to improve its lifespan, function, and purpose. Hygiene begins with yourself.
Clear aligners can be a magnet for bacteria if not cleaned regularly. In addition to that, food particles can occupy different surfaces. These bacteria give rise to further microbial colonies, which have unhealthy effects on your health in the form of various oral and systemic diseases. To stay healthy, our oral cavity plays a major role and you must keep any appliance that you are using in your mouth bacteria-free.
You need to cleanse your teeth to preserve the health of your oral cavity, brush them twice a day, and floss after every meal. After this initial step is done, you should move to the next step: how to clean Invisalign.
The adverse effects of not maintaining the hygiene of clear aligners are demonstrated next:
When Invisalign is not cleaned, bacteria and food debris inhabit them. These food deposits decay and release different acids and foul-smelling by-products which bacteria further feed on. Hence, a weird bad smell occupies the mouth.
Many people resort to consuming mouth fresheners(e.g., mints, cardamom, mouth sprays, etc.) to overcome halitosis(bad breath) but do not eliminate the cause. Isn’t it better to treat the cause of bad smell by rinsing and cleaning aligners after meals? Clean aligners keep bacteria at bay and therefore, no bad smell.
Originally, as the name, ‘clear aligners’ suggests, these aligners are transparent and colorless. But they remain colorless as long as they are clean. With time, if aligners are not cleaned adequately, stains of drinks, and the food you eat will mark them and turn them translucent and even yellow or gray. This gives a very unpleasant look to your smile.
Naturally, we have certain bacteria that inhabit our mouths. They are balanced and necessary. As long as that balance is maintained, we can call them, “good bacteria.” However, once that balance is disturbed due to unhygienic practices, some bacteria increase in number and start the disease process.
The bacteria usually transfer from Invisalign to the periodontal tissues and gums. As a result, the gums become painful and swollen. But it does not stop here. Gum diseases are just the first sign of many more to come if Invisalign is not cleaned.
Let’s discuss all the viable methods to clean Invisalign, one by one.
Are you wondering how to clean Invisalign at home? The answer is simple and short: use vinegar. Vinegar has a lot of other benefits and uses than adding it to your meals. Vinegar is a dilute form of acetic acid(5%) Its antimicrobial features are an asset when it comes to cleaning Invisalign.
Even if it’s dilute, using concentrated vinegar is not recommended. Firstly take a clean bowl and add distilled water and vinegar. Maintained 1:3 i.e. 1 part of distilled water and 3 parts vinegar. Place your aligners in it for 15-20 minutes. You may use a soft toothbrush to remove the plaque and deposits from the surface of aligners.
Vinegar is specifically good at targeting hard deposits on the aligners. Then you must take another bow and add plain water to it. Immerse aligners in that for about 8-10 minutes. This last step will eliminate the strong smell of vinegar. It is better to alternate this method with others during the week.
This method takes slightly more time than cleaning with vinegar. You need to place your aligners in a solution of baking soda(½ tablespoon) and water(½ cup). Place your aligners in it once the solution is uniform and let them soak for about 1 hour. Remove, rinse with plain water, and use it.
Note: Do not use an electric toothbrush for cleaning aligners. Always use a soft, manual toothbrush. The easiest way is to clean aligners using toothpaste and a toothbrush after you have brushed your teeth. This way, you will not forget. However, try to use toothpastes which are not very abrasive. It is better to follow the advice of your dentist.
This is a time-effective and cost-effective method to remove stains or fade discolorations on the aligners. Mix hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water in equal quantities and mix them. Put your aligners in that solution for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, rinse them with plain water and use them at your convenience. Some stains may be hard to remove, so you may need to try this method more than once or alternate it with other suggested methods.
Sterialigner is a solution specifically made for cleansing aligners most quickly and efficiently. It comprises a tray containing rubbing alcohol and sodium bicarbonate. All you need to do is put them in the tray for 3 minutes, followed by rinsing with lukewarm water.
Suitable and Invisalign-friendly cleaners have been mentioned previously. However, the following cleaners should not be used to clean aligners as they may impart opposite effects.
It is important to keep the following in mind and not to do:
Keeping aligners, teeth, and aligners case clean with the right cleaners as mentioned above will make your life easy and keep you healthy.
Looking for reliable Invisalign services in NJ? Here you are! Book your consultation today with Hesed Dental for your customized clear aligners.
Hesed Dental 543 Gorge Road Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201 941 8877