Invisalign aligners are beneficial for straightening your teeth for a few reasons. Invisalign aligners are a simple way to correct your smile and are less expensive than traditional braces. They’re also clear, so no one will even know you’re wearing them!
Clear aligners are a great way to boost your confidence while gradually correcting your smile. Although these aligners are much different than your traditional braces, you’ll still need to clean them on a regular basis. There are many benefits of Invisalign aligners, but one of the greatest benefits is that they’re much simpler to clean than traditional braces.
In the guide below, you’ll find a few tips for keeping your aligners clean each and every day. Continue reading to learn more and get started down the path to a healthy, clean mouth!
How Often Should I Clean Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners should be cleaned as often as you clean your teeth. Make it a part of your daily routine. Each time you brush your teeth, take a few moments to clean your aligners as well.
Your aligners should be cleaned at least twice a day. It’ll only take a few quick moments so that it won’t be much of a burden on your daily schedule. If you notice any buildup in your aligners or food particles, then be sure to clean them as needed as well.
Create a Cleaning Station
A great way to make cleaning your aligners easy is to create a cleaning station at your bathroom sink where you brush your teeth. This cleaning station will help remind you to clean your aligners regularly. Place a bowl large enough to fill water inside.
When you place your aligners inside the bowl, there should be enough room for the aligners to be submerged underwater. It would be best to have all of your cleaning tools laid out next to the bowl to make cleaning easy and convenient.
Use Denture Tablets
As silly as it might seem, you can use denture tablets to clean your aligners. Choose denture tablets of your liking, and then fill your bowl with warm water. You’ll place your aligners in the bowl and add the denture tablets.
It would be best to read the directions on the tablet package to determine how long to let them soak for, but it should be around 15 minutes. When the time is up, remove the aligners and rinse with water. You should make sure the tablets you use don’t have colored layers.
These colors could stain your aligners over time.
Try White Vinegar
The best thing about using white vinegar to clean your aligners is that you most likely already have it in your home. To clean the aligners with white vinegar, you’ll want to create a solution. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts warm water in your bowl.
Place the aligners into the mixture and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes. Once the time is up, remove the aligners and rinse them with water. The white vinegar should do an excellent job of removing particles and other bacteria inside the aligners.
Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide
Another common household item you can use to clean your aligners is hydrogen peroxide. You can create a cleaning solution by mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with one part warm water in your bowl. Place the aligners in the bowl and let them soak in the solution for about 30 minutes.
When the time is up, you’ll remove the aligners and rinse with water.
Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes
There are a few common cleaning mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Some of these cleaning methods seem like a quick and straightforward way to get your aligners clean but can actually cause more bad than good. Here’s what you need to know.
Dishwasher
Your dishwasher uses hot water to clean the dishes properly you place inside of it. Most items will notify the user if they’re dishwasher safe or not. If you’ve ever placed something in the dishwasher you weren’t supposed to; then you can most likely imagine what will happen to your aligners if you put them in there as well.
Avoid this cleaning method.
Boiling Water
The same is valid for boiling water. Although boiling water can remove bacteria and leave a surface clean, it’s not safe to use on your aligners. Using boiling water on the aligners can cause them to warp and lose their shape.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste can discolor your aligners over time. It can also leave a film on the inside of the aligners. You may even notice a difference in the taste of the aligners when you wear them after cleaning them with toothpaste as well.
Lastly, because toothpaste is abrasive, it can leave tiny scratches on your aligners.
Mouthwash
Colored mouthwash can discolor your clear aligners. It’s also not a good enough cleaning method to remove bacteria and food particles from them. Rather than choosing a mouthwash to clean with, consider using one of the more appropriate methods listed above or ask your dentist about a cleaning solution made specifically for aligners.
Follow These Tips to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean
When you decide on Invisalign aligners, you choose confidence and convenience. Clear aligners are a great choice for many people who want to improve their smiles. If you’re new to caring for aligners, then be sure to follow the helpful cleaning tips listed in this guide above.
Are you looking for a dentist in Houston, TX, to help you make a decision about aligners? Contact Memorial Dentists to see how we can help you with all your dental needs!