If you’ve ever been fitted with Invisalign aligners, you know how important it is to keep them clean. Invisalign clear aligners are an effective way of straightening teeth without the traditional metal brackets and wires associated with braces. Invisalign is a great option for adults who want to improve their smiles without having to deal with the appearance of metal braces. In order for Invisalign aligners to be effective, they must remain very clean so that bacteria don’t build up on them and cause any damage to your mouth or teeth. Cleaning Invisalign aligners doesn't have to be difficult--it just requires consistency and attention to detail. In this article, we will discuss how to clean Invisalign aligners, including the best cleaning methods, supplies needed and how often to do it.
Clean Invisalign Every Day
What Supplies Do I Need?
Before you can start cleaning Invisalign, you’ll need a few supplies. You should have a soft-bristled toothbrush, unscented soap or denture cleaner, lukewarm water, and a container (a cup or bowl is fine). It’s important that the container be big enough for your Invisalign aligners to fit in without being squished or bent.
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners
Once you have all the supplies, cleaning Invisalign aligners is easy. First, wet your toothbrush with lukewarm water and add a drop or two of soap or denture cleaner to the bristles. Then, gently scrub each Invisalign aligner on both sides for 15-20 seconds. Make sure to reach all the crevices and edges on both sides of the aligners so that any bacteria or food particles are removed. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse each aligner thoroughly with lukewarm water; this will help remove any remaining soap residue.
How Often Should I Clean Invisalign Aligners?
It’s important to clean Invisalign aligners every day. Bacteria can quickly build up on Invisalign aligners if they are not cleaned regularly, which can cause bad breath and other oral health problems. Invisalign aligners should also be replaced every two weeks in order to keep them from becoming too worn or damaged.
Professional Cleanings for Invisalign Aligners
When Should I See a Dentist?
In addition to cleaning Invisalign at home, it’s important to have your aligners professionally cleaned by a dentist or orthodontist at least once per year. A professional cleaning will ensure that all bacteria and food particles are removed from the Invisalign aligner, and can help prevent any damage to the aligner. In addition, a dentist can check to make sure your Invisalign is still fitting properly and adjust it if necessary.
What Happens During an Invisalign Cleaning?
During an Invisalign cleaning, the dentist will first take an impression of your teeth so that they can create a custom-fitted Invisalign tray. The Invisalign tray will then be soaked in an ultrasonic cleaner for 15 minutes to remove any bacteria or food particles that have built up on it. After the Invisalign has been cleaned, the dentist will examine it for any signs of wear and tear or damage and replace it with a new one as needed.
What Else Can I do to Keep Invisalign Clean?
In addition to regular Invisalign cleanings, it’s important to always brush your teeth and tongue after meals or snacks. This will help remove any food particles that may be stuck on the Invisalign aligner and prevent bacteria from building up. In addition, you should also avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing Invisalign aligners in order to keep them as clean as possible.
Conclusion
Keeping Invisalign aligners clean is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring the success of your Invisalign treatment. Taking the time to properly clean your Invisalign aligners every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented soap or denture cleaner will help keep your Invisalign aligners in good condition. In addition, it’s important to have Invisalign professionally cleaned at least once per year by a dentist or orthodontist. Following these tips can help you keep Invisalign clean and ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment.
FAQs
Q: How often should I clean my Invisalign aligners?
A: It’s important to clean Invisalign aligners every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented soap or denture cleaner. In addition, it’s also recommended that Invisalign aligners be professionally cleaned at least once per year by a dentist or orthodontist.
Q: What else can I do to keep Invisalign clean?
A: In addition to cleaning Invisalign aligners every day, it’s also important to brush your teeth and tongue after meals or snacks in order to remove any food particles that may be stuck on the Invisalign aligner. In addition, you should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing Invisalign aligners in order to keep them as clean as possible.
Q: Is it safe to use denture cleaner on Invisalign aligners?
A: Yes, denture cleaner is safe for Invisalign aligners and can help remove any bacteria or food particles that have built up on them. In addition, denture cleaner is also known to be very gentle and non-abrasive, so it won’t damage Invisalign aligners as harsh cleaners may.
