Quick Hacks To Clean Clear Aligners Like Invisalign

 

Owing to innovative orthodontic techniques, more people are opting for teeth-straightening treatments to improve their smile.

Traditional braces have become so passé and clear teeth aligners such as Invisalign have emerged to be the latest trend.

Nevertheless, one of the important aspects of clear teeth aligners is to maintain their cleanliness and keep it odour-free.

Every time you remove your aligners to eat/drink/floss/brush, make sure to clean them to prevent discolouration and multiplication of unwanted bacteria.

 

 

How to clean clear aligners like Invisalign?

 

Got your custom-made Invisalign aligners fitted by your Orthodontist but have zero knowledge regarding how to clean them properly?

Don’t worry!

It is super easy and in no time, it will become a part and parcel of your oral hygiene routine.

 

1.Clean The Aligners Twice Daily:

Since you will be wearing the aligners for a prolonged period, it is crucial to clean your aligners twice a day. Once in the morning and once before hitting the bed at night. Make it a habit to clean them with a soft toothbrush using an antibacterial denture cleanser or home-based remedies. It is better to keep a separate toothbrush for your aligners because using your regular toothbrush can leave behind small particles on them. Before fixating the aligners inside your mouth, rinse it with lukewarm water. Avoid using extremely hot water because the heat can distort the shape of your aligners.

 

2. Remove The Aligners Before Eating/ Drinking:

  Never forget to remove the aligners before indulging in a meal. Otherwise, tartar and plaque can grow on the surface and leave behind stains. Besides, there’s a high chance that your aligners can crack while chewing sticky/hard/chewy food.

 

3.Keep Your Aligners In A Retainer Case:

 Taking out your aligner before eating/drinking and misplacing them is a common occurrence. Additionally, leaving them out in the open can lead to the accumulation of bacteria. Thus, always store your aligners in an orthodontic retainer case to keep them safe and squeaky clean.

 

 4. Regularly Soak The Aligners:

 To keep your aligners smelling their best, make it a practice to regularly soak them in Invisalign’s cleaning crystals or other home-based solutions for a minimum of 10-15 minutes. Avoid dissolving the cleaning crystals/ home-based solution in piping-hot water. The aligners can get damaged due to the heat and have an effect on your teeth-straightening treatment.

Post-sterilization, rinse the aligners with cold water to wash away any remnants of the solution.

 

 

 

What are the DIY Cleaning Solutions for Aligners?

 Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are quite expensive. If you are looking for an economical alternative, home-based solutions are excellent options. Let’s take a look!

 

1.Antibacterial Soap:

 To get rid of the foul smell and bacteria, unscented and clear antibacterial soaps do wonders for clear teeth aligners like Invisalign.

 

2.Mouthwash:

Soaking the aligners in whitening mouthwash is another great option. However, keep away from mint flavours or coloured varieties. Orelse, it can lead to discolouration.

 

3.Vinegar & Water:

Did you know that a mixture of vinegar and water can clean your aligners efficiently? To prepare the solution, mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar to 2 tablespoons of warm water. Next, immerse the aligners in the mixture and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Before placing the aligners inside your mouth, rinse them off with cold water to remove any remnants of the solution.

 

4. Baking Soda & Water:

Baking Soda and water does an equally commendable job to clean your aligners. To prepare the solution, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with ½ cup of lukewarm water. Thereafter, soak the aligners in the mixture and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Before placing the aligners inside your mouth, rinse them off with cold water to remove any remnants of the solution.

What are some of the DONT’s of clear aligners?

Like Dos, it is important to know about the DONT’s of clear aligners.

 

●       Never use coloured/scented soaps to clean your clear teeth aligners. It can leave behind stubborn stains.

●     To avoid causing unpleasant odours, don’t forget to remove your aligners before eating/drinking.

●  Don’t leave the aligners on an open surface after you have removed them from your mouth. Exposed aligners become a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, you might end up misplacing them.

●   Don’t use extremely warm water to clean/ soak your aligners. The unbearable heat can distort them and cast an effect on your dental treatment.

What should my cleaning regimen for the clear aligners while I’m travelling?

Are you worried that travelling can mess up with your treatment and the cleaning routine of the aligners will go for a toss?

Calm down!  Here’s how you can maintain your oral hygiene seamlessly while on the go!

•   Carry your old set of clear teeth aligners with you. In case you lose your current set, you will       have a backup option.
•    Always keep your extra set of aligners in your handbag while boarding a long-haul flight
•       Remember to remove your aligners before eating/drinking.
•        Carry a whitening mouthwash in your pocket to quickly clean your aligners twice a day.
•        Pack an extra Retainer Case.

Clear teeth aligners have gained immense popularity for all the right reasons. Unlike metal braces, they are invisible and doesn’t appear ugly on your smile. Besides, clear teeth aligners require minimal maintenance and do not cause painful nicks in the mouth. All you have to do is learn how to clean them properly for maintaining sound oral hygiene.

 So, hurry up and get your appointment scheduled for Invisalign Treatment at My Gentle Dentist and gift yourself a charming smile in Less than 12 Months!