How To Clean Invisalign Retainers

best way to clean a retainer

 

Maintaining great oral hygiene and increasing the success of your orthodontic treatment depend on keeping your Invisalign retainers clean. Cleaning your aligners properly is important to prevent the growth of germs, plaque, and bad smells. The finest methods for cleaning Invisalign trays will be discussed in this post, giving you insightful advice on how to keep your retainers sparkling throughout your Invisalign treatment.

Best Ways to Clean Invisalign

Maintaining the best dental health possible while using Invisalign aligners requires regular cleaning. The following are various efficient ways to clean your Invisalign aligner trays:

Rinse Your Aligners

After taking out your aligners, rinse them in lukewarm water to get rid of saliva, food fragments, and dirt. Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush might also be beneficial.

Cleaning Crystals for Invisalign

These cleaning crystals are made to destroy germs, remove build-up, get rid of stains, and neutralize smells – all while avoiding abrasive scrubbing or brushing of your aligners, which causes more damage to trays than it benefits them.

Simply follow the instructions on the packet, dissolving the cleaning crystals in lukewarm water and soaking your aligners for the suggested time.

best retainer cleaner

Soak Your Aligners

Soak your aligners regularly in moderate dish soap, Invisalign cleaning crystals, or similar non-abrasive aligner cleaning tablets. Make sure to avoid scrubbing and products that include alcohol.

Dawn Dish Soap

In a pinch, use Dawn dish soap to gently clean your aligners. After using a tiny quantity on your fingers to rub the aligners, properly cleanse your hands.

Brushing Your Aligners

While it’s not advised to brush your aligners, as brushing can create micro-scratches which trap more bacteria and stains in your aligners.

You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food particles, plaque, or anything else left behind after soaking and rinsing -just make sure to only gently sweep across aligners.

Soak Your Aligners in Cleaning Crystals

To get rid of bacteria and keep your aligners fresh, dissolve Invisalign cleaning crystals in warm water and soak your aligners for the prescribed amount of time.

Efferdent or Polident

Aligners may be thoroughly cleaned using denture-cleaning solutions like Efferdent or Polident.

Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically made for cleaning aligners to brush your braces daily. This keeps them clean and helps eliminate any remaining plaque.

Baking Soda

To get rid of smells and stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently brush it over your aligners. After that, thoroughly rinse.

cleaning Invisalign retainers

How Often Should I Clean My Invisalign Trays?

Cleaning your Invisalign trays at least twice daily, before bed and in the morning, is advised. As part of good oral hygiene, regular cleaning keeps your aligners clean and free of bacteria for the duration of your orthodontic treatment.

Avoid These Practices When Cleaning Invisalign

For best care and upkeep, it’s crucial to adhere to the following dos and don’ts while cleaning your Invisalign trays.

Don’t Use Toothpaste to Clean Your Trays

Even while toothpaste might seem like the obvious choice for cleaning, it can be abrasive and harm your Invisalign aligner trays. Use toothpaste sparingly since it might harm the aligners and make them more noticeable while wearing.

Avoid Mouthwashes, Especially Those that Contain Alcohol

Mouthwashes might be too abrasive for Invisalign trays, especially those that include alcohol. The presence of alcohol may weaken the plastic, fade the color, and reduce the clarity of the aligners. It is recommended to refrain from cleaning your trays with mouthwash.

Don’t Use Colored or Scented Cleaners

Invisalign trays shouldn’t be cleaned with colorful or fragrant cleansers. The colors or scents in these items may transfer to the aligners and cause discoloration or an unpleasant taste. For your trays, stick with transparent, odorless cleaning solutions.

Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean

Use lukewarm water instead of hot water while washing Invisalign trays. The plastic in the aligners might distort in hot water, changing their form and decreasing their efficacy. If you’re soaking or washing your trays, use lukewarm water only.

Visit Chicago Dental Studio For More Information

Visit Chicago Dental Studio for specialized advice on maintaining your Invisalign aligner trays. Their professionals can answer your queries and offer insightful commentary.

Contact Chicago Dental Studio right away to take the next step toward a healthy smile.

Dentist Chicago

Author: Dr. Nathan Hoffman

Doctor / Practice Owner

Dr. Nathan Hoffman’s philosophy is to provide quality care in a warm, comfortable environment, maintain the highest standards of practice and strive for perfection in all aspects of dentistry. Dr. Nathan Hoffman is continually expanding his education and is ever evolving with the newest advancements in dentistry, offering the latest techniques and technology to his patients.