Nearly 20% of the population does not have an ideal bite. Without proper teeth alignment, you are likely to experience pain and discomfort over time. Misaligned teeth can also make you self-conscious about your smile.

Invisalign is a more discreet and convenient way to straighten your misaligned teeth. One of the most important things our dentist in Mt Laurel NJ recommends is to keep your Invisalign retainers clean. Properly caring for them is vital to get the best results and avoid costly Invisalign replacements.

Keep reading to find out how to clean Invisalign.

Invisalign Cleaning Accessories

To clean your aligners, you can use the Invisalign Cleaning System. It contains a cleaning tub and packets of Invisalign cleaning crystals that you dissolve in water and soak your retainers in. 

These crystals often comprise cleansing agents, such as sodium sulfate.

Invisalign braces also provides a Steraligner product, which comes with a sterilizing tray. The product includes ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, rubbing alcohol, and a natural antiseptic.

How to Clean Your Invisalign

Looking to get started with Invisalign care? Below is a basic cleaning process you should follow.

Step 1: Inspection

Carefully assess your Invisalign for plaque and tartar build-up. Plaque appears as a cloudy, white film on the aligner, while tartar is yellow-brown. Once you're done, rinse your aligners with clean water. 

Step 2: Soak the Invisalign

Immerse your retainer in a cleaning solution for about 15 minutes. You can dissolve the Invisalign cleaning crystals in water to create the solution. They can help get rid of foul odors, staining, and buildup from your trays.

Additionally, you can use at-home cleaning solutions that are approved by dentists in Mt. Laurel. 

Step 3: Brush the Invisalign

Brush your Invisalign trays with a gentle, clear liquid soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use small, circular motions to remove any accumulated debris. Don't use the brush you usually use to clean your teeth.

Step 4: Rinse the Invisalign

After brushing the inside and outside of your Invisalign retainer, rinse it thoroughly under lukewarm water isn't too cold or too hot.

Step 5: Storage

Keep your Invisalign trays in a protective case when you aren't using them. Exposure to contaminants may lead to illness.

At-Home Cleaners to Keep Your Invisalign in Good Condition

Apart from the Invisalign Cleaning System, you can equip yourself with additional care remedies. Consider the following proven at-home alternatives for cleaning Invisalign:

Soap and Water

If you don't have Invisalign cleaning crystals, you can use a gentle, unscented liquid soap and water as an alternative. Add a small amount of the liquid soap in lukewarm water and stir to create suds.

Soak your Invisalign retainers in the solution for about 20 to 30 minutes. Once you're done, brush and rinse for a deeper clean.

Vinegar and Water

Vinegar is a great way to disinfect your Invisalign. Mix water and white vinegar in a ratio of 3:1 and soak your retainers for about 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse in clean water.

Don't use malt vinegar, as it can stain your Invisalign.

Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda has antibacterial properties. It can help you remove plaque build-up in the hard-to-reach areas in the Invisalign.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in half a cup of water. Soak your trays in the solution and rinse them.

However, limit the use of baking soda. It contains abrasive properties that can lead to scratches on your tray over time.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Water

Hydrogen peroxide is a popular dental cleaning solution. You can also use it to cleanse your Invisalign. Mix equal parts of peroxide and water and soak your aligners. Brush and rinse before storing or wearing the Invisalign.

Cleansers to Avoid When Cleaning Invisalign

Some cleansers can be too damaging to use on your Invisalign retainers. Examples of these cleansers include:

Mouthwash

While you can use mouthwash in your oral care routine, you can't use it to clean your aligners. It contains coloring dyes in your mouthwash that can stain your Invisalign.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers use hot water. Not only will it discolor your aligners but also distort your Invisalign. As a result, they may not fit well on your teeth.

Cleaning Soaps

Soaps with colored dyes such as green, red, or blue soaps can easily stain your Invisalign. These soaps also contain bleach, alcohol, and other abrasive chemicals that can damage your aligners.

How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign?

Make sure you clean your Invisalign every night. You can do it at the same time you brush and floss your teeth. This helps to eliminate any food particles, debris, or bacteria that accumulate during the day.

Additionally, you can clean your Invisalign when they look dirty. It can be after you drank something that wasn't clear while wearing them.

Although you change your Invisalign every 2 weeks, it's still worth cleaning them properly. If you don't, the aligners can expose your teeth to bacteria. What's more, it can cause bad breath and teeth discoloration.

Your dentist should offer further specialized care tips during your scheduled check-ups at the dental office. 

Other Ways to Take Care of Your Invisalign

Following proper dental practices can help keep your Invisalign spotless and bacteria-free. Below are some practices you can implement. 

Avoid Eating or Drinking with Invisalign

Although you can drink clear beverages while wearing your Invisalign, it's best to remove your aligners each time you want to eat or drink. It prevents the risk of staining and food build-up in Invisalign.

Avoid Smoking

Don't smoke while wearing Invisalign. Smoking decays your teeth due to trapped tobacco and nicotine. This can stain your trays.

Store Safely

Keep your Invisalign trays in airtight containers each time you remove them. It will prevent the contamination of germs and bacteria.

Clean Your Teeth Before Wearing Invisalign

Brush and floss your teeth before you put your Invisalign back in. It reduces the chances of trapping food particles and bacteria inside your retainers.

Invisalign Treatments With a Qualified Dentist in Mt Laurel NJ

Straightening your teeth doesn't stop with wearing Invisalign. You need to take care of them for proper dental hygiene.

To get Invisalign, look no further than Mount Laurel Dental & Implant Center. Our dentist in Mt Laurel NJ will also offer advice on cleaning your Invisalign retainers. Contact us to request a free consultation.