How to Clean Invisalign Tray
If you’re wondering how to clean your Invisalign tray, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few things you should avoid when cleaning your aligner tray. First of all, don’t use toothpaste or any type of abrasive cleaning agent. These products can cause discoloration, build up, and even smell. Instead, use a mild detergent. Make sure to choose a soap without fragrances or color dyes. Discolored aligners won’t taste good once they’re put back in, so you’ll want to avoid using them.
Cleaning Invisalign trays
After a day of wearing your Invisalign aligner trays, you’ll want to make sure you clean them well. Bacteria can build up in the tray from food particles and saliva that have not been removed. In addition to cleaning your Invisalign aligners thoroughly each evening, you should also brush your teeth to keep them clean. A good way to do this is to use clear antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Preventing food particles from getting in your aligners
To keep your aligners clean, you need to make sure you avoid eating with your aligners in place. Even if you have a small snack, avoid eating food particles while wearing aligners. These particles can lodge in the aligners and cause plaque and germs to build up inside them. To prevent this, remove your aligners before eating, and place them in a case when not in use. After eating, brush your teeth and replace the aligners after removing them.
Keeping your aligners out of hot water
The best way to clean an Invisalign tray is to avoid placing it in hot water, as this could permanently damage your aligners. A cup of warm water is sufficient to clean your tray, but do not put it in boiling water. Instead, add some cleaning crystals to the water, stirring them well. Leave the tray to soak for 15 minutes, then scrub with a soft-bristle brush.
Using antibacterial soap
While you can wash your aligners at home, it is recommended that you use an antibacterial soap. Antibacterial soap is an excellent choice for cleaning your aligners, as it will kill bacteria that could lead to plaque buildup. You should also rinse the tray thoroughly after using it, as some mouthwashes can leave a green tint. You can also use whitening mouthwash, but it is important to be sure to rinse thoroughly before placing the aligner trays back in your mouth.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Using a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your invisalign tray is an effective way to keep the aligner free of bacteria. Toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients can damage your aligners, creating a dull sheen. To clean the aligner properly, you should use lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse your aligners thoroughly. Hot water can weaken the alignment trays, which may cause them to warp or become discolored. It’s also best to rinse them with cool or lukewarm water.
Avoiding toothpaste
Most toothpaste contains an abrasive, which can scratch your Invisalign trays. You may also want to avoid using colored or scented soap, as they can leave a residue or stain on your aligners. This is especially true if you have recently switched to Invisalign from traditional braces. Instead, opt for a softer toothbrush and regular toothpaste. This way, you will be able to thoroughly clean your aligners without compromising the treatment.
Using vinegar
Vinegar is a popular home cleaner that is inexpensive and effective at cleaning Invisalign trays. A solution of one part vinegar to three parts water can be used to clean the tray, then rinsed thoroughly. If the vinegar does not leave a taste, repeat the cleaning process as needed. The vinegar solution will leave your tray smelling fresh, but do not swallow it! It’s best to use a half-and-half solution, as the solution will be less harsh on the tray.