How to clean your Invisalign

One of the most important parts to remember about Invisalign aligners is that they need to be cleaned.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Alternative Ways to Clean Invisalign Braces

If you do not have Steradent tablets to care for you Invisalign trays, or you prefer to use another cleaning method, there are many simple tips and alternative ways to clean your Invisalign braces.

Antibacterial Soap

Using a small amount of antibacterial soap and warm water can effectively kill harmful bacteria. Rinse the Invisalign aligners, then soak them in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Brush them gently inside and out and rinse the Invisalign braces with fresh water. You may still need to soak them occasionally in Invisalign aligner cleaning solution or other retainer cleaning solution to remove any calcium build-up and to eliminate the foggy appearance.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is both antibacterial and abrasive so it can effectively remove plaque build-up from hard to reach areas on your Invisalign aligners. Simply dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water. Soak the Invisalign trays for 60 minutes, then remove the Invisalign trays and gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Be careful not to brush too vigorously as the abrasive baking soda could scratch the plastic Invisalign aligners.

Vinegar

The acid is vinegar is a great way to disinfect your Invisalign trays. Mix one part white vinegar to three parts warm water and soak the Invisalign trays for 15 minutes. Remove from the solution, brush and rinse under clean water. Do not use malt, balsamic or red wine vinegar as the dark colours can stain your Invisalign aligners.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that is typically found in mouthwash and is a strong antiseptic and antibacterial agent. While it is not recommended that you use mouthwash to soak your Invisalign aligners as the colour can cause staining, you can use the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide safely.

Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water and soak the Invisalign aligners for 30 minutes. Clean gently with a soft toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide solution as a stronger concentration may cause irritation to your teeth and gums.

How Often Should You Clean Invisalign?

You should clean your Invisalign aligners every night at the time you brush and floss. This will remove any food particles, debris, or bacteria stuck inside your teeth during the entire day. Moreover, you can also clean them if you stain them, after accidentally drinking anything that is not clear.

Can you eat with clear aligners?

Because they’re simple and easy to remove, clear aligners like Invisalign™ should be taken out and placed in their case before you eat. This will prevent any food from getting stuck in the aligner trays. And because aligners can be removed (unlike braces), most snacks and foods can still be eaten safely. We recommend brushing your teeth and rinsing your clear aligners before popping them back in.

Can you drink coffee with clear aligners?

As with eating, it’s best to remove your trays before your drink – especially for heated beverages such as coffee. Hot liquids can warp the plastic of your clear aligners, impacting their fit and reducing their ability to effectively straighten your teeth. The pigment in coffee can also stain the clear plastic, making them more visible to the naked eye. Please note that drinking any liquids other than cold or room temperature water (e.g. fruit juice, sports drinks etc) without removing your clear aligners will trap the sugar and acid against your teeth, eventually damaging your tooth enamel and greatly increase your chances of tooth decay and cavities. If you don’t like removing your aligners frequently, our advice is to stick to water if possible when thirsty!