The best part about Invisalign clear aligners is their virtually invisible appearance! Your co-workers, friends, or family may not even notice that you’re wearing Invisalign trays, unless you tell them! But once your aligners start staining or yellowing, your invisible braces suddenly become very visible.
If your invisalign is turning yellow or starting smelling a little funky, it means they’re in desperate need for a cleaning! A strong oral hygiene routine and a commitment to clean your trays every day is essential to achieving the best possible smile results.
Just like any orthodontic appliance, Invisalign trays offer a place for cavity-causing bacteria to build up on your smile-in-progress and can lead to tooth decay. Our Northwest Florida orthodontists are dedicated not only to straightening your teeth, but keeping them healthy too! We want to help you achieve your dream smile and making sure you know how to clean your invisalign trays is part of that! Here’s the 5 best ways on how to clean invisalign.
5 Ways to Clean Your Invisalign Trays
There’s a lot of different ways to clean your Invisalign aligners! We encourage you to choose the cleaning method that best fits your oral hygiene routine and preference.
Warning tip: Before you purchase any product, consult it with your orthodontist first. Follow all the directions instructed on the packaging.
1. Antibacterial Soap
Yes, simple soap can do the trick! Just make sure to use a clear antibacterial soap as colored soaps can stain your aligners.
Soaking your aligners in lukewarm soapy water for 20 minutes is an effective way to clean them. This process doesn’t just eliminate odors; it also eliminates calcium and mineral deposits that may be stored in your aligners. Be sure you give your aligners a good rinse when you’re done so they don’t leave a soapy taste in your mouth!
2. Distilled White Vinegar
This cleaning technique is a classic, and it works wonders. Vinegar has gentle disinfectant properties that can eliminate odors and bacteria on your aligners. The process is very straightforward.
How to clean aligners using a vinegar solution:
- In a small container, mix white vinegar and lukewarm water (1:3 ratio).
- Leave your aligners in the solution for 20 minutes,
then rinse in cold water.
Voilà! Your aligners have been cleaned without the use of harsh chemicals.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another method to use on yellowing aligners. Baking soda has natural whitening properties, making it the perfect solution to counteract yellowing and revert your aligners to their invisible appearance.
In a small container, mix one tablespoon of baking soda and ½ cup of water. Gently mix until you form a paste, and soak your aligners for 60 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water, and your aligners should be clear again.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is the perfect stain remover and gentle enough to use on your aligners in low concentrations.
Here’s how to clean stained invisalign attachments or trays:
- Combine the hydrogen peroxide with warm water and let your aligners soak for about 30 minutes.
- Brush off any leftover plaque on your aligners and rinse them with cool water.
5. Invisalign Crystals
Invisalign crystals are specially-formulated for cleaning invisalign trays and attachments. They’re easy to use and won’t scratch or discolor your aligners. Here’s how to clean invisalign with invisalign crystals:
- Choose a container large enough to hold both your Invisalign trays (we recommend dedicating this container just for your Invisalign trays!)
- Fill the container with warm water
- Open a packet of the cleaning crystals and stir them into the water until completely dissolved
- Place your trays into the solution and soak them for 15 minutes
- Remove your trays from the cleaning solution and give them a good brushing!
- Rinse off your trays and pop them back in your mouth
Protect Your Smile with Clean Invisalign Trays
We want you to experience the brightest smile, during, and after your Invisalign treatment! It’s important to commit to cleaning your aligners regularly to prevent discoloration and bacteria build-up. (Remember, every time you take your aligners out to eat, drink, or brush your teeth, be sure to rinse them with lukewarm water before placing them back in your mouth).
Many people are already experiencing the Invisalign difference; what about you? Schedule your complimentary exam with Northwest Florida’s Top 1% Invisalign doctors today! You can also start with a free virtual consultation from the comfort of your home!
Our 8 convenient locations (Niceville, Pensacola, Navarre, Pace, Crestview, Ft. Walton, Cantonment, Perdido) are always accepting new patients, and we would love to help you get started on the path to a new smile.
