How should I clean and maintain my Invisalign aligners?

Invisalign aligners are a popular solution for those seeking a discreet way to straighten their teeth. However, maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring they stay in optimal condition is crucial for both the effectiveness of your treatment and your oral health. Whether you are considering Invisalign London as an option or already using Invisalign Express, understanding the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your aligners will help you achieve the best results.

In this blog, we will dive into the essential dos and don’ts of cleaning and maintaining your Invisalign aligners, with practical advice, expert tips, and a comprehensive guide to keeping your aligners fresh and hygienic throughout your treatment.

Why Clean Your Invisalign Aligners?

Before we get into the specific methods, it’s important to understand why regular cleaning is vital. Invisalign aligners are in constant contact with your teeth and mouth, which means they can accumulate plaque, bacteria, food particles, and stains over time. If left uncleaned, this build-up can cause oral health issues, such as bad breath, cavities, or gum irritation. In addition, dirty aligners can compromise the effectiveness of your treatment by preventing them from fitting properly.

Essential Cleaning Tips for Invisalign Aligners

1. Rinse Immediately After Removing

The first step in keeping your aligners clean is to rinse them with lukewarm water as soon as you remove them from your mouth. This prevents saliva and food residue from drying on the aligners, which can lead to an unpleasant smell or staining.

• Tip: Always avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic, compromising the fit of your aligners.

2. Use a Soft Toothbrush

You should brush your aligners gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface. This will help remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Avoid using your regular toothbrush for this, as the toothpaste may be too abrasive and could damage the aligners.

• Pro Tip: Use a separate toothbrush exclusively for cleaning your aligners. This helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures your aligners remain in pristine condition.

3. Clean with Mild Soap or Special Cleaning Crystals

To clean your aligners more effectively, you can use mild, clear liquid soap or a non-abrasive cleaner. If you prefer something more specialised, Invisalign London sells a product called Steraligner that can be used to clean your aligners. These products help break down plaque and kill bacteria without harming the plastic material.

Alternatively, you can use Invisalign cleaning crystals, which dissolve in water and create a cleaning solution that is effective at sanitising your aligners.

4. Avoid Strong Chemicals and Toothpaste

Avoid using coloured or abrasive toothpastes, as they can scratch the surface of your aligners, making them more prone to staining. Strong chemicals or bleach are also harmful and can cause discolouration or degradation of the aligner material.

• Tip: Use only mild antibacterial soap or Invisalign-approved cleaning products for the safest results.

5. Soak Your Aligners Regularly

Soaking your aligners is a great way to ensure they stay fresh. You should soak them at least once a day for 15-30 minutes. Invisalign offers specific cleaning crystals designed for this purpose, but you can also use a denture cleaner if you don’t have access to these products.

6. Store Aligners Properly

When not in use, always store your aligners in their protective case to prevent them from getting damaged or dirty. This also prevents you from misplacing them.

7. Rinse After Eating and Drinking

Whenever you eat or drink anything other than water, it’s crucial to remove your aligners. Not only will eating with your aligners in place risk damaging them, but it can also lead to staining or the accumulation of food particles. After eating, rinse your aligners and clean your teeth before reinserting them.

8. Avoid Eating or Drinking Staining Substances

Certain foods and drinks can stain your aligners, so try to avoid consuming them while wearing your aligners. Coffee, tea, red wine, or foods with vibrant colours can leave your aligners discoloured.

• Tip: If you must drink something like coffee, remove your aligners first. This will help maintain their clarity and prevent staining.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene While Using Invisalign

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

You must continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, even though you are wearing aligners. Cleaning your teeth after every meal is important to avoid plaque build-up, which can be trapped underneath the aligners.

• Tip: Carry a travel toothbrush and floss with you to clean your teeth after eating when you’re on the go.

2. Check for Wear and Tear

Invisalign aligners are designed to be durable, but over time, they may wear down. If you notice any cracks or chips in your aligners, it’s crucial to replace them to avoid any impact on your treatment. Regularly inspect your aligners for signs of wear.

3. Maintain Your Retainers After Treatment

Once your treatment is complete and you have switched to retainers, maintaining them is just as important as caring for your aligners. Retainers can also harbour bacteria if not properly cleaned, so be sure to follow the same cleaning protocol as you did with your aligners.

Invisalign Express: A Special Case

Invisalign Express is a more streamlined version of the traditional Invisalign treatment. It’s ideal for individuals with mild alignment issues who need a shorter treatment time. While the cleaning and maintenance principles remain the same as with regular Invisalign, there are a few things to consider:

• Treatment Duration: Invisalign Express typically takes only about 6 months, meaning you need to be extra vigilant with cleaning and maintaining your aligners to avoid any unnecessary delays or complications in your shorter treatment journey.
• More Frequent Changeovers: With Invisalign Express, you may change aligners more frequently than with the standard treatment, so it’s essential to clean them at each stage to ensure they fit correctly and function optimally.

Tip for Invisalign Express: Given the shorter treatment time, focus on keeping the aligners fresh, as any bacteria buildup can significantly affect the efficiency of your treatment in a limited timeframe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While cleaning your aligners is relatively simple, many people make the following mistakes:

• Using Hot Water: As mentioned, hot water can warp your aligners. Always use lukewarm or cold water.
• Skipping Cleaning: Skipping your daily cleaning can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup. Make sure you clean your aligners daily, not just when they look dirty.
• Using Abrasive Materials: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your aligners. Stick to soft brushes and mild soaps.

Conclusion

Maintaining the cleanliness of your Invisalign aligners is crucial for achieving the best results and maintaining good oral health throughout your treatment. By following the right cleaning routine, you can prevent staining, discomfort, and complications that could interfere with your progress. If you’re seeking Invisalign London services or interested in learning more about Invisalign Express, ensuring proper maintenance will keep your aligners in top condition, helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner in your Invisalign journey, Complete Smiles is here to support you every step of the way.