Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign® clear aligners offer several advantages, and simple at-home care is one of the best. Since there is no wire or bracket work involved, you can skip the specialty floss threaders and heavy-duty toothbrushes that traditional braces often require.
Our team recommends Invisalign clear aligners to patients for a number of reasons, and proper cleaning is a simple part of getting the most out of treatment. Below, we walk through how to keep your Invisalign aligner or retainer clean so it stays comfortable, fresh, and pleasant to wear.
Helpful Ways To Keep Your Invisalign Retainer and Tray Clean
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. One of the simplest ways to clean an Invisalign aligner is to treat it much like your own teeth. Gently brush both the inside and the outside surfaces for a quick, effective clean, and use a light touch so the plastic does not become scratched or etched.
- Rinse with water on a regular basis. We recommend rinsing your retainer in cool water every time you take it out, at least once a day. Doing so clears away much of the bacteria that can build up, which helps prevent discoloration and unpleasant odors.
- Choose dish soap over toothpaste. Many toothpaste formulas contain whitening agents that are great for your teeth but can dull and wear down your retainer over time. A small amount of mild dish soap combined with warm water cleans your aligner just as well without the risk of damage.
- Try a retainer cleaning product made for the job. A number of store brand retainer cleaners, including tablets and specialty liquid solutions, work well with Invisalign products and can provide a deeper, longer lasting clean. Just be sure whatever you choose is labeled safe for thermoplastic material.
- Soak in vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. For a thorough sterilizing and deodorizing clean, mix a solution using white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and let your aligner soak in it for at least 15 minutes before rinsing with water.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Invisalign Retainers and Trays?
The right cleaning frequency for your Invisalign aligner or retainer can depend on which stage of the teeth-straightening process you are in. Since aligners are designed to gradually shift your teeth into a better position, they typically need to be swapped out for a new set every 2 to 3 weeks. Because a fresh aligner is always on the way, deep cleaning is rarely necessary at this stage.
Retainers work differently, since their purpose is to hold your teeth in place once they have reached a good position. You will typically not need a replacement retainer very often, which is why we suggest giving it a deep clean at least once every few weeks. If you notice buildup or a lingering odor sooner than that, it is a good idea to clean it right away.
No matter whether you are wearing a retainer or an aligner, we recommend washing your Invisalign trays at least once or twice daily. A cool water rinse significantly cuts down on plaque buildup caused by the saliva left behind after removal, and it can also help your trays look clearer, so try washing them each time you brush your teeth.
Schedule Your Invisalign Treatment at The Smile Architects
The Smile Architects has been helping patients achieve a smile they can feel good about since 1982. Over these past 40 years, our team has focused on delivering quality care in an office that is friendly, comfortable, and affordable for every patient. We have worked to earn our reputation in the community, and we are proud to serve as a Gold+ Invisalign Provider for Huntersville.
If Invisalign treatment sounds like a good fit for you, or if you are curious about other ways to improve your smile, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with The Smile Architects.