Traditional bracing products with all that metal and wires remain one of the most popular teeth straightening options for decades. However, Invisalign aligners are now being used frequently around the globe because they are clear, easy to put in and out and have more cosmetic acceptance, so not as noticeable.
A majority of people with Invisalign struggle cleaning and maintaining their aligner trays. Just like brushing is important to clean your teeth anclend gums, proper cleaning and maintenance methods are essential for good oral hygiene and prevention of certain oral conditions. There are some easy and effective ways that enable you to keep your aligners as clean as when you first got them.
Tips For Cleaning Your Invisalign Tray
While you were sleeping for 6-8 hours, a lot of bacteria and other pathogens could have built up on your aligners, so it’s important to kick the day off by cleaning your trays and teeth. Take your trays out and clean them with using one of the following methods.
Soap and Water
Prepare a glass of warm soapy water and soak your trays in it for at least 15-20 minutes, then rinse your aligners. For better results, use liquid soap to make a solution.
Mouthwash
Use of mouthwash as a tray cleaner is one of the best options to keep Invisalign trays in peak condition. Soak your trays for 20-30 minutes in a mouthwash solution and it will remove most of the common contaminants that you will find on the aligners. To prevent your trays from discoloration, always remember to use a clear mouthwash.
Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is an excellent chemical compound that has been used as a cleansing product for centuries. Take 3 parts warm water in a cup and mix it with 1 part white vinegar. Soak your aligners in this solution for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Baking soda and Water
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a chemical compound commonly used in bakery products. However, it also has some great cleansing properties as well.
Take a half cup of water and mix it with a tablespoon of baking soda. It may take longer to thoroughly cleanse your aligner so you should soak them in baking soda solution for at least 50-60 minutes.
eHydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in mouthwashes and also used to clean surgical instruments and gowns in the hospital. Take a half cup of warm water and equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, soak aligners for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly for proper cleaning.
The Invisalign Cleaning Kit
Some Invisalign cleaner or retainer cleaner sold by the Invisalign company can work wonders. It contains a mixture of various cleansing compounds that make it very effective for deep cleansing and ensure all bacterial remnants are removed.
Remember, always avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals such as toothpaste, bleach, and alcohol that can scratch your aligners and cause damage. You are using Invisaligner to get a sparkling smile, not scratched-up gums.
