Invisalign is currently improving the smiles of over five million people – and there’s no sign of that number slowing down!
Invisalign is the most convenient and comfortable way to straighten teeth, but that doesn’t mean they are maintenance-free. If the trays are not cared for and cleaned properly, they become a tray for bacteria. Here’s what you need to know about how to clean your Invisalign retainers and tray.
How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign has been around for years, but it’s quickly becoming the go-to treatment for straighter teeth.
This clear aligner is molded to the shape of the patient’s teeth and provides an invisible look compared to traditional metal braces and brackets. The tray needs to be worn for at least 20 hours a day so that the aligner moves teeth in the correct position. Once the tray is worn for the designated time given by the dentist, the patient receives modified trays to continue moving the teeth into the correct position.
The process of adjusting trays is repeated throughout the course of treatment – usually for several months – until your smile is aligned. The period of total treatment and the number of trays needed is dependent upon the patient and the results they wish to achieve.
How to Clean Invisalign Retainers and Trays
What you’ll need to properly clean Invisalign trays:
- Soft bristled toothbrush
- All-purpose toothpaste
- Denture cleaner tablets
- Antibacterial soap
- Invisalign cleaning crystals
With good oral hygiene and clean trays, Invisalign's results are astonishing. Without proper cleaning of the retainers, the trays hold plaque and bacteria, resulting in problems like cavities, gingivitis, and unpleasant odors.
The best way to clean Invisalign retainers and trays is to make a habit of removing it before eating meals or drinking anything aside from water. Then, after eating or drinking, brush and floss your teeth before placing the aligners back into your mouth.
Once the trays are removed, rinse them under lukewarm water. This method washes away germs and build-up. After rinsing thoroughly, you need to clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and all-purpose toothpaste. Then you clean the aligner with a denture cleaning tablet and follow the directions on the pack. To sanitize the tray, use cleaning crystals specifically for Invisalign and antibacterial soap.
It’s important to remember never to use hot water while rinsing due to the risk of melting the trays and causing deformation. Also, never use whitening toothpaste to clean the tray or colored antibacterial soap. Both can damage the tray through cracks and discoloration.
Contact Attleboro Family Dental Care for Invisalign Treatment
In addition to properly cleaning your Invisalign retainers and tray, our team at Attleboro Family Dental Care also advises you to practice good oral hygiene at home. This means brushing and flossing your teeth daily – if not twice a day! By keeping the teeth and gums germ-free, Invisalign will work at its best.
We also recommend continuing to visit your dentist every six months for professional cleaning and check-ups. They can also catch and treat any conditions, such as gingivitis and cavities.
To learn more about Invisalign treatments, contact us at 508-222-2510 .