Invisalign Cleaning 2019 [Factual!]

July 5, 2019

First off, Invisalign cleaning is a hot topic. Invisalign is the most commonly used brand of clear aligners. For those who start wearing Invisalign aligners, they think that nothing wrong can happen to change the appearance of the clear trays. However, after wearing their trays for 1-2 weeks, they do tend to discolor and show mild wear. You will also notice that the same tartar or dental plaque that accumulates on the teeth will start to build upon the aligners. A good orthodontist will show you how to take care of the aligners and minimize these situations.

Don’t Be Scared!

The debris may cause staining, or it may cause the braces to start to produce a foul odor. Don’t be scared; there are lots of techniques to ensure that your aligners stay looking fresh and clean. Below are some of the ways you can use to clean the aligners.

Using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

Align Technology is the company that produces Invisalign. They also sell a cleaning product called the Invisalign cleaning system. This system includes prepackaged cleaning-crystals, which when introduced into water make a soaking solution that helps to remove any dental plaque that has formed on the aligners. The biggest downside to this product is that it is costly. Most people do not choose to pay the high cost associated with the crystals and look for more cost-effective options to clean their aligners.

Have you ever heard of a vibratory bath?

Any method that you use to clean the aligners can be enhanced when you place the aligners and solution in a vibrating bath. A vibrating bath involves a sonic or an ultrasound cleaning-unit that creates an agitation that helps to dislodge small particles that are stuck on the aligners even after a good cleaning with proper brushing technique.

Note: Remember, soaking solutions should be thoroughly rinsed off before placing the aligners back in your mouth!

Products to Clean Your Invisalign

Retainer Brite or SonicBrite

Firstly, Retainer Brite or SonicBrite are two products that have instructions that state that they are to be used on clear aligners. These solutions are ideal for the removal of stains and in killing microorganisms and other bacteria. Mix with water to form a soaking solution. These products are a good alternative to the costly cleansing system, for people who choose to purchase cleaning products.

Sonic-cleaning units

Both Retainer Brite and SonicBrite sell vibrating baths that are battery powered and work to enhance the effectiveness of the sonic-cleaning products. These baths can be used with other soaking solutions too.

Effervescent denture cleaning products

Powders, foams, crystals, and tablets clean the aligners. They contain a bubbling agent that helps to clean some degree of the aligners. These products usually have an oxidizing compound that can kill bacteria and also remove stains from the aligners. Other ingredients in the products include enzymes, fragrances, flavorings, detergents and tartar removing agent. It is possible to get the generic version of this product at an affordable price.

Invisalign Cleaning Solutions…

Homemade soaks and solutions

There are people who prefer homemade-cleaning agents to commercially produced products. Hence, the availability of ingredients required makes homemade solutions easy to make. Each of the homemade cleaners has its own strengths, and because of their differences, they stand out from each other because of their individual effectiveness in cleaning the aligners.

In some cases, you might have to use the different solutions on a rotational basis. Just like the way you use commercially produced solutions, you can use a vibratory bath together with the homemade solutions to increase the effectiveness of the cleaning solutions.

Diluted bleach solution

Mix ten parts of tap water and one part household bleach like Clorox, and you will have prepared a soaking solution. It has been shown that this mixture is effective in killing microorganisms that are hiding in the aligners, and they are also used to removing any kind of stains. Although the diluted solution can remove stains, it is not enough to remove tartar. To remove tartar from the trays, you need to add a teaspoon of Calgon in each glass of the diluted solution.

Diluted hydrogen peroxide solution

accordingly, if you dilute hydrogen peroxide with water in a 50:50 ratio, you can use it as a cleaning solution. There are antibacterial properties in hydrogen peroxide as well.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Invisalign

Avoid using mouthwash to clean the aligners

Several different types of mouthwash claim they kill bacteria. Patients can be misled into thinking that mouthwash can be used as a cleaning solution for aligners due to their pleasant flavor. In reality, mouthwashes are not effective at cleaning aligners. In addition, some aligner users have reported that the red colored mouthwashes have discolored their aligners or tinted the trays. For these reasons, mouthwashes are not a good choice for cleaning aligners.

Avoid using Toothpaste

Toothpaste is not a good choice for cleaning aligners. Many kinds of toothpaste are abrasive and can, therefore, cause micro-scratches on the surface of the aligners, which can cause aligner roughness over time. Instead of using toothpaste, use plain water and a few drops of a mild dish-washing product. Before using any homemade solution, seek the guidance of an orthodontist.

In Conclusion

For more information about ANYTHING Invisalign and other clear aligner products and services, including treatment, aftercare and of course the right cleaning solutions for your Invisalign aligners, you can contact Silver Level providers Dr. Eric Nease and Dr. Phil Higginbotham.