Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that can be used as an alternative to braces for some patients. It consists of clear plastic retainers you wear over your teeth that gradually shift them into proper alignment. The retainers fit snugly to the teeth and can be removed to eat and clean your teeth. But how do you clean Invisalign?
This guide will outline the dos and don’ts of Invisalign retainer cleaning. Clean retainers keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh.
Tips for Cleaning Your Retainers
These are the best ways to keep your retainers clean on a daily basis:
- Rinse them with water after eating or drinking. When you’re not at home to brush your retainers, you can keep them cleaner by rinsing them off after eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps to prevent discoloration and removes some of the bacteria that accumulates on them to prevent bad breath.
- Brush them when you brush your teeth. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, morning and night. When you take your retainers out to brush your teeth, you should also brush your retainers. Use a soft bristled toothbrush, a different one than you use to brush your teeth, and a mild clear liquid soap. Rinse them thoroughly after brushing before putting them back in your mouth.
- Store them in the case. It is important to wear your retainers as much as possible. But when you do take them out, always store them in the designated case that comes with your Invisalign retainers. This keeps them safe from being lost, accidentally thrown away, or chewed up by pets.
What Not To Do
There are also some things you should not do when it comes to cleaning your Invisalign retainers:
- Do not use toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive because it is designed to scrub plaque off of tooth enamel. The abrasiveness of toothpaste will scratch the plastic of your retainers. Especially avoid whitening toothpaste that may include bleaching agents that could damage the plastic.
- Do not use a hard bristled toothbrush. A toothbrush with hard or stiff bristles may also scratch the plastic of your retainers. This is why a soft bristled brush is recommended for cleaning.
- Do not use denture cleaner. Denture cleaner is designed specifically for soaking dentures, which are made of a different material than the plastic of your retainers. The denture cleaner may damage the plastic.
- Do not soak them in mouthwash. Another potentially harmful cleaning solution is mouthwash. While it is good for your teeth, it is not good for your retainers, especially mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
- Do not clean them with scented soap. It is best to use mild, unscented soap for cleaning your retainers. Soap with a strong scent can transfer to your retainers and cause a bitter taste.
Invisalign Retainer Cleaning Products
Invisalign sells their own cleaning products that are created specifically for cleaning your retainers:
- Cleaning crystals. These crystals are designed to clean the plaque off of your retainers. Simply place your retainers in the cleaning container with warm water. Add the crystals and shake. Let stand for 15 minutes and rinse.
- Steraligner. This sterilizing solution removes 99.9% of bacteria from your retainers. Soak retainers in the solution according to the instructions. Brush your retainers after using the solution and rinse thoroughly.
It is not necessary to purchase any of the Invisalign cleaning products unless you want to. It is perfectly fine to clean your retainers using any of the recommended tips and products listed above.
Savannah Dental Solutions is a Certified Invisalign Provider
One of the best things about Invisalign is that you don’t need to see an orthodontist to receive this treatment. Dentists can complete the necessary training and certification to provide Invisalign treatment to patients. Savannah Dental Solutions is a certified Invisalign provider. We have successfully treated numerous satisfied patients with Invisalign.
Are you ready to become the next satisfied Invisalign patient? Call (912) 354-1366 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
