How to Clean Invisalign: Dos, Don’ts, and Best Practices for 2024

At Laser Dentistry, located in the heart of Studio City, Los Angeles, we believe in more than just transforming smiles—we help you keep them healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment journey. As Southern California's recognized provider of Invisalign, we are dedicated to ensuring our patients enjoy the many benefits of these revolutionary clear aligners. However, maintaining their effectiveness means keeping them clean. Invisalign aligners are a superior alternative to traditional metal braces, offering comfort, aesthetics, and faster results. But, without proper care, bacteria and plaque can accumulate, affecting both your dental health and the clarity of your aligners.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the dos, don’ts, and best practices for cleaning your Invisalign aligners, ensuring your smile stays bright and healthy throughout your treatment.

Why Cleaning Invisalign Aligners is Crucial

Wearing Invisalign means your teeth are in close contact with the aligners for the majority of the day. These clear aligners work by gradually shifting your teeth into perfect alignment, but they can also become breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned properly.

Neglecting to clean your aligners can lead to:

• Staining: Without regular cleaning, the aligner trays can become discolored, taking away from their primary benefit—being nearly invisible.
• Bacterial Build-up: This can lead to bad breath, plaque formation, and even gum disease.
• Compromised Treatment: A dirty aligner may not fit properly over time, impacting your overall orthodontic treatment progress.

Here are the dos and don’ts of keeping your Invisalign aligners in top condition.

Dos for Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

1. Rinse Every Time You Remove Them

One of the simplest ways to prevent bacteria from building up on your aligners is to rinse them every time you take them out. This habit ensures that saliva, plaque, and debris don’t have time to dry and stick to the trays. Rinsing with lukewarm water is best—avoid hot water as it can warp the BPA-free aligners.

2. Brush Your Aligners Gently

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (different from the one you use on your teeth) to gently clean your Invisalign trays at least once a day. This helps remove any plaque or food particles. Pair it with a clear, mild soap or Invisalign cleaning solution, as toothpaste can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface of the clear braces, making them more noticeable.

3. Use the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

Invisalign offers specialized cleaning crystals designed to remove plaque and odor-causing bacteria. To use them, soak your aligners in the crystal solution for about 15-20 minutes once a day. This method is highly effective in keeping your invisible braces clear and odor-free. You can find these crystals online or at Laser Dentistry when you visit us in Studio City.

4. Soak Aligners Regularly

Aside from the cleaning crystals, soaking your aligners in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water for 20-30 minutes can also help disinfect them. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward to avoid any vinegar aftertaste.

5. Brush and Floss After Meals

Cleaning your teeth after every meal is just as important as cleaning your aligners. Eating with your aligners on is a strict no-no, and food particles left on your teeth can transfer to your aligners when you put them back in. Brushing and flossing after meals will not only prevent this transfer but also keep your Invisalign trays from becoming stained.

Don’ts for Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

1. Don’t Use Toothpaste

While toothpaste is great for your teeth, it’s not the best option for your Invisalign aligners. Most toothpaste formulas contain abrasives that can scratch the aligner surface, making them appear cloudy. Stick to a clear, mild soap or an aligner-specific cleaner.

2. Avoid Using Hot Water

One of the key benefits of Invisalign is their custom fit. Using hot water to clean or soak your aligners can cause them to warp, affecting how they fit over your teeth. Always use lukewarm water when cleaning or soaking them.

3. Don’t Leave Aligners Out in the Open

Whenever you take out your aligners, avoid leaving them exposed to air. Not only does this increase the risk of losing them, but bacteria can also settle on the trays. Always store them in their protective case when not in use.

4. Don’t Eat or Drink Anything (Except Water) with Your Aligners On

Eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners can lead to stains, bad breath, and food particles getting trapped in the trays. Beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can stain the aligners, making them more noticeable and compromising your smile makeover.

5. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Bleach or other harsh chemicals may seem like a quick fix for disinfecting your aligners, but they can damage the plastic. Moreover, using bleach can leave behind harmful residues that could potentially irritate your gums or mouth, compromising both your teeth whitening and your gum health.

Best Practices to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean

1. Stick to a Cleaning Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to keeping your Invisalign aligners clean. Make it a habit to clean them every morning when you wake up and every night before bed. This routine will prevent plaque from building up overnight and keep your custom aligners clear throughout the day.

2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

At Laser Dentistry in Studio City, we recommend routine check-ups to monitor both your treatment progress and the cleanliness of your aligners. Our Southern California patients benefit from our expertise in Invisalign, ensuring their smile alignment progresses smoothly.

3. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene

Good oral care complements clean aligners. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to prevent food particles from getting trapped in your aligners. Keeping your teeth clean helps ensure that the aligners stay fresh and odor-free.

4. Use Aligner Removal Tools

Removing your aligners with clean hands is important, but an aligner removal tool can make the process easier and more hygienic, especially if you’re in a situation where you can’t wash your hands immediately. These tools are designed to gently lift the aligners without damaging them.

5. Replace Your Aligners as Recommended

Invisalign treatment involves changing your aligners regularly, usually every week or two. Sticking to this schedule is important for your treatment progress, but also helps with hygiene. Wearing a new set of aligners means starting with a clean slate every time.

Final Thoughts: Clean Aligners, Clean Smile

Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering a clear, comfortable, and effective way to achieve the perfect smile without the hassle of traditional braces. At Laser Dentistry, we take pride in helping our Southern California patients in maintaining optimal oral health throughout their Invisalign journey. Keeping your aligners clean is essential to ensuring the best results. By following these dos, don’ts, and best practices, you’ll be on your way to straighter, healthier teeth and an overall more confident smile.

Whether you're just starting your Invisalign journey or are well on your way to the perfect alignment, our team is here to support you every step of the way. To learn more about Invisalign and maintaining your smile during treatment, contact Laser Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.

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