The best part about Invisalign clear aligners is their virtually invisible appearance! Your co-workers, friends, or family may not even notice that you’re wearing Invisalign trays, unless you tell them! But if you allow your aligners to stain or turn yellow, suddenly your invisible braces suddenly become not-so-invisible.
Here’s everything you need to know to maintain a sparkly clean smile and invisible clear aligners:
Oh no, my Invisalign is stained!
If your invisalign is turning yellow or they smelling a little funky, it means they’re in desperate need for a cleaning! A strong oral hygiene routine and a commitment to clean your trays every day is essential to achieving the best possible smile results.
Just like any orthodontic appliance and orthodontic treatment, Invisalign trays have nooks and crannies where bacteria can build up if they’re not cleaned thoroughly. We want to avoid this, because this bacteria can lead to cavities and gum disease!
Dr. Wiewiora and Dr. Dunn are both dedicated not only to straightening your teeth, but keeping them healthy too. When you commit to daily cleaning, Invisalign is super easy to maintain. All it takes is a consistent oral hygiene routine.
Here are the 5 best ways to clean Invisalign:
5 Ways to Clean Your Stained Invisalign Trays
There are plenty of ways to clean your Invisalign aligners. What really matters is that you commit to cleaning them – but you can choose which Invisalign cleaning method works best for you.
1. Use a mild, antibacterial soap.
Yes, a simple soap can do the trick! Use a clear antibacterial soap to ensure that you’re eliminating bacteria while preventing further Invisalign stains.
Here’s how to do it:
Simply soak your aligners in lukewarm soapy water for 20 minutes. After soaking, you can give them a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush (not your primary toothbrush) and clean in the nooks and crannies on the inside and outside of each aligner.
Be sure you give your aligners a good rinse with lukewarm water when you’re done so they don’t leave a soapy taste in your mouth!
Essential Invisalign tip: Never use hot water on your aligners. This can cause them to warp and disfigure, making them ineffective.
How often should I soak Invisalign? Ideally, you do this each day. It’s a quick and effortless way to prevent bacteria buildup and Invisalign stains.
Soaking Invisalign aligners doesn’t just eliminate odors and bacteria; it eliminates calcium and mineral deposits that can build up in your aligners.
2. Use distilled white vinegar to clean Invisalign.
This cleaning technique is a classic, and it works wonders. Vinegar has gentle disinfectant properties that naturally eliminate odors and bacteria on your aligners, and it’s clear so you won’t risk staining your Invisalign. This process is simple too!
How to clean aligners using a vinegar solution:
- In a small container, mix white vinegar and lukewarm water (1:3 ratio).
- Leave your aligners in the solution for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, use a soft-bristled toothbrush (not your primary toothbrush) to brush the solution in the nooks and crannies of each tray.
- Rinse your aligners with cold or lukewarm water.
Voilà! Your aligners are clean! Pop them back in and continue your smile transformation.
3. Clean Invisalign with baking soda.
If your Invisalign is yellowing, using baking soda is particularly effective for removing stains. Baking soda is gentle and has natural whitening properties.
How to clean Invisalign with baking soda:
In a small container, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and ½ cup of water. Gently mix until you form a paste, and soak your aligners for 60 minutes. When they’re done, rinse them with lukewarm water and you should have clear Invisalign trays again!
4. Try a hydrogen peroxide Invisalign soak.
Hydrogen peroxide has natural antibacterial properties, and it’s gentle yet powerful enough to eliminate bacteria and debris. Be sure to use low concentration (3%) hydrogen peroxide and dilute the solution with water.
How to clean Invisalign with hydrogen peroxide:
- Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water.
- Let your aligners soak for about 30 minutes.
- Using your designated cleaning toothbrush, brush off any leftover plaque and clean in all of the nooks and crannies.
- Rinse your aligners with cool water.
5. Try Invisalign Cleaning Crystals.
Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals+ are specially-formulated for cleaning invisalign trays and attachments. They’re easy to use and won’t scratch or discolor your aligners.
Here’s how to clean invisalign with Invisalign Cleaning Crystals:
- Choose a container large enough to hold both your Invisalign trays (we recommend dedicating this container just for your Invisalign trays!)
- Fill the container with warm water.
- Open a packet of the cleaning crystals and stir them into the water until completely dissolved.
- Place your trays into the solution and soak them for 15 minutes.
- Remove your trays from the cleaning solution and give them a good brushing!
- Rinse off your trays and pop them back in your mouth to continue your transformation.
Invisalign Cleaning FAQs
1. How often should I clean my Invisalign trays?
Everytime you brush your teeth, clean your Invisalign trays too! After each meal, give your Invisalign a good rinse and maybe a quick brushing if you can. Ideally, you clean your aligners regularly throughout the day and soak them once at night.
2. Can I use Efferdent to clean Invisalign?
Yes, you can! Both Efferdent and Retainer Brite are great, gentle soaking solutions to disinfect Invisalign. You can find both of these on Amazon!
3. How do I prevent Invisalign yellowing?
Cleaning your trays throughout the day and soaking them each night will help prevent yellowing. Don’t eat with your Invisalign trays in, and don’t drink any liquids other than water while you have your trays in. Eating colored spices like turmeric and curry with your aligners in will stain them immediately!
Protect Your Smile with Clean Invisalign Trays
We want you to experience the brightest smile, during, and after your Invisalign treatment! It’s important to commit to cleaning your aligners regularly to prevent discoloration and bacteria build-up!
Many people are already experiencing the Invisalign difference; what about you? Schedule your complimentary exam with Central Florida’s Top 1% Invisalign doctors in Lake Mary or Longwood today! We’re your trusted providers for Invisalign for kids, teens and adults.
You can also start with a free virtual consultation from the comfort of your home!
