In the United States, nine in 10 people have teeth that are at least slightly crowded or misaligned and need teeth straightening treatment. Clear aligners, also known as Invisalign, are a popular alternative to traditional braces. They offer many benefits in addition to straighter teeth. 

However, many people do not know how to properly care for their Invisalign retainers which may affect the outcome of their treatment.

Do you want to learn more about how to clean Invisalign® retainers at home? 

Keep reading this article for the top tips to improve the care of your Invisalign retainers. 

  • Clean Clear Aligners Before Use

Cleaning your aligners before use is one of the most important things you can do to protect your oral health during Invisalign treatment. Before each insertion, you can clean your aligners to remove any bacteria growth, food, or other debris on your aligners. 

You can start with a soft-bristle toothbrush, water, and a small amount of toothpaste. To make it easier, you can clean the outside of your aligners while they are still on your teeth, just as you would brush your teeth. 

Then, you can remove your aligners and clean the inside surfaces. After cleaning your aligners, make sure you rinse them thoroughly before reinserting them into your mouth. 

  • Use the Right Products

To avoid damaging your Invisalign retainers, you also need to use the right products when you are cleaning your aligners. If you use products that are abrasive or contain harsh chemicals, it can damage the appearance of your aligners. 

For example, you should not soak your Invisalign aligners in denture cleaner or mouthwash. Both of these products can damage the surface of your aligners and make them appear more dull and visible. This defeats the purpose of having clear aligners, as they are meant to be inconspicuous. 

You can also use a small amount of anti-bacterial soap to remove plaque and debris from your retainers. 

When you start Invisalign treatment, you can also buy cleaning products made specifically for Invisalign care. You should use these once a week for a more thorough clean. 

  • Remove for Eating and Drinking

Next, you must remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink. There are many reasons that you need to follow this rule. 

First, although Invisalign aligners are durable, they are not intended to withstand the force of biting and chewing. If you regularly chew food with your clear aligners, you may end up breaking or distorting them. 

Next, many different foods and drinks can stain or damage your Invisalign aligners. For example, brightly colored foods or drinks like coffee or alcohol can discolor your aligners, which will make them look more obvious in your mouth. 

Hot foods and drinks may even cause the plastic aligners to melt and warp. 

You can eat or drink whatever you want as long as you remove your Invisalign aligners first! The only exception to this rule is when you are drinking cool water. 

  • Brush and Floss Your Teeth Before Reinserting Aligners

Before you reinsert your clear aligners after eating a meal or snack, you must brush and floss your teeth. This is because it is easy for food and other particles to build up in your mouth and get stuck between your teeth. 

If food or plaque gets trapped in your aligners, you may be more likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease.

Harmful bacteria in your mouth can mix with your saliva and the food in your teeth and aligners. Plus, Invisalign prevents saliva from moving on your teeth, which is necessary to protect your teeth against cavities.

Even if you don’t have your toothbrush or Invisalign cleaner, you can rinse your mouth and aligners with warm water to dislodge any food particles that could get trapped in your aligners. 

Because this is not quite as effective as brushing and flossing your teeth, make sure you thoroughly clean your aligners as soon as possible. 

  • Contact an Invisalign Professional

Finally, you can contact an Invisalign professional if you have any other questions about your Invisalign hygiene or other oral hygiene questions. Your doctor can provide you with the most accurate advice when it comes to caring for your Invisalign and getting the most out of your treatment. 

It is also important that you continue to get regular dental checkups from your dentist. This will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your Invisalign treatment. 

Your doctor can help you make adjustments to your Invisalign care to ensure that your oral health is in pristine condition. 

Remember that taking care of your Invisalign clear aligners is crucial for your oral health. By following each of these tips, you will be less likely to develop oral health issues during your teeth straightening treatment. 

If you are looking for an Invisalign professional to help you as you start treatment or to help you improve your Invisalign care, we can help!

  • Learning How to Clean Invisalign Retainers at Home? 

Given all the advantages of a great smile, Invisalign® pays for itself over time – but if the cost is a concern, talk to your dentist about flexible financing options. Your FSA or dental insurance may also cover part of the cost. In some cases, you may be able to prioritize correcting either your top or your bottom bite (whichever is most urgent.) Finally, Invisalign® has become a household name for one good reason: with a 96% satisfaction rate, patients are recommending it to friends and family every day.


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