Invisalign trays offer the ultimate in orthodontic convenience, but you’ll still need to stay on-top of your dental hygiene to keep them clear, prevent them from smelling, and keep your smile cavity-free throughout your treatment. One of the best ways to do that is to use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or other recommended cleansing solutions to prevent plaque accumulation on them. Read on to learn how to use Cleaning Crystals and some other tips for keeping your aligners clean and hygienic.
How Often Do You Need to Clean Invisalign Aligners?
It’s recommended that you rinse your Invisalign trays each time before you put them back in your mouth, soak them daily in cleansing solution, and brush them at least once per day, although more times doesn’t hurt! The goal is to keep the trays clean to prevent plaque and bacteria from becoming wedged between your aligners and teeth throughout the day, causing an increased risk of common oral health issues like gum disease and cavities. If these develop, they could set back your treatment timeline.
How Do You Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are the official, name-brand cleanser recommended to keep your trays clean. They can be purchased from your dentist or directly from Invisalign’s website for about $45 for 50 packets and contain special ingredients designed to keep your trays odor-free and hygienic. You use them as follows:
- Remove your trays from your mouth and rinse them under cool or lukewarm tap water.
- Place your aligners in a clean container filled with enough lukewarm water to completely cover them and add one packet of Cleaning Crystals to the water.
- Gently swish/shake the solution for about 20 seconds to help the crystals dissolve in the water.
- Let your aligners sit in the container covered by the water for 15 minutes or longer before gently swirling it again for 20 seconds.
- Finally, rinse your trays thoroughly with lukewarm water before putting them back in your mouth.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Trays Clean
In addition to using name-brand cleaning crystals, there are also other dos and don’ts for cleaning your trays that you’ll want to keep in mind, including:
- Brush your trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap once or twice during the day.
- Always avoid using very abrasive ingredients to clean your trays, like baking soda, toothpaste, and hard-bristled brushes.
- Never use hot water to rinse your aligners. This could cause them to warp.
- Clean your trays at least once every day.
- For hard buildup of debris on the trays, you can use a mixture of peroxide and water (1:1) to help clean them. Although, this isn’t recommended as a routine cleansing method.
If at any point you have questions or concerns about how to stay on top of your oral and aligner hygiene throughout your journey, never hesitate to ask your dentist. The best way to achieve your smile goals is through establishing a diligent routine. With it in place, you can minimize the unexpected and enjoy a smoother sailing experience.
About the Practice
At Smile by Design of Virginia Beach, our amazing team of dentists includes three highly experienced and compassionate professionals, Drs. Stephanie Santos, Vinita Folck, and Madison Squire. Together, they offer a collaborative approach to care and utilize leading-edge treatments to help their patients achieve the best possible versions of their smiles. To learn more about Invisalign, visit our website or call 757-499-9639.