One of the many benefits of using Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth is that they’re removable. However, some people undergoing Invisalign treatment may not know how to clean them. Not cleaning your aligners well can cause a problem with your treatment, so read on to learn about the best cleaning methods.
How Often Should I Clean My Aligners?
When undergoing Invisalign Treatment, the aligners sit in your mouth for up to 22 hours daily. That’s plenty enough time for bacteria to set in on your aligners. According to Forbes, you should properly clean your aligners seven days a week. Since you have to brush your teeth daily, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that you should also clean your aligners that frequently.
Can I Use Hot Water?
You must be very careful when cleaning your Invisalign aligners. Remember, they’re plastic, so be careful with the water temperature you use to clean them with. Instead of using hot water, it’s best to use lukewarm water to rinse them out. If you use hot water on your aligners, you may end up deforming them and then you’ll have to replace them with a new tray.
Can I Brush My Aligners
Yes, a toothbrush can play a role in cleaning your Invisalign aligners. Start by using a soft toothbrush to lightly scrub away plaque or food debris stuck on them. After you’ve cleaned off any food substances, you can now use a cleaning solution to soak them in. The type of solution that you soak them in can vary, however, if you use a denture-cleaning solution, you can soak them for about 15 minutes.
Can I Use Mouthwash to Clean Them?
While mouthwash is great for killing germs inside your mouth, it’s terrible to use on clear aligners. Even if mouthwash kills germs on them, it could still be harmful to your invisible aligner trays in other ways. First of all, the alcohol in mouthwash can deform the plastic. Another thing to worry about is the color of the mouthwash. Most mouthwash has some type of color in it and if you soak your Invisalign tray in them, it can take on the color of the mouthwash. As a result, they’ll no longer be invisible.
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners are a part of your treatment. The last thing you should do is put a dirty tray in your mouth every day. You also don’t want to ruin them by using a harsh or discoloring solution. If you have any more questions about how to properly care for your aligners, don’t hesitate to call our office today!
