How to Clean and Care for Invisalign Aligners

For those who are unhappy with the appearance of crooked, misaligned teeth, Invisalign® may be the right solution to achieve a more attractive smile.

One of the benefits of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are clear, providing discreet orthodontic treatment. Without properly cleaning and caring for aligners, it's possible for the trays to lose their clarity, whether from staining, damage, or stuck-on food and plaque. Drs. Jay W. Chrisman and David D. Wyse provide tips for cleaning and caring for Invisalign aligners during consultations at our Bloomington, IL, practice.

The following are just a few ways to care for your Invisalign aligners. For more tips, please schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.

Clean Invisalign Aligners Everyday

Bacteria in the mouth can accumulate on Invisalign aligners throughout the day and while sleeping at night. In order to prevent bacterial buildup on Invisalign aligners, aligners should be cleaned regularly.

We recommend that our Bloomington patients clean their aligners as part of their morning and evening oral hygiene routine.

It's best to clean aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You may clean aligners with soap. Use clear, unscented soap to prevent discoloration of the aligners and to avoid having an unpleasant soapy taste in your mouth.

Soak Invisalign Aligners Once a Day

In addition to brushing aligners, soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals once a day can help keep aligners clean and smelling fresh.

Aligners should be soaked for about 15 minutes, or as long as directed, either at the beginning or end of the day.

Properly Store Invisalign Aligners When Not In Use

Although Invisalign aligners should be worn for most of the day, there are several instances in which they need to be removed, like when eating or brushing and flossing the teeth.

When Invisalign aligners are removed, it is important to store them in an aligner case. Keeping them in a case can keep them from getting accidentally damaged or misplaced. It can also help reduce exposure to airborne bacteria.

Remove Invisalign Aligners When Eating or Drinking

Invisalign aligners are not designed to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing; they should be removed when eating. Removing aligners prevents food from staining the clear plastic and from damaging the trays.

Our Bloomington patients can keep their aligners in place while drinking water, but trays should be removed when drinking anything else.

Rinse Invisalign Aligners Every Time They're Removed

Another good way to care for Invisalign aligners is to rinse them with water every time they are removed from the mouth. Aligners may be rinsed right after they are taken out of the mouth or right before putting them back in.

Rinsing the aligners with water aids in the removal of plaque and saliva, helping to keep aligners looking their best.

Brush and Floss Before Replacing Aligners

The teeth should be brushed and flossed every time the aligners are removed to eat and drink. Without brushing and flossing, food particles can stick to the teeth and inside the aligners.

Skipping brushing and flossing before returning the aligners to the mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Schedule a Consultation

For more ways to clean and care for Invisalign aligners, or to find out if Invisalign is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation by calling our team at (309) 663-6393.