Cleaning and Caring for Your Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Caring for your Invisalign is super easy because you are able to take the trays out of your mouth when you eat and drink. The removable trays also allow you to easily brush and floss your teeth as normal, unlike traditional braces. While the aligners are easily removed, you do have to ensure that the trays themselves do not get dirty. Caring for and cleaning Invisalign aligners is an important step in your journey to a healthy smile.

How to Clean Invisalign Aligners

Cleaning Invisalign aligners is convenient and should be able to become part of your daily routine with minimal disruption. It only takes a few minutes throughout your day. You should create a habit of cleaning your trays when you brush your teeth. All you will need is a toothbrush and toothpaste. Follow these steps for cleaning Invisalign trays:

  1. Rinse your trays under lukewarm water to remove any saliva.
  2. Apply your toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush both trays, inside and out, using small, circular motions.
  3. Once you have finished brushing, rinse the aligners well with lukewarm water to remove any toothpaste residue. 
  4. Closely inspect your trays to ensure they are clean and have no white film, calcium or tartar buildup. 
  5. If you do notice any buildup, you can soak your trays in one part white distilled vinegar to three parts water for 20 minutes.
  6. If you do not want to use the vinegar and water solution, you can purchase Invisalign Cleaning Crystals here as another option. 

It is easy to lose or break your aligners on accident when you take them out. Due to this, we recommend you keep your aligners in the provided case while they are not being worn. 

If you know you will be traveling, you should carry at least three pairs of aligners with you – your current set, your previous set, and your next set. If you lose your current set of aligners, please call or text our office at 919.234.5593. If you have pets, make sure to keep your aligners in your case if they are not being worn (and keep the case out of reach from your pets)!

Dental Hygiene and How to Care for Invisalign

While the best part of Invisalign is being able to remove your trays, you must ensure that you clean your teeth well after eating and before placing your trays back into your mouth. Food particles left in the trays or on your teeth can cause your aligners to discolor or smell, and they can even cause tooth decay. Whenever possible, brush and floss your teeth prior to re-inserting the aligners. While it’s best to brush your teeth every time you put your trays back in, this may not be practical in settings such as restaurants. 

If you are not able to brush, rinse your mouth and aligners with water or chew sugar free gum, then brush once you are back home. Do not chew gum with the aligners in. If applicable, keep a toothbrush and floss handy at work. Make sure you do not eat or drink with your aligners in. Warm or hot water can distort the shape of your Invisalign aligners. Drinking coffee or tea and using mouthwash can also result in staining of the plastic.

Let us Help you Protect Your Invisalign Investment!

Invisalign is a great and discreet way of perfecting your smile, but it does take a small investment of time to care for and maintain your trays. Ensuring you take the time to properly clean your aligners, avoiding liquids that could stain or distort your trays and remembering to place your trays back into your mouth after eating and brushing will help you get the best results with little hassle. 

If you’re in Cary, NC, and have questions about how to clean your Invisalign, please call or text our office at 919.234.5593. If you are interested in getting Invisalign aligners, make a complimentary new patient consultation appointment here.

Get started with Invisalign today

While we would love to quote your Invisalign cost through a digital consultation, it is nearly impossible to provide a treatment plan and financial quote without looking at your oral health. Our new patient consultations are 100% free of charge, and nothing is billed to your insurance. 

Schedule an appointment today to find out more about your Invisalign treatment, including the length of treatment and total cost. Call or text our office at 919.234.5593 or make an appointment for a consultation, where we can determine the ideal option to correct any alignment issues. We can’t wait to start your Invisalign journey with you!