6 Tips for Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not cleaning their new dental aligners properly or not at all. Don’t let that be you! Yourorthodontist in Columbia, SC, will be the first to tell you the horror stories of neglected dental aligners.

6 Tips for Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

Here are six expert tips for cleaning and keeping your dental aligners clean.

1. Rinse Your Aligners

Anytime you remove your aligners, immediately rinse them off. This will remove any saliva, food particles, and bacteria. All this will help prevent dental bacteria and disease.

2. Brush Your Aligners

Your optometrist will tell you to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and specially formulated dental aligner cleaner. This will help gently clean your aligners. Additionally, you should always avoid using toothpaste to clean them because toothpaste is too abrasive.

3. Use Soap and Water

When you’re ready to soak your dental aligners, mix a small amount of clear, unscented dish soap with lukewarm water. Then, soak them in that solution for about 20 minutes or so. You can then remove and rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.

4. Try Vinegar and Water

Vinegar and water also make a great cleaning agent for yourInvisalign dental aligners in Columbia, SC. Just mix one part of white vinegar with three parts of lukewarm water. Then, soak your aligners in that solution for about 20 minutes or so. Then, remove them and rinse them in cold water.

5. Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

If you want to deep clean your dental aligners, add Invisalign cleaning crystals to some water and soak your dental trays for about 15 minutes or so. Then, brush and rinse them before putting them back in your mouth. Using the Invisalign cleaning crystals will help remove bad odors, bacteria buildup, and stains from your dental trays.

6. Never Use Hot Water

Never, ever use hot water around your Invisalign trays. That means not drinking anything hot while wearing them, rising, or soaking them in hot water. Doing so will warp the plastic and render it unusable because it will no longer fit properly.

Do You Need an Orthodontist in Columbia, SC?

If you have issues with your dental aligners or have another dental need, pleaseContact Tompkins Orthodontics today. Care for your Invisalign trays properly is critical to your aligners’ performance and overall dental health.