Clear aligners, Spark and Invisalign as examples, have made it easier for many people to straighten their teeth discreetly. For those using Invisalign in Palm Beach, FL, for example, it’s important that you keep them clean for both health and aesthetic reasons. If ever you found yourself wondering whether your aligners were cloudy or had an offensive odor, you’re not alone. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be that hard to keep them clean!
The Significance of Cleaning Clear Aligners
Remember, your clear aligners will be in contact with your teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day, hence increasing the chances of bacterial growth, since it will be warmer and moister. Not cleaning your clear aligners will cause tartar and food to accumulate, hence causing stains, smells, and cavities. Unclean aligners will also become visible, hence taking away one of the biggest advantages of ‘clear’ aligners
It’s important that your trays are clean. Many wonder about the best way to clean Invisalign or Spark to ensure that your investment is safe, that your treatments are on schedule, and that bacteria that can cause stains are reduced. This will also ensure that your aligners are clear when using them. With this in mind, Dr. Angela and the team at Palm Beach Orthodontics have compiled some top tips.
1. Rinse Your Aligners Every Time You Remove Them
One habit that can easily be acquired is that of rinsing them using lukewarm water each time that you remove them. How do you clean your Invisalign aligners? This tip goes to show it doesn’t always require an extensive process.
Rinsing helps you avoid having saliva and plaque dry onto the aligners. The only important thing that you need to avoid during the process is using hot water, since warped aligners may form, given that aligners are made from plastic.
Make it a habit. Remove your aligners, then rinse them instantly. You can store them in the case meant for the aligners while eating or drinking any form of liquid, except water. This routine will also help keep the aligners fresh.
2. Brush Your Aligners Gently
Just like your teeth, your aligners can also benefit from a gentle brushing. To clean, use a toothbrush that has soft bristles along with clear soap that has antibacterial properties or mild dish soap. However, avoid using toothpaste, since it possesses properties that can cause your aligners to scratch and become cloudy.
When learning how to clean your Invisalign or Spark aligners, gentle brushing with clear soap is an optimal method. For any residue to completely disappear, it only requires gentle brushing using circular motions. This will then be followed by thorough washing using lukewarm water to ensure that any soap residue has completely disappeared. This is both highly effective, economical, and can readily be adopted when practicing oral hygiene.
3. Soak Your Aligners
Apart from brushing, soaking the aligners can also remove stubborn bacteria that could cause them to smell. If you need to clean Invisalign retainers, use aligner cleaning crystals (ask us for recommendations), or water and white vinegar, mixed equally for homemade soaking.
Soak them for 15 to 30 minutes, then clean them well for future use. This way, your aligners won’t stain, and when inserted inside your mouth, they will remain invisible.
4. Always Speak to Us with Questions
Although the aforementioned tips are highly beneficial for everyone, it has to be kept in mind that every situation can present different circumstances for different individuals. If, for any reasons, you are unable to figure out how to clean your aligners, it is important that you consult Dr. Angela and our experienced team.
Keep Your Aligners Clear, Keep Your Smile Confident
Cleaning your aligners is important for ensuring that the treatment process is successful. The process for cleaning your aligners includes rinsing them every time that you remove them, brushing them gently, and soaking them regularly. This will allow you to keep your aligners clear and comfortable to wear every day. If you feel that you are not cleaning them correctly, you can always consult our friendly team for tailored advice!