If you need to straighten your teeth without the use of traditional metal braces, you may want to look into Invisalign in Port Moody. These clear aligners are comfortable, nearly invisible, and removable, leading to their high popularity. In order to keep your aligners working effectively and looking clean, cleaning and care are extremely important.
Invisalign aligners will spend the majority of their day in your mouth, so if you are not cleaning your aligners properly, they will trap food, bacteria, and stains. Good cleaning habits not only help to keep your aligners clear and fresh looking, but they will also help to keep your oral health in good condition throughout your Invisalign treatment.
Why is Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners Important?
Your aligners are meant to fit snugly over your teeth; therefore, anything trapped inside your aligners will remain close to your teeth and gums (e.g., plaque, leftover food). If you do not clean your aligners properly, it can result in bad breath, tooth decay, or gum issues.
If you want the most effective alignment results, it is best to follow your cleaning routine every day! Your dentist in Port Moody will be able to provide you with advice on proper cleaning techniques and cleaning products so your aligners do not get damaged.
What Is the Best Daily Cleaning Routine for Invisalign Aligners?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to keeping your aligners clean and fresh:
- Rinse upon removal – Whenever you take out your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water to wash away saliva and debris.
- Be careful – Use a soft toothbrush (distinct from your regular toothbrush) and mild, gentle, non-abrasive soap to clean your aligners. Do not use toothpaste, as it is abrasive and can scratch the surface.
- Rinse before reinstalling: Prior to reinstalling your aligners, make sure they are completely dry and clean.
- Clean your teeth – Always brush and floss before wearing your aligners again to prevent trapping food inside.
Following these steps will help prevent discoloration, odours, and bacterial buildup.
What Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Certain cleaning practices are harmful to your aligners. Please refuse to be used so that both you and the aligners remain safe:
- Hot water- Hot water can distort the base of the aligners and affect your Invisalign treatment.
- Harsh chemicals- Cleaner/disinfectant chemicals, such as bleach or some strong cleaners, can destroy the material.
- Coloured soaps- Stain the aligners.
- Abrasive toothpaste- Scratches make the aligners highly visible and trap bacteria.
How Can You Deep Clean Invisalign Aligners?
Along with daily cleaning, your aligners need a deeper clean every few days. This can be done using:
- Invisalign cleaning crystals – Designed specifically for aligners to remove stains and bacteria.
- Retainer cleaning tablets – These dissolve in water and help keep aligners fresh.
- Mild vinegar solution – Mix equal parts vinegar and water, soak for 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Ask your Invisalign dentist for recommendations on the safest cleaning products for your aligners.
How to Maintain Your Invisalign Aligners While Travelling?
Life can get busy, and there may come a time when you’ll have to take your aligners out while you’re away from home. Here are a couple of tips for maintaining your aligners while you’re away from home:
- Keep a small case while away – Always store your aligners in a protective case when not in use to prevent damage or loss.
- Keep a travel-sized toothbrush and floss – This allows you to clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
- Rinse with water – If you can’t brush, rinse your aligners with water before putting them back in.
What Food and Drink Guidelines Apply to Invisalign Aligners?
One of the great things about Invisalign near you is that you can take the aligners out before eating, so you have no food restrictions as you do with braces.
- Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
- Rinse your mouth and aligners before putting them back in.
- Avoid sipping sugary or coloured drinks with your aligners on—they can stain and damage the material.
How Should You Store Invisalign Aligners Safely?
When not wearing your aligners, always store them in their case. Leaving them out exposes them to bacteria, dirt, and the risk of being lost or damaged. If you have pets, keep the case out of their reach—they’re often attracted to the smell.
How Do You Maintain Progress in Your Invisalign Treatment?
Proper care of your aligners not only helps them look good, but it also helps your treatment to continue as planned. Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day, and moving to the next set of aligners should follow your dentist’s schedule. If you miss cleaning or accidentally wear your damaged aligners, you could slow progress.
If you are ever floating a little bit unsure about your cleaning routine, or the trays are looking stained or cloudy (even though you do regularly care for them), please reach out to your dentist near you for help.
Is Maintaining Invisalign Care Difficult?
Once you integrate caring for Invisalign aligners into your daily routine, it is easy. Spending a few minutes cleaning your aligners every day will leave you looking at fresh, clear aligners, and it will be much easier to protect your teeth while undergoing treatment.
Start Your Smile Transformation Today
Do you want to start your path towards a straighter smile? At Mint Dental, we want to help! We will support you the whole way through treatment, and we have everything you need to be successful. Call us to schedule your consultation, and you can take the first step towards your new smile!