As well as being an extremely effective, discreet and modern solution, invisible braces – provided they are worn and stored correctly – have one aspect that is very rarely emphasised. This is none other than the Invisalign Cleaning!
These removable braces do, in fact, require care and attention from the wearer, and regular cleaning is essential to maintain them in their original condition and to ensure that we do not have to worry about tooth decay.
Although Invisalign aligners need to be replaced every one or two weeks on average, if they are not cleaned regularly, they can become discoloured and start to smell within a few days, and pathogens may accumulate on them, which will also have a negative impact on oral hygiene.
As many people are unaware of just how important it is to clean their Invisalign aligners, and even more are unsure about what they can and cannot use, we have answered the most important questions in this article.
Why is it important to clean Invisalign aligners regularly?
As we pointed out in the introduction, it is very important to clean Invisalign aligners regularly, primarily for hygiene reasons.
If we do not make sure to clean our braces regularly, pathogens can become trapped in the small gaps between them, which can easily lead to tooth decay or gum problems, and in severe cases, infections.
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is therefore essential primarily for hygiene reasons, but it should not be neglected either, as this is the only way to ensure that the aligners retain their condition and transparency; otherwise, they may become yellowed or cloudy.
This can detract from the aesthetic appeal, whilst it is generally the case that such yellowed Invisalign aligners often develop an unpleasant odour, which can derail the treatment plan for many people.
However, we do have some good news: with a little care and just a few minutes a day, all of this can definitely be prevented!
How often do you need to clean your Invisalign aligners?
According to official recommendations, it is advisable to clean your braces thoroughly at least once a day, usually in the evening.
Whilst it may be sufficient to rinse them under running water during the day, it is worth paying closer attention to this in the evenings – we’ll come to the methods shortly – as this helps to remove the grime and pathogens that have naturally built up over the course of the day.
Of course, Invisalign aligners can – and should – be cleaned if they become visibly dirty. Many people may, for example, forget certain rules and drink beverages that leave stains on the aligners. In such cases, they should be rinsed thoroughly as soon as possible.
In addition, an important basic rule regarding the frequency of cleaning is that you should always rinse it under running tap water whenever you take it out, whether it’s after a meal or a workout, as pathogens that should not enter the mouth may adhere to it whilst out in the open air or even whilst in its case.
Useful tips for cleaning your Invisalign aligners every day
So, as should now be clear to everyone from the above, cleaning your Invisalign aligners is part of your daily routine whilst undergoing treatment. Let’s now look at three useful tips to help you keep your aligners clean and hygienic:
Rinse with lukewarm water every time
The first and most important thing we can do to keep our Invisalign aligners in good condition is simply to ensure that every time we take them out for a short while, rinse them thoroughly before placing them back in their case, and only put them back on our teeth after rinsing them.
It is very important to hold the rails under running water for a few seconds and to rinse them not only on the outside but also on the inside, as a great many pathogens and contaminants can also accumulate there.
However, it is important to emphasise that you must never clean the brackets with hot water. Many people try to disinfect their braces this way, but water that is too hot can warp them, whilst it is no more effective than rinsing them thoroughly under running water.
Always keep it in its case when you’re not wearing it
One of the key rules for cleaning – and, more importantly, keeping them clean – when using Invisalign aligners is to always store the aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them. Even if you’ve only taken them out for a few minutes!
The case features an airtight seal, ensuring that the rails do not come into contact with the outside environment and that no dirt, dust or pathogens can accumulate on them, which could subsequently cause discomfort.
To ensure the rails are kept safe inside the case as well, it’s worth getting this accessory too weekly Wash it thoroughly at least once, or preferably twice, and you might want to use an antibacterial product or wipe as well.
We should carry out a thorough clean every evening
When it comes to cleaning your Invisalign aligners, it is particularly important to give them a thorough wash at least once a day. If possible, do this in the evening, as it is very important that the aligners are spotless overnight.
All we need to do is rinse the braces with lukewarm water – there’s no need to soak them – then gently brush both the outer and inner surfaces of the braces with a soft-bristled toothbrush, without using toothpaste or any other substances.
Invisalign aligners must not be soaked in hot water or mouthwash, nor should they be washed with toothpaste. If a thorough clean is required, we provide further advice on this below.
Deep cleaning of Invisalign aligners
Under normal circumstances, the routine described above is sufficient to ensure that Invisalign aligners remain clean and function properly.
In certain cases, however – particularly with retainers – deep cleaning may be required because loose deposits or discolouration have appeared on the surface, the removal of which requires great care.
Here are a few useful tips and household tricks:
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Invisalign cleaning crystals: Naturally, Invisalign itself is equipped to address the issues associated with deep cleaning, so their range includes special cleaning crystals which simply need to be dissolved in lukewarm water, after which the aligners should be soaked in the solution for 15 minutes to achieve perfect results.
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Hydrogen peroxide: This product, which is available from pharmacies, is also a very good alternative for cleaning braces. However, it is important to dilute it with lukewarm water in a 50:50 ratio and soak the aligners in the solution for 15–20 minutes; they can then be used again after being thoroughly rinsed.
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Bicarbonate of soda: Most households have bicarbonate of soda, which can be useful for removing tartar, but it’s also worth using to clean your Invisalign aligners if you don’t have anything else to hand. Simply mix a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda into half a glass of lukewarm water and soak the aligners in it for 15–20 minutes. It’s a good idea to give them a gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush whilst they’re soaking, but don’t scrub too hard!
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Vinegar: Due to its unpleasant smell, we only recommend it as a last resort if nothing else is to hand, but when properly diluted (50:50), vinegar can also be effective for cleaning braces. You should soak the aligners in this solution for a maximum of 15 minutes, then rinse them very thoroughly to ensure they do not retain an unpleasant vinegary taste.
Cleaning Invisalign aligners with stains
If Invisalign aligners are not looked after properly, stains may appear on the aligners. Particular care must be taken to remove these, as the use of abrasive cleaning agents is not advisable and may even cause serious damage to the aligners.
The deep-cleaning methods highlighted above form the basis for removing stains. The key is to leave them to soak several times in succession – that is, for a longer period – so that any built-up or hardened deposits can be removed more easily.
After each 10–15-minute soaking cycle, it is recommended to gently scrub away any deposits and stains using a soft-bristled toothbrush; these will usually dissolve and disappear as a result.
Fortunately, during Invisalign treatment, most aligners only need to be worn for 1–2 weeks, so removing stains and plaque is very important, particularly for reasons of oral hygiene.
With retainers, however, problems of this nature can cause greater difficulties, so in such cases it is advisable to take deep cleaning more seriously.
What you must avoid at all costs when cleaning your Invisalign aligners
So we already know what to do to ensure that cleaning Invisalign aligners is effective and safe, but we’ve only touched briefly on the methods that should be avoided. Let’s look at some general points to bear in mind on this subject:
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Avoid hot water: Water that is too hot or boiling may indeed have a disinfecting effect, but it can damage your Invisalign aligners. The high temperature can cause the aligners to warp, shrink or lose their precise fit, which can cause significant problems during treatment.
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Do not use abrasive cleaning products: Invisalign aligners are used in the oral cavity, an environment that is highly sensitive to corrosive substances. For this reason, do not use any abrasive or cleaning agents, even if you rinse the aligners thoroughly afterwards.
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Avoid using a toothbrush with stiff bristles: When discussing how to clean Invisalign aligners, we have repeatedly emphasised that they can be gently brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, you should avoid using toothbrushes with stiff bristles, as these can scratch the aligners, which may lead to premature damage and hygiene issues.
Frequently asked questions
My Invisalign aligners have discoloured – what could be the cause?
This is a common question, as many people wear these braces and only remove them at mealtimes, but not when having a coffee, a cigarette or even a sweet. However, it is important to note that braces can easily become discoloured even when using or consuming these items.
According to the official recommendation, when wearing Invisalign aligners, you should only drink plain water.
How often do Invisalign aligners need to be thoroughly cleaned?
This depends very much on the patient. Normally, it is recommended once a week, but if there are no stains, build-up or discolouration, daily routine cleaning is sufficient.
Why can’t mouthwash be used to clean Invisalign aligners?
Because what is good for your teeth in some cases may not necessarily be good for your aligners. The alcohol, colouring agents and other ingredients found in mouthwashes can damage Invisalign aligners.
Why can’t you clean your braces with toothpaste?
Because toothpaste can also scratch the braces, and the same applies to mouthwash: what’s good for your teeth may actually damage your braces.
Why isn’t a thorough rinse enough?
It is very important to rinse the braces every time you remove your braces, but this alone is often not enough. A more thorough clean every day is always recommended – at least before going to bed.
Why bother cleaning your Invisalign aligners if you have to change them every week or two?
As well as preventing the discolouration mentioned above, this is an essential part of oral hygiene during treatment, as plaque builds up on the aligners, which can increase the risk of tooth decay, discolouration and irritation.
