Invisalign Maintenance 101: Keeping Your Aligners—and Your Smile—Clean

So, you’ve decided to choose Invisalign for your orthodontic journey. How exciting! Invisalign is a popular choice (in 2023 over 17 million people had used Invisalign) for those looking for almost invisible teeth straightening - and because they’re removable - they’re more flexible than traditional braces. However, Invisalign does come with a caveat – you must keep your aligners and teeth clean to ensure effective results. Without proper maintenance, your aligners will accumulate odors, bacteria and stains which can impact your oral health and self-confidence.

This blog provides essential tips for keeping your aligners clean, safeguarding your oral health and getting the best results from your Invisalign treatment.

The importance of Invisalign maintenance

Constantly wearing your aligners for between 20 and 22 hours each day means they’re exposed to bacteria, saliva, and remnants of food and beverages. Over time this can mean:

• Bacterial build-up: Failure to clean your aligners regularly can lead to a build-up of plaque which may lead to problems like bad breath, plaque accumulation, and potential gum disease.
• Risk of stains – If your aligners aren’t removed to eat and drink, there’s a chance of staining and that means walking around with a discolored aligner until it’s time to switch to your next set of aligners.
• Oral health risks – Failing to brush your teeth after eating and drinking can trap bacteria between your teeth and aligners which raises the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and cavities.

Diligent aligner maintenance is a crucial element of your Invisalign journey. Consistent cleaning helps keep your aligners fresh, prevents stains, and protects your oral health, ensuring your Invisalign treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible.

Top Tips To Help Keep Your Aligners Clean and Fresh

So now you understand the importance of Invisalign maintenance, here are 7 top tips to keep your aligners clean.

#1 Rinse your aligners throughout the day

Rinsing your aligners several times a day with warm water is an easy yet effective way to keep them looking clear. Every time you take your aligners out of your mouth, give them a quick rinse under the tap to remove any saliva or bacteria that may be present.

Pro tip – Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic, potentially affecting the fit and effectiveness of the aligner.

#2 Brush aligners gently

Avoid using toothpaste when you brush your aligners as abrasives in some toothpaste can scratch the plastic or make the aligners look cloudy rather than transparent. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water or a mild liquid soap to gently scrub the aligners clean.

Best practices: Brush your aligners at least twice a day: Once in the morning and just before bedtime. Keep a separate toothbrush that’s just for your aligners and keep it apart from your regular toothbrush.

#3 Maintain good oral hygiene every time you remove and replace your aligners

Aligners work best worn over clean teeth. If you eat and drink anything other than water, it's essential to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This prevents food debris from getting stuck in between your teeth or under your aligners which can lead to bad breath, plaque build-up and tooth decay.

Top tip: Always carry a travel kit with you containing a small toothbrush, mini toothpaste and floss. If it’s not possible to brush your teeth, then rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum as a temporary measure until you return home and can brush your teeth properly.

#4 Avoid eating and drinking anything other than water when wearing your aligners

One of the significant advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removed for eating and drinking, meaning there are no dietary restrictions like with conventional braces. Eating wearing aligners can cause staining and bacterial growth. Food particles can adhere to the aligners and drinks like coffee, tea and red wine are likely to cause stains.

Rule of thumb: Always remove your aligners to eat and drink anything other than water and brush your teeth and aligners once you’re finished. Remember, water is the only drink you can safely enjoy with your aligners in.

#5 Place your aligners in a case to avoid losing them

When you remove your aligners place them straight away into a retainer case to keep them clean and protect against accidental loss or damage. Don’t be tempted to place your aligners into a napkin as they might get accidentally thrown away or contaminated.

Pro tip: Invest in a small aligner case to carry around with you, making it easy to store your aligners hygienically and safely.

#6 Soak your aligners for a deep clean

Soaking your aligners for 15 to 20 minutes once a day is an effective way to keep them free from bacteria and stains. You can choose to use Invisalign’s cleaning crystals or opt for any other aligner cleaning solution. Rinse them thoroughly after their soak to remove any residual cleaning solution.

Alternative soaks: If you don’t have access to any proprietary soaking solutions a denture cleaner or mixture of half water/half white vinegar also works well.

#7 Schedule regular dental checks

While daily maintenance is essential, so too are regular check-ups with your dentist. They can spot any problems early on and make any necessary tweaks to keep your treatment on track. Professional cleaning will also ensure your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape reducing the risk of any complications during your treatment.

The Role of Chesterfield Dentistry in Your Invisalign Journey

Achieving a straighter, healthier smile requires a blend of at-home care and professional guidance. At Chesterfield Dentistry, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way on your Invisalign journey. Our experienced team offers expert advice on keeping your aligners clean, protecting your oral health, and ensuring optimal results from your treatment.

Whether you’re just starting with Invisalign or you’re already mid-treatment, Chesterfield Dentistry provides a range of services to support you in reaching your smile goals. If you have questions or need assistance with your aligners, our team is here to help. Call us today at 314-936-3621 or use our online booking service