How To Clean Invisalign Trays – Our Top Tips & Advice

If you’re a new Invisalign patient, you may be wondering how to keep your trays bright, avoid stains, and keep your mouth healthy throughout your treatment. In this blog from the office of James A Burden DDS and Associates, we’ll discuss 5 simple steps to follow throughout your treatment. 

1. Remove Your Trays & Store Them Before You Eat

You should never eat anything or drink anything (except pure tap or bottled water) while wearing Invisalign. Eating can warp and damage your aligners, and drinking hot beverages can also warp them. Dark beverages will also stain them over time.

So make sure you remove your trays and store them in your carrying case whenever you have to take them out to eat, drink, or clean your teeth. 

2. Clean Or Rinse Your Trays Whenever You Take Them Out

Ideally, you would brush your trays whenever you take them out to help prevent bacteria buildup, but this is not always possible. So, at the very least, make sure you rinse your trays whenever you take them out of your mouth. Use room temperature or slightly warm water. Never use hot water, since this can warp your aligners. 

3. Whenever Possible, Brush Before Putting Invisalign Back Into Your Mouth

This is particularly important after you eat. Brushing removes food particles that would otherwise sit underneath your aligners and be consumed by bacteria, which could contribute to cavities, the staining of your aligners, and bad breath. So make sure to brush before you put your aligners back into your mouth. In a pinch, rinsing with mouthwash is a good option, too. 

4. Get Some Invisalign Cleaning Crystals And Soak Them Once Per Day

Invisalign crystals are specifically designed to clean aligners without scratching or discoloring them. Buy some packs, then get a container of warm water, dump in a packet of cleaning crystals, and stir them until they dissolve. Wait 15 minutes, then brush and rinse your aligners before you put them back in your mouth. 

You can do this at any time of day, but most people choose to clean their aligners before they go to sleep at night. 

5. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene & Come In For Teeth Cleanings & Oral Exams 

Make sure you are consistently brushing for 2 minutes twice a day, and flossing once a day. Proper oral hygiene keeps your mouth healthy. Don't forget about flossing, either. Flossing removes food particles that brushing alone simply can’t reach.

You also still need to get six-month oral exams and teeth cleanings from Dr. Burden, even though you’re coming in regularly for Invisalign treatment, so make sure to schedule your next checkup! 

Follow These Tips To Keep Your Invisalign Trays Clean

With a few basic steps, you can keep your Invisalign trays clean, avoid stains, prevent nasty smells, and ensure your mouth stays healthy throughout your Invisalign treatment. Interested in learning more about Invisalign, and seeing if it’s right for you? Contact the office of James A. Burden DDS and Associates online or call us at (757) 229-1224 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Burden and find out if an orthodontic treatment like Invisalign is right for you.