How to clean and care for your Invisalign

How to clean and care for your Invisalign

Invisalign is an investment of your money and your time, and looking after your aligners is an important part of the process. Clean aligners look better, and do a better job of remaining near-invisible, but the reasons to keep your Invisalign spotless go beyond that. Proper care also keeps your mouth healthy and means your treatment stays on track.

Once you’ve got used to doing so, you’ll realise how straightforward it is to take care of them. A few daily habits will mean clear, comfortable aligners that work exactly as they should.

Why Invisalign aligner care is important

Your Invisalign aligners are in your mouth for up to 22 hours a day. During that time, bacteria, plaque and food particles can easily build up on both your teeth and your aligners.

If you don’t clean the aligners properly, they can start to look cloudy. They could also develop an unpleasant smell and create an environment where harmful bacteria will thrive. It means your oral health could be affected and your aligners might be far less comfortable.

By treating your aligners well, they’ll stay as discreet as possible during your treatment.

How often should you clean your Invisalign aligners?

Aligners should be cleaned daily – ideally, first thing in the morning, before bed and whenever you remove them for meals. This prevents build-ups of plaque and bacteria and keeps them fresh all day long.

It’s also appropriate to rinse your aligner every time you take them out. This stops saliva drying on the surface, which could cause odours or staining.

Step-by-step: How to clean Invisalign aligners

It doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple routine is usually all that’s needed:

1. Start by removing your aligners and rinsing them under lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic and alter the fit.
2. Next, gently brush them with a soft toothbrush. You can use clear, mild soap, Invisalign cleaning crystals or dentist-approved aligner cleaning tablets.
3. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly.
4. Once your mouth is clean, rinse the aligners again and reinsert them.

A few minutes every day can make a significant difference to both your oral health and the appearance of the aligners.

Can you eat or drink while wearing Invisalign?

One of the advantages of Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners before eating. In fact, you should always do this.

If you eat with the aligners in, it can cause damage and could trap food particles inside. This can lead to staining, bad odours and an increased risk of tooth decay.

The same goes for drinks. Water is fine. Anything else, like tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, juice and wine should all be avoided while your aligners are in place.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t drink anything but water. Just remove your aligners before eating and drinking to keep them clean and in good condition.

How to clean your teeth before putting Invisalign back in

Whenever possible, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in after eating. Food particles and plaque trapped underneath aligners can sit against your teeth for hours. This may increase your risk of cavities, gum problems and bad breath.

When you brush and floss after a meal, you remove any debris, which keeps your mouth healthy throughout treatment. If you’re away from home and can’t brush immediately, it’s ok to rinse your mouth with water until you’re able to clean your teeth properly.

How to prevent Invisalign from staining

Although they’re transparent, Invisalign aligners can become discoloured if they’re not cared for correctly.

The most common causes of staining are drinks like red wine, coffee, tea and fizzy drinks. Smoking can also cause yellowing and make your aligners more obvious.

Good cleaning habits make a big difference. Cleaning daily, removing during meals and rinsing regularly keeps them looking clear for longer.

How to keep your Invisalign smelling fresh

Nobody wants smelly aligners. The best way to keep them fresh is through good oral hygiene and a consistent cleaning schedule. This means rinsing every time you take them out, cleaning them daily and brushing your teeth before putting them back in.

You also shouldn’t leave your Invisalign aligners sitting uncleaned for long periods. Bacteria multiply quickly on the surface, and this can cause unpleasant odours to develop.

Travelling with Invisalign: care tips on the go

Your routine shouldn’t suffer just because of travel. It’s a good idea to keep a small dental kit with you. This could contain:

• Your Invisalign case.
• A travel toothbrush.
• Toothpaste.
• Dental floss.
• Aligner cleaning tablets.

Armed with these essentials means you can keep your aligners clean wherever you are. It will stop you from being tempted to skip your routine.

Common Invisalign cleaning mistakes

Most people get used to caring for their aligners quite quickly. There are a few common mistakes worth avoiding. Using hot water to clean them is the biggest. Heat can warp the plastic and affect how the aligners fit.

Other common errors are:

• Eating while wearing aligners.
• Forgetting to use the protective case.
• Cleaning too aggressively.
• Reinserting aligners without brushing your teeth.
• Leaving aligners out for extended periods.

You should also avoid harsh cleaning products. Some people presume toothpaste is ok but it isn’t. You shouldn’t use coloured soaps, bleach, mouthwash or any other household cleaners either. These can scratch, stain or damage the aligners.

Always use gentle, dentist-approved cleaning products.

Invisalign care at Ringway Dental

At Ringway Dental, we can support you throughout every stage of the Invisalign process.  From the initial consultation through to your final aligner, our team provides practical advice on cleaning, maintenance and oral hygiene.

We’ll also monitor things during your regular check-ups and answer any questions you have along the way.

Our goal is to help you achieve the best results, and we want to do that in the most comfortable and stress-free way.

READ MORE: How to make the most of your Invisalign treatment

Final thoughts: A cleaner routine for a healthier smile

Looking after your Invisalign aligners doesn’t need to be difficult. It is, though, an essential part of successful treatment. Having a simple daily cleaning routine helps keep your aligners clear, fresh and comfortable. And it also supports your overall oral health.

If you have any questions about Invisalign care or are considering treatment, contact Ringway Dental today. Our friendly team will be happy to provide personalised advice and help you get the most from your new smile.

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