Rogue Magazine Health How To Clean Invisalign Trays

How To Clean Invisalign Trays



Invisalign is a great choice for those seeking orthodontic treatment without all that comes with traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system works using a set of removable trays (also referred to as aligners). Each tray is worn for about 2 to 3 weeks before you make the switch to a new one. Your treatment progresses as you make your way through these custom-designed trays. 

Because Invisalign trays are going to be in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours out of the day, keeping them clean is crucial to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Here you will find everything you need to know about properly caring for your Invisalign trays.

Brush Your Invisalign Trays

Just as you brush your teeth every day, you have to brush your Invisalign trays. You will absolutely want to do this in the morning and night, but that’s not all. These aligners can easily allow bacteria to build up in a short period of time – and this can be dangerous for your oral health. Consider brushing after every meal, if possible. 

Remove your aligner trays, rinse them in water, then use a soft toothbrush and begin brushing. Unless recommended by your dentist, don’t use toothpaste on your aligners as it can be too abrasive and damaging.

Rinse Your Invisalign Trays

Brushing your Invisalign trays every time you take them out of your mouth to eat may not be feasible. At the very least, you will want to get into the habit of rinsing them before placing them back in your mouth. This can be very beneficial.

Rinsing may not be as good as brushing, but it does reduce the build-up of bacteria in an attempt to maintain good oral health. 

Soak Your Invisalign Trays

Brushing and rinsing are important steps in keeping your Invisalign trays clean. But sometimes, there are nooks and crannies that can get missed – and those are perfect areas for plaque buildup. To combat this, soaking your trays regularly can help. 

To soak, use Invisalign’s cleaning crystals regularly – such as once daily. This will keep them looking great and keep your oral health in order. As tempting as it may be to use a denture soak or even a little mouthwash, don’t do it. Both of these are abrasive and can cause damage to your aligners. 

After soaking, always brush your aligners before putting them back into your mouth. 

Get in a Routine 

The more you work to create a routine, the easier it will be to clean your Invisalign trays. Since your orthodontic treatment is only temporary, it may seem like there is no urgency to make it a part of your regular oral hygiene routine. However, for at least a few months, if not longer, you are going to have to care for your aligners. And the better you care for them, the better your treatment outcome. 

So get into the routine of brushing your teeth and your trays every morning. And at night, soak your aligners in cleaning crystals before brushing your teeth and trays and going to bed. Just these two routines alone can really help your oral health as you go through your treatment. 

Blossom Dentistry believes that every patient deserves the highest standard of dental care and provides Invisalign treatment in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, DC.

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