One of the many benefits of Invisalign® clear aligners—they’re removable! With Invisalign, your orthodontic treatment isn’t cemented to your teeth. You can remove your aligners to eat food, drink liquids (other than water), brush your teeth, and floss your teeth. This removability feature also means you get to remove your aligners to clean them regularly! Here are the 5 best ways to clean your Invisalign aligners:

5 Ways To Clean Your Invisalign Aligners

Cleaning your aligners every day is critical! If you don’t clean your aligners regularly, bacteria will flourish in them, causing discoloration, bad breath, yellow teeth, and possibly gum disease.

Here are 5 practical ways to clean your aligners and ensure the best results from your Invisalign treatment:

1. Cleaning your Invisalign with Vinegar

This cleaning technique is a classic, and it works wonders. Vinegar has gentle disinfectant properties that can eliminate odors and bacteria on your aligners. The process is very straightforward.

To use a vinegar cleaning solution, in a small container, mix white vinegar and lukewarm water (1:3 ratio). Leave your aligners in the solution for 20 minutes, then rinse in cold water. Voila! Your aligners have been cleaned without the use of harsh chemicals.

2. Cleaning a stained Invisalign aligner

Baking soda is another method to use on yellowing aligners. Baking soda has natural whitening properties, making it the perfect solution to counteract yellowing and revert your aligners to their invisible appearance.

In a small container, mix one tablespoon of baking soda and ½ cup of water. Gently mix until you form a paste, and soak your aligners for 60 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water, and your aligners should be clear again.

3. Don’t leave your Invisalign case open

You must adequately store your aligners in their case when you are not wearing them. Leaving your Invisalign aligners in the open air can expose them to bacteria and dust particles, which can expose your mouth to infection.

Whenever you remove your aligners to eat or drink, store them safely in their case. It will prevent you from losing or damaging them.

4. Soak your aligners once a day

It is essential to soak your aligners daily to keep in their best shape and to prevent plaque build-up. All you need is some gentle soap and water!

Soaking your retainer in lukewarm soapy water for 20 minutes is an effective way to clean them. This process doesn’t just eliminate odors; it also eliminates calcium and mineral deposits that may be stored in your aligners.

5. Using Aligner Cleaners 

There are many Aligner cleaners available in the market. You have the option to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and the results you are looking for. Here are some of the most popular brands:

• Invisalign cleaning system – keeps your aligners clean and odor-free. It uses Invisalign cleaning crystals and can last for up to 50 weeks (depending on the amount of usage).
• Smile spa™ Ultrasonic and UV Cleaning Machine – combines ultrasonic and UV cleaning. It cleans several mouth gadgets from clear aligners to nightguards. Each cleaning cycle takes 5 minutes, and the reservoir can fit many appliances per cycle.
• Retainer Brite 96 – helps to remove plaque and tartar through the use of cleaning tablets. Each box contains 96 tablets and can last up to 3 months.

Warning tip: Before you purchase any product, consult it with your orthodontist first. And, follow all the directions instructed on the packaging.

We want you to experience the brightest smile, during, and after your Invisalign treatment! It’s important to commit to cleaning your aligners regularly to prevent discoloration and bacteria build-up. (Remember, every time you take your aligners out to eat, drink, or brush your teeth, be sure to rinse them with lukewarm water before placing them back in your mouth).

At Cooper Orthodontics, Dr. Andrew Cooper, and Dr. Justin Cooper are here for you and your family! Let us help you transform your smile into its healthiest, most radiant form.

Book your free exam today or complete our online smile assessment from the comfort of your home!

Many people are already experiencing the Invisalign difference; what about you? We offer premier Invisalign treatment in Lake Worth, Pembroke Pines, West Boca Raton, and 5 other locations in South Florida.