How to Clean Invisalign

Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is essential for maintaining good oral health and ensuring your treatment stays on track. When you properly care for your aligners, they remain clear, odor-free, and comfortable throughout your entire treatment journey.

At BH Smile, we understand the importance of proper aligner maintenance. Visit us to learn more about comprehensive Invisalign care and how we can help you achieve your perfect smile.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. These custom-made plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth and gradually shift them into proper alignment. Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning.

6 Conditions Treated with Invisalign

Crowded Teeth: When teeth overlap or twist due to insufficient space in the jaw. Invisalign gently creates room and aligns teeth into their proper positions.
Gaps Between Teeth: Excessive spacing between teeth can affect your bite and smile appearance. The aligners gradually close these gaps for a more uniform smile.
Overbite: This occurs when upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth. Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate overbites.
Underbite: When lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth, causing jaw misalignment. Custom aligners help reposition teeth for proper bite alignment.
Crossbite: This happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. Invisalign treatment can correct both anterior and posterior crossbites.
Open Bite: A condition where the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. The aligners work to bring teeth together for proper function.

When Should You Clean Your Invisalign?

You should clean your Invisalign aligners every time you remove them from your mouth, which typically means at least twice daily during your morning and evening oral hygiene routines. Additionally, rinse them with warm water whenever you take them out for meals or snacks to prevent saliva and bacteria from drying on the surface. For optimal hygiene, perform a thorough cleaning with antibacterial soap in the morning and before bed, with quick rinses throughout the day as needed.

6 Factors that Affect Your Cleaning Frequency

Diet and Eating Habits: If you frequently snack or drink beverages other than water, you’ll need to clean your aligners more often. Each time you remove them for eating increases exposure to bacteria and requires at least a quick rinse.
Saliva Production: People with dry mouth or reduced saliva flow may need more frequent cleaning. Lower saliva levels allow bacteria and debris to stick more readily to aligner surfaces.
Activity Level: High physical activity and exercise can increase bacteria growth due to mouth breathing and dehydration. Athletes or active individuals should rinse their aligners with warm water after workouts.
Smoking or Vaping: These habits significantly increase staining and odor buildup on Invisalign aligners. Smokers need to clean their aligners more frequently and may require daily deep cleaning.
Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, like acid reflux, diabetes, or gum disease, increase bacterial growth in the mouth. Patients with these conditions should clean their aligners more thoroughly and frequently.
Environmental Factors: Dusty or polluted environments can cause particles to accumulate on aligners more quickly. Those working in such conditions should rinse their aligners whenever possible throughout the day.

Why You Should Clean Your Invisalign

Bacterial Buildup

When you don’t clean your Invisalign aligners regularly, harmful bacteria accumulate on their surface. These microorganisms thrive in the warm, moist environment of your mouth and can multiply rapidly on dirty aligners. The bacterial growth not only causes bad breath but can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Since aligners fit tightly against your teeth, trapped bacteria have prolonged contact with your enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.

Staining and Discoloration

Neglecting to clean your aligners allows food particles, beverages, and natural mouth bacteria to stain the clear plastic. Coffee, tea, wine, and colored foods can leave permanent yellow or brown marks on your aligners. Once staining occurs, it’s nearly impossible to restore the original clarity. This defeats the purpose of choosing “invisible” aligners, as discolored trays become noticeably visible when you smile or speak.

Bad Breath

Dirty Invisalign aligners are a major cause of persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis. Food debris and bacteria trapped in uncleaned aligners produce foul-smelling compounds that linger in your mouth. Even if you brush your teeth regularly, placing dirty aligners back in your mouth reintroduces these odor-causing bacteria.

Plaque Formation

Plaque develops quickly on Invisalign aligners when they’re not cleaned properly with warm water and antibacterial soap. This sticky film of bacteria hardens into tartar within 24-72 hours, creating a rough surface that harbors even more bacteria. The plaque buildup on your aligners transfers directly to your teeth, accelerating tooth decay and gum inflammation.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Invisalign

Remove your aligners carefully. Start from the back molars and gently lift the aligners off your teeth. Always use clean hands to prevent transferring bacteria to your mouth.
As soon as you remove your Invisalign, rinse it under lukewarm water to wash away saliva and loose debris. Never use hot water as it can warp the plastic material.
Put a small drop of clear, unscented antibacterial soap on a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid colored or scented soaps that might leave residue or taste.
Clean both the inside and outside surfaces of your aligners with a soft toothbrush. Pay special attention to crevices where bacteria tend to accumulate.
After brushing, rinse your Invisalign aligners completely under warm water to remove all soap residue. Any remaining soap can cause an unpleasant taste.
Hold your aligners up to the light to check for any remaining debris or cloudy areas. If needed, repeat the brushing process.
Place clean aligners in their protective case when eating or drinking anything besides water. Never wrap them in napkins or leave them exposed.

5 Other Cleaning Solutions You Can Use

Invisalign Cleaning Crystals: Specially formulated crystals that dissolve in warm water to create a soaking solution. These crystals effectively remove plaque and bacteria without damaging the aligner material.
Retainer Cleaning Tablets: Gentle effervescent tablets designed for clear dental appliances. Drop one tablet in warm water and soak the aligners for 15-20 minutes for a deep clean.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water for a natural disinfecting soak. This solution helps eliminate bacteria and remove light stains without harsh chemicals.
White Vinegar Solution: Combine one part white vinegar with three parts warm water to create an effective cleaning solution. The mild acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits and eliminate odors.
Baking Soda Paste: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with warm water to form a gentle cleaning paste. This natural option helps neutralize odors and remove stubborn buildup when used with soft brushing.

Things You Should Avoid When Cleaning Invisalign

Hot Water

Using hot water on your Invisalign aligners is one of the most damaging mistakes you can make. The high temperature causes the thermoplastic material to warp and lose its custom shape, ruining the precise fit needed for effective treatment. Even water from a hot tap can reach temperatures that permanently distort your aligners. Once warped, aligners won’t apply the correct pressure to move your teeth, potentially setting back your treatment progress by weeks or months. Always stick to lukewarm or cool water when cleaning or rinsing your aligners.

Toothpaste

While it might seem logical to clean your Invisalign with toothpaste, most toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients designed to remove plaque from tooth enamel. These micro-abrasives create tiny scratches on the smooth surface of your aligners, making them appear cloudy and more visible. The scratches also create perfect hiding spots for bacteria to accumulate, defeating the purpose of cleaning. Additionally, whitening toothpastes often contain peroxide or other chemicals that can damage or discolor the aligner material.

Mouthwash

Many people assume mouthwash is safe for cleaning Invisalign, but most varieties contain alcohol and artificial coloring that harm your aligners. The alcohol can dry out and crack the plastic material, while colored mouthwashes leave permanent stains on the clear aligners. Even clear mouthwashes often contain harsh ingredients that break down the aligner material over time. Some mouthwashes also leave a strong minty residue that’s difficult to rinse away completely, creating an unpleasant taste when wearing your aligners.

Denture Cleaners

Although denture cleaners might seem like a suitable alternative, many contain harsh chemicals not designed for Invisalign’s specific plastic composition. These products can cause your aligners to become brittle, develop a yellow tint, or lose their transparency. Some denture cleaners use persulfate compounds that may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. While certain mild denture cleaners might be safe, it’s best to stick with products specifically recommended for Invisalign or use simple antibacterial soap and warm water.

Conclusion

Maintaining clean Invisalign aligners doesn’t have to be complicated when you follow the right steps. By using warm water, antibacterial soap, and avoiding harmful cleaning methods like hot water or abrasive products, you’ll keep your aligners clear and your smile healthy throughout treatment.

Ready to start your Invisalign journey with expert guidance? Schedule an appointment with BH Smile today and discover how we can transform your smile. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp for more oral health tips and patient success stories.

How to Clean Invisalign: Your Complete Guide to Maintaining Clear Aligners