It’s not as simple as wearing the retainer to get the perfect smile. In this article, we’ll discuss how to clean Invisalign retainers.
Keep your Invisalign retainers in good condition and avoid costly replacements with appropriate care. Invisalign’s most significant advantage is that you can eat and drink without wearing them, but they still have the potential to get dirty.
They can only remain clear, free of the door, and germ-free if they’re cleaned regularly. Keeping them clean is vital. Without proper cleaning and care, your aligners can alter their color and smell, as well as build up germs that could harm your teeth’s enamel if left untreated.
Cleaning Invisalign Trays
Toothbrush
Cleaning Invisalign trays and retainers have never been more accessible, thanks to various items specifically designed for the job. If you’re looking for a cheap, simple, and effective way to clean your Invisalign aligners and retainers, a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water are your best bet. Is toothpaste safe to use to clean a retainer?
No. As an abrasive, toothpaste can scratch transparent plastic retainers and other orthodontic appliances (you can use toothpaste to clean a Hawley retainer).
Use a colorless, odorless, mild liquid soap with your toothbrush to remove plaque and bad odors from your toothbrush. Before you put your aligners or retainers in your mouth, be sure to rinse all of the soap from your mouth. Also, please don’t wash your aligners with hot water since this can cause them to warp and alter their fit.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Another product that can create an excellent DIY retainer cleaner is hydrogen peroxide. In a container, combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and stir. Drop your Invisalign aligners or clear retainer into the container, thoroughly submerging them in the solution. Allow the appliance to soak for 15 to 30 minutes before thoroughly rinsing with water.
Invisalign Cleaning System
Specifically for use with Invisalign’s clear aligners and retainers, Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are a cleaning solution. For complete cleaning of your aligners, dissolve crystals in water and soak them for 15 to 30 minutes every day. The cleansing crystals can kill Plaque-causing bacteria. Keeping your aligners clean daily will keep them fresh and avoid discoloration or the growth of bacteria. Retainers are also a good use for them.
Clear aligners and retainers can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. To keep your aligners clean and germ-free, these cleaners are made with unique ingredients that destroy bacteria on the aligners and eliminate plaque. Every day, use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to keep your aligners and retainers bright and fresh. SmartTrack Invisalign aligners and Vivera Invisalign retainers can be cleaned using the same formula.
Use warm water to flush out any residual debris from your aligners or retainers. Dissolve one box of Invisalign Cleaning Crystals in a clean glass of warm water. Dissolve by stirring. Soak for 15-30 minutes with both aligners in the glass.
Before putting it back in your mouth, rinse it under warm water. To remove any remaining debris from the aligners, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Clear aligners and retainers can be safely cleaned using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. Their non-toxic composition breaks down bacteria and dissolves plaque, making them safe to use. It is clinically proven that using these products will help keep your aligners clean and lessen the likelihood of discolored or stained.
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Care Tips for Invisalign
To put your retainers back on after removing them to eat, drink, or participate in physical activity, you must first brush and floss your teeth. Any food or debris on your teeth can cause havoc in your mouth when caught under your retainers.
The best place to keep your retainers is in their container or a glass of water, which is both safe and sanitary for your teeth. You don’t want to lose them or expose them to bacteria or dirt.
If you eat or drink anything with a staining agent such as berries, wine, or coffee, your retainers will be stained and discolored and may have an unpleasant smell. During mealtimes, it’s recommended to take your retainers out of your mouth and put them somewhere safe.
Importance of Proper Invisalign Maintenance
Because your saliva cannot readily flow beneath the aligners to wipe away the harmful stuff, it will remain on your enamel. This can raise your risk of dental decay and result in discoloration of your teeth. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that your appliance and teeth are clean before re-insertion your aligners or retainers following eating and drinking.
This can be accomplished by brushing your teeth after meals and snacks and rinsing your aligners or retainers before re-wearing them. If you drink something staining or sugary, you’ll want to rinse your mouth before thoroughly inserting your appliance.
Related: Can You Drink Soda with Invisalign?
Apart from the oral health implications, when you wear your aligners and retainers, dried saliva, bacteria, and plaque will accumulate on them. They can have an unpleasant odor and a hazy or discolored appearance. While this may be less of an issue with a retainer if you wear it at night, it will undoubtedly impact your Invisalign experience because your aligners will be much more obvious.
Understanding how to properly clean Invisalign trays and retainers and putting that knowledge into practice helps guarantee that your device remains clear and fresh, as well as healthy for your teeth and gums.
Contact Kumra Orthodontics to learn more about how to clean Invisalign retainers
You have a right to a gorgeous smile. And a gorgeous smile is no longer a pipe dream with Invisalign treatment. However, keep in mind that you must strictly adhere to the cleaning procedures described above. To avoid additional fees and delays in treatment, you should use this service.
Dental experts at Kumra Orthodontics are always available to answer your questions about Invisalign care and cleaning. For any additional inquiries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Make an appointment with Kumra Orthodontics today for your initial consultation. And go on a road toward a beautiful, healthy, and joyful smile.
