If you’ve chosen Invisalign with American River Orthodontics in Arden-Arcade, CA (near Rosemont, CA), congratulations! This is a significant step towards a radiant and healthy smile! As you embark on this transformative journey with Dr. Michael Payne, keeping your aligners clean is paramount. So, how do you maintain that fresh, clear look for your Invisalign aligners? Here’s your expert guide:
Daily Care: The Routine for Success
Many Invisalign patients complain that their aligners begin to smell bad throughout the day. The reason why that is happening is because the dry saliva and plaque that builds up creates the perfect home for bacteria, causing this foul smell. To avoid this, simply brush your aligners every time you take them out! You take your aligners out before you eat, right? (Hopefully your answer is yes!) So before you put them in after your meal, brush your aligner the same way you brush your teeth, with a little bit of toothpaste and a toothbrush. And give your teeth a brush while you’re at it, that will reduce bacteria too! This simple habit is your frontline defense against bacteria and bad smells.
If brushing alone with your toothbrush and toothpaste is not enough, there are two other home remedies that can help.
- Purchase a denture cleaning product. While you eat you can soak your aligners in denture cleaner (one aligner per one tablet of denture cleaner). At American River Orthodontics we suggest leaving the aligners in the cleaning product for approximately one hour. This should be done twice a day.
- Use a baking soda product. Dr. Payne suggests dissolving 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup of water, and then soaking your trays in the baking soda water for about an hour. This method also should be done twice a day.
Advanced Cleaning: Meet Invisalign’s New Cleaning Arsenal
Invisalign has launched a suite of products designed to keep your aligners—and your smile—sparkling:
- The Invisalign UV Sanitizing Case is portable, rechargeable, and eliminates 99% of bacteria for ultra-clean aligners at home or on-the-go.
- The Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Spray and Cleaning Foam are your quick and convenient solutions for fresh, hygienic aligners—simply spray or foam, and you’re ready to go, with no rinsing needed!
- For a deep clean, the Invisalign Cleaning Solution sanitizes aligners in just three minutes, removing 99.9% of bacteria and preventing plaque and tartar buildup.
- Or opt for the classic Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, which restore aligners to a hygienic, crystal-clear state in about 15 minutes.
Beverage Beware: Keep Stains at Bay
Dark drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and sodas can stain your aligners, while hot beverages may warp them. Always remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water to preserve their clarity and shape.
When Illness Strikes: Special Care for Special Circumstances
If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s especially important to keep your aligners clean to aid your recovery. Consider wearing your aligners for fewer hours and focus on meticulous cleaning. Once you’re on the mend, switch to a new toothbrush to ensure a fresh start.
On-the-Go Kit: Your Smile’s Best Friend
American River Orthodontics recommends assembling a small Invisalign cleaning kit for when you’re out and about. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and your choice of Invisalign cleaning products to keep your smile radiant wherever life takes you.
Your journey to a flawless smile is an exciting one, and with these expert tips, keeping your Invisalign aligners pristine is a breeze.
