How to Care for Your Invisalign® Aligners

It’s no secret that Invisalign® makes teeth straightening easier than ever. But they come with one important responsibility: proper cleaning. 

At DentAlign NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, Kenn Kakosian, DDS, PhD, recommends Invisalign for patients of all ages, from busy adults to carefree teenagers. However, it’s essential to follow these daily cleaning requirements.

Why cleaning is crucial

One of the advantages of Invisalign is its tight, snug fit around your teeth, which makes them comfortable and virtually invisible. However, it can also leave your teeth and aligner trays vulnerable to bacteria buildup that’s invisible to the naked eye.

If bacteria accumulate on your aligners, it can lead to three unpleasant outcomes:

• Bad breath
• Discolored aligners, making your teeth appear yellow
• Increased risk of tooth decay

Because of this, you need to rinse and clean your Invisalign trays every day. Regular rinsing helps eliminate visible debris while cleansing with a soft-bristled toothbrush that scrubs away all the particles that can accumulate during the day — including those you can’t see.

You should clean your aligners every night when you brush and floss your teeth or whenever they seem dirty.

How to clean your aligners

For best results, only rinse and clean your aligners with recommended substances. Some dental cleansers that seem safe, like mouthwashes, toothpaste, and denture cleansers, can be too harsh and damage your aligners.

Instead, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush designed exclusively for your aligners and Steraligner or cleaning crystal products made by Invisalign. Simply soak your aligners in a tray of these solutions for three minutes, rinse, and brush with warm water. When rinsing your aligners, only use fresh water.

Your daily aligner cleansing process should include:

• Nightly rinsing
• Daily brushing with your soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, aligner-safe cleaner
• Rinsing your aligner thoroughly after cleaning it

Following these steps keeps your aligners clean and fresh until it’s time for a new set.

Caring for your aligners

Beyond proper cleansing, follow these additional steps to keep your aligners free from bacteria:

• Remove your aligners when eating
• Take out your aligners when drinking anything except water
• Store your aligners in an airtight container when they aren’t in use

Also, avoid using very hot water when rinsing or cleaning your aligner trays.

Following these additional recommendations keeps your aligners clear and invisible while they discreetly straighten your teeth.

Ready to try Invisalign for yourself? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kakosian and our team at DentAlign NYC in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, today.