One of the great features of Invisalign alignment trays, and eventually your retainer, is how easy they are to maintain. You primarily care for your trays and retainer as you care for your teeth – by brushing them. However, additional cleaning options include soaking your Invisalign retainer or trays and rinsing them regularly throughout the day. Read on to learn your options for cleaning your Invisalign retainer or trays.
Brushing Your Invisalign Trays & Retainer
When you wake up each morning, remove your trays and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use abrasive toothpaste, such as those that contain charcoal, or whitening toothpaste. An all-purpose toothpaste is perfect.
Invisalign trays are only worn on average, for two weeks at a time. In that short period, brushing them with toothpaste is unlikely to cause much cloudiness. Your retainer, on the other hand, will be worn long-term, so you may prefer to brush your retainer with clear liquid soap and water.
However, if you’re only wearing your retainer when you sleep at night, brushing with toothpaste is perfectly fine.
Soaking Your Invisalign Trays and Retainer
Soaking your trays or your retainer regularly is another great way to clean them. You can purchase Invisalign’s Cleaning Crystal Solution. However, you can also make your soaking solution from items you likely have in your home such as:
- Distilled white vinegar and water
Vinegar is safe and will remove plaque and bacteria. It also provides deodorizing. Just mix one part distilled white vinegar with three parts lukewarm water and soak your tray or retainer for up to 30 minutes. Rinse before putting them back in your mouth
- Unscented, clear liquid soap and water
Clear liquid soap can remove odor if your trays or retainer has started to smell bad.If you wish to use this solution, simply brush your tray or retainer with the solution after you’ve soaked them.
- Hydrogen peroxide and water
Mixing equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water makes another great soaking solution for your trays and retainer.
You may also find retainer soaking solutions sold at pharmacies to work well on your trays or retainer.
In addition to brushing and soaking, it’s best to rinse your trays and retainer (if worn during the day) periodically throughout the day. This helps keep your breath fresh and washes away any debris that may collect.
Keeping Your Invisalign Trays Clean & Safe: Best Practices
Equally as important as keeping your trays clean, is keeping them safe from damage. To ensure you don’t warp, tear, or otherwise damage your trays or retainer follow these tips.
- Do not use hot water to rinse or soak your trays
- Store your retainer or tray safely in its case when not wearing
- Keep the trays and retainer away from heat (direct sunlight, hot car, etc.)
- Keep your trays and retainers out of the reach of a curious pet
- Do not eat while wearing your trays or retainer
- Do not drink anything other than water when wearing your trays or retainer
- Notify your dentist immediately if your tray or retainer becomes damaged
Accidents happen, which is why Invisalign Teen offers up to six free replacement trays if they become damaged or are lost.
Book an Invisalign Teen Consultation in Long Island
Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics provides comprehensive orthodontic treatment including interceptive orthodontics for young children and Invisalign Teen for adolescents. Request an appointment at one of our five Long Island locations today.
