Invisalign trays and retainers are orthodontic devices designed to help straighten teeth and maintain alignment. These are invisible braces that align your teeth with the same effect that the traditional braces do. At the same time, it helps you smile comfortably in between the crowd, without any discomfort.
Keeping your Invisalign trays and retainers clean is however essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring they remain clear and fresh.
Over time, plaque, bacteria, and stains can build up, affecting the appearance and effectiveness of your aligners. Luckily, with the right methods and tools, you can easily clean your trays at home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple and effective techniques to keep your Invisalign trays and retainers spotless and looking like new.
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Cleaning Invisalign Retainer at Home
There are various DIY home methods available for cleaning retainer trays. Additionally, several products and cleaning kits specifically designed for retainer trays are now on the market and can be highly effective.
Let’s explore some of the best practices for keeping your Invisalign retainers clean and looking like new.
1- Gargling
This is what your mum must have asked you to do when you were a kid. Gargling is a very effective method to remove unwanted food particles stuck between the two teeth. This also ensures that there is no room for germs to make their way into the cavity.
Some dentists advise against using mouthwash liquids as they sometimes leave a yellowish pigmentation making the teeth look yellow or cream in color.
2- Use Normal Soft Bristle Toothbrush
After consuming anything that could stain your teeth or trays, brush your teeth thoroughly to remove any residue. Always rinse your trays with water before putting them back in.
Use of a normal toothbrush and toothpaste for the natural teeth and only brush with no paste for the braces are often recommended for regular cleaning.
Toothpaste sometimes has rough tiny particles in it which can damage the braces. If you do not want to remove the braces while brushing then make sure that you use the normal toothpaste and not the ones that come with whitening agents.
In case you use clear invisible braces use of a toothbrush is not recommended. As the regular usage of a toothbrush can put scratches on the braces it can ruin its shine over time.
3- Use Baking Soda Paste
The third method for cleaning your Invisalign trays and retainers involves using a baking soda paste. Its a natural cleaning agent that helps to neutralize odors and prevent plaque buildup on your trays.
To make the paste, simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water until it forms a thick, spreadable consistency. Using a soft toothbrush, apply this paste to the trays or retainers, and gently scrub all the surfaces.
Baking soda works as a mild abrasive, helping to remove stains and debris without scratching or damaging the material. After thoroughly scrubbing, rinse your trays with lukewarm water to remove any residue.
This method is effective for keeping your trays fresh and clean while being safe for regular use. Plus, it helps combat bad breath by eliminating bacteria that can accumulate over time.
4- Soak Your Retainers for Cleaning
Soaking your Invisalign retainers in a homemade solution is a good idea and can help in cleaning your braces every day. This is one of the best and cheapest methods of cleaning. You can use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with water to make the solution.
Retainers need to be soaked in this solution for about 30 minutes. Then with a soft-bristle toothbrush brush your retainers. And after rinsing it properly with warm water dry them up for getting cleaned retainers.
According to dentakit.com vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are effective in killing the bacteria and are thus recommended. It also helps in preventing plaque buildup. A few dentists also recommend using mouthwash and denture tablet soak for cleaning the retainers effectively at home.
5- Utilize Ultrasonic Cleaning Device for Retainers
Ultrasonic retainer cleaner that can be bought online or from stores is most effective in cleaning the Invisalign braces at home.
There are many brands that sell ultrasonic cleaners for retainers and your regular dentist is the one who can advise you on the best ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning your braces. The device has a stainless steel tank that is completely detachable and can be easily filled under the sink using tap water. A thorough cleaning is done with the water since it powerfully penetrates the difficult areas.
Some of these cleaning machines come with different types of power cleaning settings and power cycles to choose from providing controlled cleaning from the most delicate and soiled area.
DTMCare Dental Cleaner UV Ultrasonic Sterilization manufactured by DTMCare is an excellent denture cleaning device for Denture, Toothbrush, Retainer, Invisalign, Mouth Guard, and Snore Guard Sleep Retainer.
This UV denture cleaner device has been designed perfectly for commercial as well as residential use. The device is FDA Registered and CE Medical Approved. The UV Light deodorizes and sterilizes, harmful microorganisms and bacteria with its powerful Ultrasonic vibration.
The vibrating waves reach up to 17000 per minute to remove germs, stains, and other sorts of bacteria from the dentures. With this ultrasonic device, there is no need to add any liquid solution, just plain tap water. This DTM care dental cleaner device comes in-built with an energy-saving function that automatically turns off after twenty minutes of use.
This state-of-the-art ultrasonic device for dentures will be a useful and long-term investment. It is portable hence, no hassles to take up with you when you are traveling.
Should You Clean Your Trays After Every Meal?
Yes, this practice is essential because food particles and bacteria can accumulate on the trays if not cleaned, leading to plaque buildup, bad breath, and even tooth decay. When you eat, your teeth and gums come into contact with food, and if your trays are not cleaned before reinserting them, you trap food residue against your teeth. This can also stain the trays over time, making them look unsightly.
Here’s the best approach:
- After eating, remove your trays and rinse your mouth with water to clear away any leftover food particles.
- Rinse your trays under lukewarm water to remove any debris.
- If possible, brush your teeth before putting the trays back in to ensure no food particles remain between your teeth and the aligners. Cleaning your trays after every meal keeps them clear and prevents bacteria from growing, ensuring your treatment stays hygienic.
How Can You Prevent Staining on Your Invisalign Trays?
Invisalign trays are made of clear plastic, and they can easily stain if they come into contact with colored foods, drinks, or substances like tobacco. Preventing staining requires a proactive approach:
Avoid Eating or Drinking with Your Trays In: Remove your trays before consuming food or drinks other than water. Colored beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and even soda can quickly discolor your aligners.
Use Whitening Toothpaste Sparingly: While whitening toothpaste can help keep your teeth bright, avoid using it directly on your trays, as it can be too abrasive and may scratch the plastic, making it more susceptible to staining.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help wash away staining substances and keep your mouth clean, reducing the chance of plaque and discoloration.
By following the above simple steps and cleaning tips, you can keep your Invisalign trays looking fresh and clear, ensuring that they remain nearly invisible throughout your treatment.
