Did you know that lots of millennials aren’t smiling? About 33% of young adults aged 18-34 won’t smile due to teeth and gum problems. Worse, around 28% of these people say that their teeth and mouth’s appearance hinder them during interviews.

Invisalign is a great solution, but only if you can properly maintain it. You’ll need to learn how to clean Invisalign and keep it fresh.

Don’t worry if you’re new to using Invisalign. We’re here to help you out. You’ll learn some tips in this guide, so read on and find out more.

Brushing Your Invisalign Trays

This is the simplest method on how to clean Invisalign sets. It follows the same basic principle of brushing your teeth – the goal is to scrub off dirt and bacteria. Here’s how this method works:

1. Detach the Invisalign

Don’t try out any shortcuts. Follow the steps your dentist told you to properly remove your Invisalign. You need to clean your set outside of your mouth. It’s one of the major differences between metal braces and Invisalign since you need to clean around the former.

2. Brush the Aligner

With the use of a dentist-approved toothpaste and soft toothbrush, clean your aligner like you’re brushing your real teeth. Use gentle brushing motions to remove food debris on all sides of your Invisalign. Make sure to be thorough with the cleaning.

3. Rinse the Invisalign

Use a steady stream of lukewarm water and rinse all the toothpaste and mouthwash off the Invisalign. Get a clean towel and use it to dry the aligner before you put it back onto your teeth. Avoid using hot water since it can result in melting and permanently damage your aligners.

Some dentists don’t recommend using toothpaste as it often contains abrasive ingredients, leaving your trays scratched. As time goes by, the aligners become more noticeable.

If you’re concerned about this, use water to clean your Invisalign. A good alternative is to use mild dish detergent.

4. Brush and Floss Your Teeth

Make sure to brush your real teeth while the Invisalign is out of your mouth. Don’t forget to floss since it helps keep food particles and microbes from wreaking havoc between your teeth.

5. Put Back Your Aligner

Reinsert the Invisalign when dried. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions when doing this.

Use Vibratory Baths

This is another method of cleaning your Invisalign. You need to buy a vibratory retainer bath first. Take note that sonic and ultrasonic cleaning systems will work alongside soluble crystals.

This cleansing solution allows the aligners to get rid of microorganisms more effectively. It can kill bacteria that you can’t remove using common brushing techniques. Here are the steps:

1. Fill the Sonic Bath

Use warm water to fill up the device. To make the most out of it, make sure that you use the suggested amount. You can find this in the product instruction manual that comes with the device.

2. Put Crystals into the Warm Water

Make sure to get the right amount of crystals. You likely need to measure it, depending on the specific brand you have. Some might have packets of pre-measured crystals that dissolve in warm water.

3. Put the Aligners in the Sonic Bath

Let the Invisalign soak for around 15 minutes. While waiting for it to finish, don’t forget to start brushing and flossing your real teeth. Always remember that your Invisalign will only stay clean while your real teeth are clean.

4. Remove the Aligners from the Sonic Bath

After removing the aligners, make sure to give the sonic bath a thorough rinse in warm water. Take note that the cleansing solutions are for your Invisalign, not your mouth. If you don’t rinse your aligners out after the sonic bath, you might be at risk of an allergic reaction from one or more ingredients present in the solution.

Don’t forget to wash your hands and rinse the sonic appliance too. After finishing all of these, put your Invisalign back into your mouth. Take note, you need to make sure that it’s dry first.

Use Homemade Soaks

With poor dental health, you tend to have a less satisfying life. Recent statistics show that 39% of low-income adults feel that their dental health causes them life issues, in part because they can’t afford what they need for a healthy smile. If you don’t have funds for a sonic appliance, homemade soaks are good substitutes.

Here are some things you should consider:

1. Soap and Water Solution

Get a cup of warm water and mix in some gentle liquid soap to form suds. Soak the aligners in the mixture for about half an hour before rinsing them. Make sure you wash out the cup well before using it again as a drinking glass.

2. Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix one-fourth cup of white vinegar and three-fourths warm water in a cup. Let your Invisalign soak for 15-30 minutes. Use a soft toothbrush afterward and rinse the aligner with warm water.

It might seem disturbing for the Invisalign to have the smell of vinegar, but the good news is that it will wear out before long. Wait for a few minutes before putting your aligners back into your mouth.

3. Baking Soda and Water Solution

Get a half-filled cup of water and mix in a tablespoon of baking soda. Soak the aligners for an hour before scooping them out for rinsing. Make sure they’re dry before putting them back on.

Learn How to Clean Invisalign Today!

These are the ways for you to keep your aligners clean and in pristine condition. You should learn how to clean Invisalign sets as soon as possible. Regardless of your budget concerns, there are methods that you can use.

If you’re not sure, always ask a licensed dentist for more tips. Contact us today so we can help you out. If you’re in Port St. Lucie, we can help set up a dental appointment to address all your dental concerns.