Top Tips for Effectively Clean Your Invisalign Retainers

If you’re using Invisalign to enhance your smile, proper care of your aligners and post-treatment retainer is essential. Learning how to clean your Invisalign retainers and aligners ensures you get the best results. To help you keep them in top condition, we have put together this handy guide.

Always Take Out Your Aligners Before Eating

Before learning how to clean Invisalign retainers, it’s crucial to understand how to care for them properly. Ignoring the right habits could affect your treatment results.

• Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water.
• Food can stain your aligners, making your smile appear less bright.
• Hard or sticky foods may damage the plastic, reducing effectiveness.
• Eating with aligners can trap food and bacteria between your teeth and trays, leading to plaque buildup.
• Plaque is a sticky film that increases your risk of cavities and gum disease. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which requires professional cleaning.

• Store your aligners in their designated case to keep them clean. Avoid placing them in napkins, as they can easily be lost or thrown away.
• Brush and floss after meals before putting your aligners back in to maintain optimal oral health and treatment progress.

Rinse and Brush Aligners Daily

• Each time you take out your Invisalign trays, make sure to rinse and clean them properly.
• Use lukewarm water to rinse off bacteria and plaque. Avoid hot or cold water, which can warp the plastic.
• Gently brush aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush without toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface.
• If they appear discolored or have an odor, clean them with mild, unscented liquid soap and a toothbrush.
• Rinse thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth.

Make this a daily habit to prevent bacteria buildup on your aligners and teeth. Consistent care ensures your Invisalign treatment stays on track and your smile stays bright.

Use the Invisalign Cleaning System

• The Invisalign cleaning system is a reliable choice for a hassle-free cleaning solution. Its cleaning crystals effectively remove plaque and bacteria from retainers. Deep cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and extends the life of your retainers. It is ideal for those who prefer a non-DIY cleaning method.

How to Use:

• Remove and rinse your retainers under lukewarm water.
• Gently brush them to remove surface debris.
• Place them in a bowl of lukewarm water.
• Add a packet of Invisalign cleaning crystals and stir until dissolved.
• Let your retainers soak for 15 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly before wearing them again.

Try DIY Cleaning Solutions

• If you prefer a homemade approach, several options can keep your retainers fresh and odor-free.

White Vinegar Solution

• Mix one part of distilled white vinegar with three parts of lukewarm water.
• Let your retainers soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly before use.
• White vinegar effectively removes plaque and deodorizes retainers.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

• Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.
• Soak retainers for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse well to remove residue.

Retainer Cleaning Tablets

• Drop a tablet into the lukewarm water and let it dissolve.
• Soak retainers for 15 minutes before rinsing.
• For best results, consult your orthodontist before using a DIY method to ensure it’s safe for your specific retainer type.

Transform your smile and boost your confidence with Invisalign Treatment. Contact Icon Dental Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment for your orthodontic needs in Seattle or Everett. Our expert dentists are dedicated to providing the best orthodontic treatment, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and beyond. For consultations or bookings, you can call us at 206-225-2882 for Seattle and 425-337-2400 for Everett appointments.