Why You Need to Keep Your Invisalign Trays Clean

Invisalign Los Angeles, CA

The growing need for straighter teeth and a good-looking smile is why more people are turning to treatments such as Invisalign®. After getting the aligner trays, it is important to clean them properly. In this article, you will learn about the importance of cleaning Invisalign trays and a few care tips.

The importance of cleaning Invisalign trays

Just as brushing the teeth every night is important, knowing how to clean Invisalign trays is vital for oral health. First, one of the reasons that people prefer Invisalign over braces is the invisibility or discreetness. However, they need to be cleaned regularly to maintain the invisibility; otherwise, stains will form over the trays and they will start to yellow.

Good oral hygiene practices not only keep the aligners trays invisible but also help prevent bad breath. Food particles can get trapped in the Invisalign trays. This can encourage the spread of bacteria, which in turn, causes bad breath. Regular cleaning can help keep the mouth smelling good.

Cleaning the trays helps prevent tooth decay. Decay develops when food particles accumulate between the teeth and on the aligners. Bacteria feast on the food debris, causing plaque. Plaque, in turn, causes cavities or tooth decay and gum disease. These oral issues are uncomfortable and costly to treat and can extend treatment duration.

How to clean the Invisalign tray

Food particles can get trapped between the teeth. Using the trays without brushing the teeth can prevent saliva from cleaning the mouth naturally. Keeping the teeth clean through brushing and flossing keeps the Invisalign trays clean as well.

Every time the tray comes off the teeth, they will need to be cleaned properly. Soaking and rinsing the tray with ordinary water will not be enough to prevent bacteria accumulation. Instead, a clear, scentless soap that will not tint the aligner is advisable. That way, one can wear the trays without getting a weird taste. Denture cleaners and Invisalign cleaning crystals can also be used.

When cleaning the trays, hot water should never be used for disinfection. The aligners are created with thermoplastic materials that will cause them to deform in hot water. Cold water, on the other hand, can cause the trays to contract. Room-temperature water is preferable. Toothpaste should never be used because it can cause staining.

The Invisalign aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours per day. The remaining two hours are meant for soaking. The trays should soak in warm water containing cleaning crystals for about 20 minutes. Patients can brush the trays afterward and dry them properly to prevent moisture from causing stains. The cleaning should be done daily to keep the trays free of dirt and stains.

In conclusion

If you have recently started your Invisalign journey, you need to be proactive about oral hygiene and cleaning. If you need additional information, be sure to ask the general dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.beverlyhillsfamilydentalgroup.com or call Beverly Hills Prestige Dental Group at (310) 286-9655 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Los Angeles, CA.

Recent Posts

Invisalign® Vs. Veneers

Understanding the pros and cons of Invisalign® and veneers is an important first step to deciding which treatment option is right for you. Many are familiar with Invisalign for a straighter smile, but fewer have heard of veneers for orthodontic treatment. This review offers insights into Invisalign and veneers as it relates to correcting teeth…

Can Invisalign® Correct Bite Issues?

Considering Invisalign®? Many people turn to this treatment option in order to straighten teeth that are crooked, crowded, or protruding. However, what may be surprising to learn is that Invisalign® can also be used to correct bite issues. When Invisalign® first hit the market, its primary use was for teeth straightening, but as the technology…

How A General Dentist May Decide Whether To Pull Or Save A Tooth

A general dentist is a great resource to utilize when struggling with an unhealthy tooth. They have the training and experience to know how to handle just about any type of damage, whether it be a loose or infected tooth. When it comes to a general dentist pulling a tooth or saving it, there are…

How Dental Implants Are Used With Bridges

Dental implants are highly recommended when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They are the only oral prosthetics that replace teeth and their roots. Other prosthetics like dentures and bridges simply replace the visible part of the tooth.Implants are surgically placed in the patient’s jaw and left there to fuse with surrounding bone tissues. The…

Recent Posts

How A General Dentist May Decide Whether To Pull Or Save A Tooth

How A General Dentist May Decide Whether To Pull Or Save A Tooth

A general dentist is a great resource to utilize when struggling with an unhealthy tooth. They have the training and experience to know how to handle just about any type of damage, whether it be a loose or infected tooth. When it comes to a general dentist pulling a tooth or saving it, there are…

Invisalign® Vs  Veneers

Invisalign® Vs. Veneers

Understanding the pros and cons of Invisalign® and veneers is an important first step to deciding which treatment option is right for you. Many are familiar with Invisalign for a straighter smile, but fewer have heard of veneers for orthodontic treatment. This review offers insights into Invisalign and veneers as it relates to correcting teeth…