How to Clean Invisalign Retainer & Best Way to Clean Them

When we think about teeth alignment, the first thought that pops up in our mind is – we might need braces. Let’s be honest, so many of us have avoided getting braces thinking about the pain and dreadful situation. They also require you to visit your dentist frequently to get the metal wires and brackets adjusted.

Cut back to now, we have evolved in terms of technology and inventions. Metal braces are not the only teeth straightening methods on the market. We have Invisalign clear aligners that provide a pleasant experience and straighten the teeth without any hustle.

Invisalign retainers are removable which makes them an excellent choice for keeping your teeth aligned. Just like how your teeth, these aligners require consistent cleaning to stay fresh and hygienic. In this blog post, we will share tips on how to clean Invisalign retainers. Keep reading to find out more.

Why Keeping Your Invisalign Retainers Clean Matters?

Food particles often get trapped between the teeth and the metal wires and brackets. Hence, dentists always recommend to steer away from certain foods like chewy, sugary, and acidic food that can land you in trouble. For individuals who wear Invisalign, the problem continues to linger if they do not take the necessary steps for cleaning.

• Bad Breath

  Saliva helps you in rinsing your mouth naturally and keeps the bacteria at arm’s distance. But Invisalign creates a barrier between the teeth and saliva. If the particles are not cleaned in the retainers, it will bring in a foul smell and pungent taste in the mouth.

• Stains

  Aligners should be removed while eating and drinking. This is primarily because if you are drinking coffee or eating pasta, then it can leave stains in the retainer. It might appear yellow or with a tinge of brown. This alters the entire purpose of wearing clear aligners.

• Plaque Build Up

  When you don’t clean aligners, brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque builds up causing damage to your tooth. It also further causes tooth decay.

• Cavities

  Invisalign clear retainer might not cause cavities. But when the bacteria remain hedged in between teeth and aligners for a longer time the tooth will decay in the form of a cavity.

• Gum Irritation

  Dirty Invisalign can cause inflammation in the gum tissue and further lead to gingivitis or any other gum disease.
  To avoid all these problems at bay, it becomes crucial for you to keep a clean Invisalign retainer.

How often to clean Invisalign retainers?

Now that you know the reasons why you should keep your aligners clean, let’s tap into how often you should clean Invisalign retainers. Ideally, you should keep them polished twice a day just like how you brush and floss your teeth regularly. Alongside, you can follow the routine of daily cleaning and deep cleaning.

1. Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning can be an optional step that you can perform once in a week. This is primarily to remove any sort of stains or lingering odor.

2. Daily Cleaning

To keep your retainers clean, daily cleaning is mandatory. It is recommended to clean them twice a day to remove any food particles or bacteria throughout the day.

How to Clean Invisalign Retainer?

Wearing your aligners is one thing and cleaning them is altogether a different but not difficult process. Here’s how you can clean your Invisalign retainers.

• Every time you remove your retainer, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the aligner using an antibacterial liquid soap that your dentist will advise you.
• You can soak the retainers for around 20 minutes every day to prevent buildup and discoloration.
• Once you have brushed and soaked the retainers, rinse them thoroughly to remove residue and then you can wear them.
• Point to Remember – never rinse them or put the retainers in hot boiling water. Avoid using harsh chemical exfoliants like bleach to clean them.

Five Best Ways to Clean Invisalign Retainers

If you have been wondering what type of solution or ingredients to use for cleaning the retainers, here are some of the options that serve best for deep cleaning the Invisalign retainers.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a cleaning agent which is antiseptic in nature. It’s colorless and separates into water and oxygen. You can use hydrogen peroxide by mixing it with water in equal quantities and letting it sit for 30 minutes. Once you take out the retainers, wash them multiple times with water as hydrogen peroxide is dangerous when digested.

2. White Vinegar

Despite being high in acidic content, white vinegar is safe to use. Dissolve one part of vinegar in three parts water. Soak them for a while and then again wash them with cold water before wearing them

3. Baking soda

Due to its cleaning properties, baking soda makes it an apt option for retainers. There are two ways you can use baking soda. The first is to dissolve baking soda in cold or lukewarm water and let your retainers soak in it for 20-30 minutes. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and you are all set.

Secondly, you can mix baking soda with water, make a paste, and apply it to the Invisalign. Use a toothbrush and rub it gently. Clean them with cold water and then you can wear your retainers.

4. Mouthwash

To clean retainers, you can use alcohol-free mouthwash. Alongside, we recommend you use transparent mouthwash, dissolve it in water, and then clean the retainers.

5. Ultrasonic Cleaners

Ultrasonic cleaners are specifically designed for cleaning the retainers and aligners at home. You can purchase them online or in stores. It’s very similar to the ones that orthodontists utilize in their practice.

Final Thoughts

The above-mentioned blog post sums up a simple cleaning routine and tips on preserving your Invisalign retainers. Remember, consistent cleaning is the key to keeping your teeth healthy and bright. If you have any concerns regarding your Invisalign retainers, then we suggest you get in touch with a reliable dentist for personalized advice on Invisalign treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions