What makes Invisalign such a popular choice among the masses is the discreetness and comfort they provide. However, if you do not clean them, they will get stained, and if you stain them, they won’t go unnoticed.
To keep them clean, Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are available. What are they? How do you use it? Here’s an answer to all your questions:
What Are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
The Invisalign brand specially designs Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to kill the bacteria that grow on your aligners. It helps in removing plaque buildup and keeping your aligners clean. Made with safe compounds, they prevent discoloration, staining, and odors.
How to Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
Cleaning your aligners with Invisalign crystals is effortless. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Invisalign cleaning crystals to wash your aligners:
- Remove your aligners and rinse them under warm water to remove debris and excess saliva.
- Once you rinse your aligners, fill up a glass with warm water and dissolve an entire packet of Invisalign crystals into it. Stir till it fully dissolves.
- Take your retainers, submerge them entirely into the water and crystal mixture, and let them soak for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
- Once you soak them, remove them and rinse them under warm running water.
- Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove the remaining plaque buildup and rinse them again with warm water to wash off the cleaning solution.
Why Should You Use Invisalign Crystals?
Cleaning Invisalign with crystals is the easiest way to sanitize and prevent food particles from getting stuck in between. Once you get rid of food particles, it will stop the spread of bacteria into your mouth and prevent gum diseases.
They prevent the development of plaque buildup and get rid of any stains. Keep your mouth fresh by avoiding food debris buildup and preventing bad breath with Invisalign crystals.
How Often Should You Use Cleaning Crystals?
You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals twice a day or once a day, as per your convenience. After cleaning your aligners with these crystals, ensure that you rinse them thoroughly with water before putting them back into your mouth.
Alternatives to Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are designed specially to clean your aligners and retainers, but their high price tag can be a problem for many people. To solve this, we are here with a list of alternatives you can use:
1. Denture Cleaners
Denture cleaners such as Polident and Efferdent are also effective in cleaning your aligners and retainers. To clean your retainers or aligners with denture cleaners, soak them in water for 15-30 minutes, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove excess residue, and rinse thoroughly.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
By mixing 3% of hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of warm water, you can completely get rid of stains from your aligners. Soak your aligners in the solution for thirty minutes. After that, brush the leftover plaque, rinse the aligners and wear them.
3. Distilled White Vinegar
Ensure that you only use white vinegar as any other type of vinegar will stain your aligners. To clean your aligners with distilled white vinegar, you need to make a solution that is 1-part vinegar and 3-parts water. Soak your aligners in the solution for fifteen minutes. Once you soak them, brush your aligners with a soft-bristled brush and rinse them thoroughly.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Aligners Clean
While cleaning your aligners with cleaning crystals are essential, you need to take notes of these additional tips to prevent any damage:
- Ensure that you clean your aligners twice a day – in the morning before you put them and in the evening after taking them off. This will prevent plaque and bacteria buildup.
- Take off your aligners before eating, or else you risk staining them and inviting food particles to get stuck in the trays. With time, these particles will transfer onto your gums and teeth, leading to plaque buildup, and when left unattended, this will turn into tartar. If you don’t get this tartar removed, you can develop gingivitis, which will deteriorate your gum’s health.
- Always keep your aligners inside their case to protect them from any damage and bacteria.
- Soaking your aligners protects them from E. Coli, Candida, Strep, and Staph.
- You should also include flossing into your daily routine to provide extra oral care for your teeth and keep your aligners clear.
Conclusion
If you are searching for the best way to clean your aligners for a whiter and brighter smile, Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are your ideal choice. You can even consult your orthodontist regarding the best methods to clean your aligners and decide according to your requirements.
FAQs
Why does Invisalign get so dirty?
If not correctly maintained, Invisalign may become rather filthy. Keeping your aligners clean is critical for protecting your dental health and preventing harm. Germs, food fragments, and plaque can accumulate in the nooks and crannies, staining the plastic and reintroducing hazardous germs into your mouth.
Can you put your Invisalign back in after using the cleaning crystals?
Certainly! After using the cleaning crystals, you can simply rinse your Invisalign under lukewarm water and give them a gentle brush to make sure they are clean before putting them back in your mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to get rid of any remaining residue from the cleaning process.
Are Invisalign cleaning crystals worth it?
According to Invisalign care instructions, using the cleaning crystals is the best way to clean your aligners. However, there are more ways of doing it. Invisalign cleaning crystals are effective, but they may be expensive. Some people believe that the peace of mind they bring is worth the additional cost.
On the other hand, some people would like to save money by employing a different way. So, it entirely depends on what you prioritize.
Do Invisalign cleaning crystals remove stains?
Yes, Invisalign cleaning crystals can definitely erase stains! Mixing the Invisalign cleaning crystals with water and soaking your aligner trays in this solution is an efficient way to get rid of any stains or discoloration. Just make sure to use a container that's big enough for the trays to be completely submerged.
How often do you need to soak Invisalign trays?
Make a point of cleaning your Invisalign aligners at least once every day. Food and germs may quickly collect on the trays. Therefore, they must be cleaned on a regular basis to retain their clarity and fresh aroma. Ideally, you should soak your trays at least once a day. But you may need to clean them more often depending on how frequently you eat or remove them.
Can I leave my Invisalign in cleaning crystals overnight?
Soak your aligners overnight is not generally recommended. You can simply soak them in the cleaning solution for 20-30 minutes, then rinse them, and you are done! However, you can ask your orthodontist how to use Invisalign cleaning crystals for further clarity.
Are Invisalign cleaning crystals antibacterial?
Yes, Invisalign cleaning crystals are antimicrobial. These crystals are particularly designed to reduce germs and plaque buildup from the aligners. You may simply get them online or via your orthodontist!
How do you clean Invisalign retainers without cleaning crystals?
To prepare a cleaning solution, mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water. Allow your aligners to soak in this mixture for about 20 minutes before rinsing and putting them back in.
How do you clean Invisalign retainers naturally?
To make sure your Invisalign retainer stays clean without using harsh chemicals, you can try soaking it in white vinegar for about 15 minutes once a week. After that, just rinse it and soak it in distilled water as you usually would. Avoid brushing the retainer because doing so could damage its material and create a breeding ground for bacteria.