How to Clean Invisalign Retainers?

How to Clean Invisalign Retainers?

21st July 2021

Some people don’t have to think twice before smiling for photos.
They have a picture-perfect set of teeth, after all.

But you aren’t far from that day either.
You’ve already got your Invisalign treatment started. And in due course of time, you’d be getting a picture-ready smile.

But before that, you’d have to do some hard work too.

No, no, nothing too straining.

You just have to take care of your Invisalign retainers.

If not, you’d have to bear the (heavy) cost of replacement retainers.
If the retainers are not kept clean, the process will take much longer. And it can have a negative effect on your teeth.
Moreover, stained retainers take away the benefit of invisibility from your Invisalign retainers.

Now, that’s not something that you want, right?

So, bookmark this guide and refer to it often to ensure that your aligners are well cared for.

Do You Have To Clean Your Invisalign Retainers Or Aligners?

Invisalign allows removing the retainers while eating or drinking something. Many people assume that because they don’t eat with their retainers on, cleaning is not needed. But it is not true.

You need to clean your Invisalign trays.

Your retainers are placed in your mouth. And like your teeth, they are susceptible to plaque, tartar, and bacteria accumulation. And just like you clean your teeth every day, you need to clean your retainers as well.

How-To Guide For Cleaning Your Invisalign Retainers

The most professional way to clean Invisalign retainers is the Invisalign cleaning system. It is manufactured by Invisalign, especially for keeping your retainers clean.

However, the system is more expensive and not easily available outside the U.S.

Want more accessible and affordable care for your Invisalign retainers? You can use any of the methods mentioned below:

• Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. Slowly brush your retainers from inside and outside, just like you brush your teeth.
• Use clear, antibacterial soap to remove harmful bacteria from your retainers.
• You can also use liquid dish soap to scrub away residue from retainer trays.
• If you notice plaque or debris in your retainers, use a vinegar and water solution. This will help dissolve the buildup.
• Solutions like Retainer Brite can also be useful. They work in a manner similar to denture cleaners. However, they are specifically made for retainers. Specific retainer cleaning solutions don’t harshly affect the retainer plastic. While using over-the-counter solutions, follow the instructions on the package. Pay attention to the timing and amount of solution to be used.
• You can also use Invisalign retainer cleaning sprays. Products like Smile Saver Spray™ promise to remove 99% of odour causing bacteria. You just have to spray the solution on your Invisalign tray and hold it for 60 seconds. There is no need to rinse the retainers before putting them back on.
• If you see deposits in the deep grooves or ridges of your clear retainers, you can use cotton swabs to remove those.

Other than your retainers, you should also keep your retainer case clean. Once a day, gently scrub the case with soap and warm water solution. After rinsing, pat it dry.

Quick Fixes To NOT Try

It is not hard to find homemade retainer cleaning methods that people swear by.

However, not all of these solutions or processes are safe for your retainers or your oral hygiene.

Some of the quick fixes that you shouldn’t try include:

• Abrasive toothpaste with whitening agents should be avoided at all costs. These can cause scratches on the surface of your retainers and even make them dull.
• Denture cleaners are also extremely abrasive and should be avoided. Retainers cleaned with denture cleaners show visible dullness when worn.
• Many people use their regular mouthwashes to clean their Invisalign retainers. However, most mouthwashes come with artificial colours, which can stain the retainers. Upon wearing it will make your teeth look tinted.
• Never soak or rinse your retainers in alcohol or bleach. Both these are abrasive and can lead to retainer damage.
• If you want to sterilize your retainers, never use boiling water. Extremely hot water distorts the retainer’s shape and fitting.
• Do not run your retainers in your dishwasher, as it can also melt, distort, and damage your retainers.

Retainer Care Tips

Check out some handy tips to keep your retainers clean:

• To avoid saliva and bacteria build-up, rinse your retainers in room temperature water when you take them out.
• Keep your retainers in a proper container to avoid accidentally damaging them. Keeping your retainers in paper napkins and tissue papers can cause scratches.
• Maintain proper oral hygiene. Ensure food particles don’t get trapped between your teeth and retainers. Brush and floss after eating and before putting back your retainers.
• Never eat or drink (anything other than water) with your retainers on.
• Brush your aligners with a soft brush and be gentle. Hard brushing will create visible etchings. The brush should be kept solely for cleaning your retainers.
• Always use lukewarm water to wash and clean your Invisalign retainers. These retainers are made of resin (plastic). And it can get disfigured and ill-fitting if immersed in very hot water.
• Do you feel your retainers don’t fit right? Immediately contact your attending dental expert.
• Don’t use any coloured cleaning products as they can stain your retainers.
• Do you notice a calcium (tartar) buildup on your retainers that is hard to get rid of with a toothbrush? Contact experts at the earliest to get cleaning aid and guidance.

Get A Naturally Beautiful Smile With Natural Smiles

A beautiful smile is your right. And with Invisalign treatment, a charming smile is not a distant dream anymore.
Follow the above-mentioned cleaning methods religiously, though. It will ensure you don’t incur extra costs and delay in treatment.

At Natural Smiles, dental specialists always guide you about Invisalign cleaning and care. And if you have any more questions or queries, you can always get in touch with us.

So, what are you waiting for?

It is time to get a perfect smile.

Schedule your initial consultation with Natural Smiles today. And embark on a journey towards a happy, healthy, and attractive smile.