How to Clean Invisalign Retainers?

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 strenuous.

You have to take care of your Invisalign retainers.

If not, you’d have to bear the (heavy) cost of replacement retainers.

If you don't keep the retainers clean, the process will take much longer. And it can negatively affect your teeth.

Moreover, stained retainers take away the benefit of invisibility.

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 lets you remove the retainers while eating or drinking. Many people assume that because they don’t eat with their retainers on, they don't need to clean them. But it is not true.

You need to clean your Invisalign trays.

Your retainers are placed in your mouth. Like your teeth, they are susceptible to plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup. 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. Invisalign manufactures it specifically to keep 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 inside and out, 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 similarly 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 odor-causing bacteria. Just spray the solution on your Invisalign tray and hold it for 60 seconds. You don't 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 a soap-and-warm-water solution. After rinsing, pat it dry.

Quick Fixes To NOT Try

It's easy 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:

• Avoid abrasive toothpaste with whitening agents at all costs. These can scratch the surface of your retainers and even make them look dull.
• Denture cleaners are also extremely abrasive and should be avoided. Retainers cleaned with denture cleaners can look visibly dull when worn.
• Many people use their regular mouthwashes to clean their Invisalign retainers. However, most mouthwashes contain artificial colors, which can stain the retainers. Wearing them will make your teeth look tinted.
• Never soak or rinse your retainers in alcohol or bleach. Both are abrasive and can damage your retainer.
• If you want to sterilize your retainers, never use boiling water. Extremely hot water can distort the retainer’s shape and fit.
• Do not run your retainers in your dishwasher, as it can melt, distort, and damage them.

Retainer Care Tips

Check out some handy tips to keep your retainers clean:

• To avoid saliva and bacteria buildup, rinse your retainers in room-temperature water while you take them out.
• Keep your retainers in a proper container to avoid accidental damage. Keeping your retainers in paper napkins and tissue paper 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 your retainers back in.
• 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. Use the brush only to clean your retainers.
• Always use lukewarm water to wash and clean your Invisalign retainers. These retainers are made of resin (plastic). They 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 colored cleaning products, as they can stain your retainers.
• Do you notice calcium (tartar) buildup on your retainers that is hard to remove with a buildup brush? Contact experts as early as possible for cleaning help and guidance.

Get A Naturally Beautiful Smile With Natural Smiles

A beautiful smile is your right. With Invisalign treatment, a charming smile is no longer a distant dream.

Follow the above-mentioned cleaning methods religiously, though. This will help you avoid extra costs and delays in treatment.

At Natural Smiles, dental specialists always guide you on 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.