How To Clean Invisalign Retainers & Tray?

How To Clean Invisalign Retainers & Tray?

Millions of people in the U.S. seeking discreet treatment for misaligned teeth or malocclusion (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite) have turned to Invisalign. Invisalign trays should be worn at least 20 hours per day for optimal results. Once you’ve completed your treatment with the alignment trays, you’ll initially need to wear a retainer most hours of the day to prevent your teeth from shifting into old positions. So how do you keep your Invisalign trays or retainer clean, clear, and nearly invisible? Read on for tips for cleaning Invisalign retainers and trays.

Brush Trays When You Brush Your Teeth 

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time. To keep your Invisalign trays and retainers clean and clear, you should brush them every time you brush your teeth. If you brush your teeth more than twice a day, feel free to brush your Invisalign trays and retainer every time.  

Brush Teeth and Trays After Eating

Although you do not have to brush more than twice a day, if you can brush after each meal, you should. Choose a soft-bristled brush to prevent damaging your tooth enamel or scratching your Invisalign trays or retainer. 

Rinse Trays Frequently

If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, plan to rinse your Invisalign trays or retainer with water. While water alone won’t remove all the bacteria that can build up, it can remove some. It can also be refreshing to remove your trays or retainer from time to time and run them under cool water, when you can’t brush. 

Soak Your Trays and Retainer

A special Invisalign cleaning solution such as cleaning crystals may be included with your series of alignment trays. While you don’t need to use it daily, soaking your trays occasionally is a good idea. Invisalign offers other products for cleaning trays and retainers as well. These include a cleaning foam, sterilizing solution, or cleaning spray. 

Taking Care of Invisalign Trays and Retainers: Dos and Don’ts 

Here is a list of helpful dos and don’ts when it comes to caring for your Invisalign trays and retainer include:

Do: 

  • Do clean your Invisalign tray and retainer case to prevent bacteria buildup
  • Do keep your Invisalign retainer or trays in their case when you’re not wearing them. 

Do Not:

  • Do not drink anything other than water when wearing your trays or retainer. Sodas, coffee, juices, tea, and wine can stain your trays.
  • Do not use hot water to clean your trays. Very hot water can warp your trays or retainer. Instead, use cool or lukewarm water when brushing and rinsing.
  • Do not leave your trays or retainers in a hot car or where a pet can get them.
  • Do not smoke or vape while wearing your Invisalign trays or retainer.

Is Invisalign Right for You or Your Teen? 

If your teeth are crooked, slanted, gapped, or crowded, you may be an excellent candidate for Invisalign. A moderate overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite can also often be corrected with Invisalign. If you’re ready to fix an imperfect smile, your dentist can determine if Invisalign is right for you or your teen. 

Invisalign for Teens and Adults in Monmouth County

Champagne Smiles provides Invisalign treatment to teens and adults in Monmouth County. Named a “Best of the Best” Dentist in Monmouth County, one of America’s Top Dentists, and a Top New Jersey dental practice, our team has years of experience treating patients with Invisalign. To schedule a consultation, call 732-972-0918, or send us a message.