How to Clean Invisalign

Last Updated: March 12, 2023

Invisalign products offer removable aligners such as braces and retainers, which can straighten teeth. An essential part of the Invisalign process is ensuring that both the aligners and your teeth are as clean as possible. Invisalign recommends a proprietary cleansing system; however, this system is both expensive and available in the US only. Fortunately, there are other, simpler ways to care for your Invisaligns.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Brushing Your Invisalign Trays

1
Remove Invisalign from your teeth. Take out the Invisalign according to the instructions you received from your dentist. Unlike metal braces which need to be cleaned around, Invisalign must be cleaned on the outside of your mouth.
2
Brush the aligner. Use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, just as you would when brushing your own teeth. Gently brush away any food particles on both sides of the aligner. Clean it thoroughly.
- Make sure to soak up the aligner for a couple of minutes before brushing or rinsing it.
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3
Rinse off the aligner. Run the Invisalign under a steady stream of lukewarm water to rinse off any toothpaste and mouthwash. Allow the Invisalign to dry on a clean towel before putting it back onto your teeth.
- Never rinse your Invisalign with hot water, as this could melt and permanently damage the aligners.
- Some dentists recommend not using toothpaste, as it often contains abrasive ingredients that leave scratches on your trays. Over time, the aligners become more visible. If this is a concern, brush with water only, or using a mild dish detergent.^{[1]
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4
Brush and floss your teeth. While the Invisalign is out of your mouth to be cleaned, be sure to brush your bare teeth. Floss as well, to keep food particles and bacteria from hiding between your teeth. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy will help to keep the Invisalign pieces clean.
5
Insert your aligners. Once the aligners have dried, you can reinsert them as directed by your dentist.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Vibratory Baths

1
Purchase a vibratory retainer bath. Sonic or ultrasonic cleaning systems work in conjunction with soluble crystals. They create a cleansing solution that agitates the aligners to dislodge microorganisms and kill bacteria that ordinary brushing cannot remove.^{[2]
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2
Fill the sonic bath with warm water. Make sure you use the amount suggested in the product instructions.
3
Put the appropriate amount of crystals (or a tablet) into the warm water. You may have to measure it, or the crystals may come pre-measured in packets or tablets that dissolve.
4
Add your inserts and let them soak for 15 minutes. At this point, don't forget to brush and floss your own teeth. Your aligners are only as clean as your teeth.
5
Remove the aligners and rinse thoroughly in warm water. The cleansing solutions are intended for your inserts, not your mouth. Rinsing afterwards helps reduce the chance of an allergic reaction from one of the ingredients.^{[3]
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- Rinse your hands and the sonic appliance as well.
6
Reinsert your Invisaligns. Once they've dried, put your aligners back into your mouth.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Homemade Soaks

1
To remove bacteria, try a hydrogen-peroxide solution. Dilute hydrogen peroxide with warm tap water in a 1:1 ratio. Soak your aligners for at least 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Note that hydrogen peroxide will not remove plaque build-up.
2
Remove tartar and kill microorganisms with a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water, and submerge your aligners. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes. After, brush gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse with warm water.^{[4]
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- The vinegar smell will disappear soon, don't worry.
3
Remember to brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your Invisaligns. Whichever home soak you use, take advantage of the break to clean your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in.

Warnings

Always store your Invisalign in the Invisalign case. Putting the aligners in a napkin, etc., runs the risk of accidentally losing them or throwing them away.

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Be careful while brushing aligners, you may scratch them, removing their invisible qualities.

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Do not use hot water when cleaning Invisalign. The heat can cause warping to the plastic, which will damage or destroy the product.

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