Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is essential for both oral hygiene and a confident smile throughout your treatment. A proper cleaning routine is vital whether you are new to Invisalign or struggling with cloudy, smelly aligners.
Invisalign cleaning crystals offer a convenient and effective solution. These dissolvable crystals are designed to maintain clear, hygienic aligners throughout your treatment. Simply dissolve them in warm water and soak your trays for 15 minutes for a refreshingly simple cleaning method.
How Do I Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
Here’s how to use Invisalign cleaning crystals:
- Remove your aligners and rinse them under tepid tap water to remove surface residue.
- Place your aligners in a cleaning container filled with warm water so the aligners are fully submerged.
- Add one packet of cleaning crystals.
- Gently shake your container for 20 seconds to dissolve the crystals and ensure they are fully distributed.
- Let them stand for up to 15 minutes before gently agitating again for 20 seconds.
- Remove your aligners and rinse them thoroughly under warm water.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to your frequently asked questions!
How Often Should I Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
While you could theoretically use cleaning crystals every time you take out your trays, we recommend once a day as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Invisalign trays can harbour harmful bacteria and plaque, just like your teeth. Regular cleaning helps to prevent buildup, ensuring your aligners are hygienic.
Can I Leave My Aligners in Cleaning Crystals Overnight?
We recommend keeping crystal cleanings short. Overexposure to the cleaning solution can affect the integrity of your Invisalign trays and lead to discolouration or loss of transparency.
Will My Invisalign Smell After Cleaning Crystals?
The cleaning crystals should eliminate odours from your Invisalign trays. At most, they may leave a slight chlorine odour, which is completely normal. Rinsing your aligners thoroughly after using the crystals will keep this to a minimum.
If you notice a persistent odour, it may be a sign that you need to clean your aligners more frequently or more thoroughly.
Are Cleaning Crystals Worth It?
Absolutely. Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are designed to keep your aligners crystal clear and free from dangerous pathogens.
You’ve invested in your smile, so invest in the proper care for your Invisalign aligners to help them remain an effective tool in achieving that goal.
Why Can’t I Use Toothpaste to Clean Invisalign?
Toothpaste is abrasive and can be too hard on Invisalign. Using toothpaste can leave microscopic scratches that accumulate over time, dulling the appearance of your aligners and creating places where bacteria can hide.
Invisalign cleaning crystals are gentle and effective and clean your aligners without causing damage.
Why Does Invisalign Get Cloudy?
Even invisible particles and stains from food and drinks can build up as biofilm, making your aligners cloudy. Regular, thorough cleaning with Invisalign cleaning crystals helps break down this buildup and keeps your aligners crystal clear.
What Should My Dental Routine Be with Invisalign?
While most of your routine will stay the same, adding cleaning crystals to maintain the longevity of your aligners is an essential upgrade to your daily oral health routine.
Here’s how to keep your smile and aligners in good shape:
- Rinse your aligners with water whenever you take them out to remove built-up debris.
- Take your aligners out to eat or drink anything but water to avoid staining.
- Every day, rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and debris.
- Floss daily to remove bacteria and biofilm from your mouth, protecting both your teeth and aligners.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly after meals and snacks. Leaving food particles under your aligners can trap bacteria and harm your teeth, as well as affect the look of your aligners.
- Skip the hot water, which can damage your aligners. Stick to lukewarm water for rinsing.
How Shawnessy Dental Centre Can Help
Incorporating Invisalign cleaning crystals into your daily routine can significantly improve your aligner care. Taking a few minutes each day to clean your aligners properly helps them last longer and can contribute to a more successful treatment.
Looking for more Invisalign tips? Our team at Shawnessy Dental Centre is here to help! Book an appointment or visit us today to learn more.
