Why Is Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners Important?

Invisalign has emerged as a game-changer, offering a virtually invisible method of straightening teeth that doesn’t compromise on comfort or aesthetics. While the transparent nature of Invisalign aligners is part of their appeal, this feature also necessitates stringent cleanliness to maintain their invisibility and efficiency.

At Broadway Smiles, Vancouver’s trusted dental clinic, we are committed to educating our patients about the importance of cleaning their Invisalign aligners. Today, we delve into the ‘why’ behind this crucial care step and provide useful tips for maintaining your aligners.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

While the discretion and comfort of Invisalign aligners are appreciated by many, their clear design requires special attention to cleanliness. Here’s why:

• Preventing Build-Up: Over the course of a day, your aligners can accumulate bacteria, plaque, and food particles. If not cleaned regularly, this build-up can cause discolouration and odour, making your ‘invisible’ aligners visible and unpleasant.

• Oral Health: Unwashed aligners can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.
• Maintaining Comfort: Neglected aligners can develop rough patches or sharp edges due to the build-up of residue, causing discomfort during wear.
• Clear Vision of Progress: Keeping your aligners clean ensures that you can clearly see the progress your teeth are making.

How to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners

Thankfully, cleaning your aligners isn’t complicated. Here’s a simple routine you can follow:

• Rinse your aligners every time you remove them to keep them fresh and clear of dried saliva and plaque.
• Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in to prevent food particles from being trapped.
• Clean your aligners gently using a soft toothbrush and water. Brushing too hard can cause visible scratches. Remember to brush the inside of your aligners as well, the surface that makes contact with your teeth.
• Soak your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a gentle denture cleaner for a deep clean. Rinse thoroughly before wearing them again.

Always remember, hot water can warp the plastic of your aligners, always use cool or lukewarm water to rinse and clean.

Visit Broadway Smiles

At Broadway Smiles, we believe that a well-maintained set of Invisalign aligners is key to a successful and comfortable teeth straightening journey. If you have any more questions about caring for your Invisalign aligners or are interested in exploring Invisalign as an option, contact us today, our dedicated team in Vancouver is always ready to help.