How to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clear and Odor-Free

Invisalign aligners are made to be uncomfortable and not to be seen while you smile, so your attention is focused on your beautiful new smile, not your orthodontic treatment. That is, of course, true only if you keep your aligners properly maintained. One of the biggest frustrations that patients experience while doing treatment with Invisalign is the trays getting cloudy and starting to smell, but with a little education and some good new habits, it can be made obsolete.

Cloudy trays not only look bad, but can cause a lot of problems down the line. In this way, you can think of them as high-quality glass. Worn and neglected over time, they lose so much of their transparency and allure.

How your Invisalign Trays can Smell or Look Foggy

Invisalign trays, while poorly fitting, do enclose your teeth and do so for most of the day. This, in combination with the fact that they lined themselves up while doing meal time, makes a great scenario for warm, humid, closed-off environments for bacteria to live and thrive. When these bacteria get high!

Over time, these bacteria can cause unpleasant odors and, through the breakdown of sugars, they can also release compounds that can cause unpleasant odors as well. Over time, they can also form mineral deposits, which gives them a pretty cloudy or dull look.

An issue could arise if aligners are reinserted without being brushed, if sugary or acidic drinks are being consumed, or if harsh and abrasive cleaning products are being used.

Each time you remove aligners, rinsing them under lukewarm water will help remove saliva and debris. Brushing the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a small amount of liquid antibacterial soap will help remove surface bacteria without damaging the aligners. Brushing and flossing your teeth before putting your aligners back in is essential, in that way you don’t trap food between your teeth and the tray.

Aligners could start to have a smell or discolor if this is not done, and this could lead to further issues.

Cleaning products and solutions are not created equally. Go for gentle cleaning products. For daily cleaning, clear antibacterial soap works effectively, as do cleaning crystals designed for aligners. A diluted vinegar and water soak, when used sparingly, may help with sticky mineral deposits. For a deeper cleaning, denture cleaning tablets can be used as well.

If you want to keep your aligners in good condition, you need to stay away from toothpaste, mouthwash, bleach, and alcohol-based cleaners. Not only do they make it harder to get rid of smells, but they can also weaken and stain your aligners.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Invisalign Aligners?

If you want to keep your aligners clean, you have to deep clean them. Daily cleanings only remove surface debris, and deep cleanings need to be done two to three times weekly to really get rid of the more stubborn retainers in the aligners. You can use a dentist-approved solution and let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes to make them clean and clear.

Foods, Drinks, and Habits That Affect Aligner Clarity

If you want to keep your aligners clear, you need to keep dark colored drinks, sugary and acidic foods, and smoking or vaping away from them. Dark drinks and foods are what’s usually responsible for stains, and the other two can cause chemical discoloration. Aligner containers are also good at keeping air away from your aligners to limit the growth of bacteria. Remember to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, too.

Traveling With Your Invisalign Aligners

Traveling often disrupts routines, but care for your Invisalign should remain the same, even when you’re not at home. Packing a small travel kit will help ensure hygiene doesn’t suffer during your busy day or long trip. If you keep up your usual routine in order to keep your aligners clean, you will prevent the buildup that routine disruptions tend to cause.

Common Invisalign Maintenance Mistakes

Some habits that may seem harmless at first can lead to the most damage. Skipping cleaning your aligners because they “look clean” can cause bacteria build up, even when you can’t see it. Wrapping your aligners up in a napkin can lead to accidentally throwing them away. Using hot water to clean your aligners can warp them permanently, ruining their effectiveness. Leaving your aligners in direct sunlight or near heat sources can also warp their shape and lead to lost effectiveness.

Avoiding these mistakes with your aligners protects your treatment and aligners and will help you avoid slowing down the progress in your treatment.

FAQ

1.When to Reach Out to Your Dental Team

If your aligners continue to give off a smell or look cloudy despite the cleaning efforts you’ve put in, these may be a sign that your aligners need to be replaced or that there is some underlying oral health issue or excessive bacteria buildup.  If the smell is persistent, it should be seen or evaluated by a member of your dental team. Your dentist may need to evaluate the cleaning routine you are doing, the health of your mouth, and determine if a new aligner should be prescribed.

2.Do aligners really smell?

Yes. Food and bacteria remain trapped inside aligners if not removed regularly.

3.Can I clean my aligners with toothpaste?

No. Toothpaste scratches aligners and can make them more cloudy.

4.How often should I clean my aligners?

Every time you take out your aligners, you should clean them. You should also perform a more thorough cleaning a couple of times a week.

5.Can I drink tea or coffee with my aligners?

No. Both drinks can stain the aligners, and hot tea can warp the aligners to fit improperly.

6.What should I do if my aligners smell bad after cleaning?

If the smell persists, you should visit your dentist. You may need to address some oral hygiene issues.

If you follow the appropriate guidelines, keep aligners clean, and stay on your routine, your Invisalign aligners can remain bright and clean, while also helping your smile.