When receiving your Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth, you are suddenly bombarded with a list of things you should do and those you should avoid. One of the most important guidelines you are to follow, though, is how to keep your aligners clean. After all, you need them to keep your teeth moving in the right direction, but you also want them to remain virtually invisible to others. What you may not realize is that there is a specific solution that is used to keep trays free of bacteria and harmful debris. Keep reading to learn how Invisalign Cleaning Crystals work and why they’re an important part of your treatment plan.
What Are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
As part of the Invisalign brand, Cleaning Crystals are designed to effectively kill bacteria and remove any plaque that may be forming.
Although many dentists say that it is suitable to use non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap to clean aligners, the cleaning crystals offer a more confident clean because of their unique formula that is used to clean Invisalign aligners specifically.
How Should Invisalign Cleaning Crystals Be Used?
There is a multi-step process that is required when using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. You’ll want to start by removing your trays and rinsing them under warm water. Be careful not to use hot water, as this can warp the aligners.
You’ll need to fill a glass with warm water and pour in one packet of the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. You’ll need to make sure that the contents are fully dissolved before placing your aligners into the mixture. Ensuring they are fully submerged, you will allow them to soak for up to half an hour.
When ready, remove your aligners and rinse them again under warm water. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, you can effectively remove any remaining plaque build-up before giving them a final rinse.
Are There Other Ways to Keep Aligners Clean?
Yes. While Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are helpful and proven effective, there are other methods you can use to keep bacteria and plaque from accumulating on your trays. Should you run out of Cleaning Crystals, you can also use a denture cleaner as a way to soak your aligners and keep them clean.
Distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and regular dish soap can also be used. But you want to make sure that you never use regular toothpaste or colorful mouthwash, as this can cause them to develop stains and make them more visible.
Keeping your Invisalign aligners free of bacteria is essential to maintaining a healthier smile, so ask your dentist about Invisalign Cleaning Crystals and feel confident that you’re giving your trays the cleaning they deserve.
About the Authors
Dr. Thomas Meschke and Dr. Aaron Swingdorf lead a team of qualified professionals at Chaska Dental Center. Combining years of knowledge, experience, and training in the office each day, the two offer patients a multitude of ways to improve their smiles and oral health. If a patient needs help to straighten their smile or realign their bite, Dr. Swingdorf is an Invisalign Preferred Provider who can offer these clear, plastic trays as a way to shift teeth in a discreet way that produces faster results than traditional braces or other aligners solutions. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, contact us at (952) 448-4151 or visit our website.
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