Invisalign aligners are a popular orthodontic option to help people get the straight teeth they desire. They work by slipping over your teeth and gradually shifting them into place. However, just like with any kind of dental treatment, it is important to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and sanitized to avoid any potential issues or infections. The good news is that cleaning and sanitizing your Invisalign aligners isn’t difficult; all you need is the right supplies and some basic knowledge about how to do it. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how to clean & sanitize your Invisalign aligners.
Important Supplies
The first step to properly cleaning and sanitizing your Invisalign aligners is ensuring you have the right supplies. You’ll need a soft toothbrush, mild dish soap or hand soap, and a cup of warm water. Additionally, if you plan to sanitize your Invisalign aligners, you will need rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). You must use rubbing alcohol with at least 70% strength to effectively kill bacteria and other germs.
Cleaning Method
Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to start cleaning your Invisalign aligners. Begin by wetting the toothbrush with warm water and adding a small drop of mild dish or hand soap. Gently brush the aligners on both sides, making sure that you get into all of the crevices and grooves to remove food particles, plaque, and any other debris that may be present. Once you are finished brushing, rinse the aligners with warm water until they are free from any soapy residue or buildup. Set them aside to dry before moving on to the sanitizing portion of this process.
Sanitizing Method
Now that your Invisalign aligners are clean, it’s time to sanitize them. Fill a cup with enough rubbing alcohol to cover the aligners. Place the aligners into the cup and let them soak for at least 20 minutes in order to ensure that all germs and bacteria have been killed. When you are finished soaking them, rinse off the rubbing alcohol with warm water. Finally, set the aligners aside to completely dry before putting them back in your mouth. It is also important to note that you should never use hot water or any kind of harsh chemicals while cleaning or sanitizing your Invisalign aligners, as this could cause damage to them.
Conclusion
Cleaning and sanitizing your Invisalign aligners are an important part of maintaining them and keeping your teeth healthy. All it takes is some basic supplies and a few simple steps to ensure that your Invisalign aligners are clean, germ-free, and ready for use. With the right products and knowledge about how to go about this task, you can easily keep your Invisalign aligners looking their best.
A: It is recommended that you clean your Invisalign aligners at least once per day using the method outlined above. Additionally, it is also a good idea to sanitize them once per week.
Q: Can I use hot water when cleaning my Invisalign aligners?
A: No, you should never use hot water or any kind of harsh chemicals while cleaning your Invisalign aligners, as this could cause damage to them.
A: It is recommended that you soak your Invisalign aligners in rubbing alcohol for at least 20 minutes in order to ensure that all germs and bacteria have been killed.