Ways to Disinfect Your Invisalign® After Illness
We all get sick, and we all know the basics of how to prevent the spread of germs– hand washing, covering our cough, disinfecting our high-touch surfaces, etc. Some of us even take things a step further and replace our toothbrush after a cold or virus, which is a great practice to keep in mind. However, for those of us with
Invisalign® or other clear aligners, we can't exactly just throw out our germy aligners and pick up new ones at the drugstore. So, let's look at some ways to clean and disinfect Invisalign® after illness in order to stay healthy and keep our alignment timeline on track!
Cleaning and Disinfecting Invisalign® Clear Aligners
There are a few methods you can use to remove germs, odor, and more from your clear aligners. They include:
- The official Invisalign® Cleaning System: This system is designed to keep aligners clean, and it includes a cleaning crystal solution that will dissolve in water to help get rid of any buildup on the trays.
- The Soak Method: For this method, you'll need some type of antiseptic mouthwash or denture cleaner that contains sodium hypochlorite. Fill a cup with the solution and soak your aligners for at least 15 minutes. Then, rinse them in cold water before wearing.
- The Rinse Method: If you don't have access to the Invisalign® cleaning system or antiseptic mouthwash/denture cleaner, you can use regular toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to scrub away germs and debris. Gently brush your aligners on both sides for about two minutes, then rinse them with cold water before wearing.
- Baking soda: Baking soda has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making it an effective option for cleaning your aligners. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water and use the paste to gently scrub your aligners. Rinse them in cold water before wearing.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that can help kill germs and odor-causing bacteria. Dip your aligners in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes, then rinse them with cold water before wearing.
Benefits of Regularly Disinfecting Your Aligners
Regularly disinfecting your aligners has several benefits. It helps to eliminate germs, bacteria, and other particles that might be lingering on the trays. This reduces the risk of infection or illness caused by these pathogens. Additionally, it can help keep your aligners from discoloring or developing a strange odor over time. Finally, it can prevent any food particles, plaque, or tartar from accumulating on the trays and causing damage to your teeth.
Contact Royal Dental for More Information on Invisalign®
Ultimately, it's important to take the necessary steps to clean and disinfect your Invisalign® after illness. This will help you stay healthy and keep your oral hygiene routine on track! If you have any questions about cleaning your Invisalign®, feel free to reach out to us at Royal Dental. We can provide more tips and advice on keeping your aligners clean, as well as help you with any other dental needs. Contact us today!
Dr. Maha Enin, DDS
Dr. Maha Enin believes in providing the highest level of comprehensive quality care to all patients at Royal Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. With 20 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Enin also volunteers her free time at a dental clinic for families in the Manassas, VA community.
