An Invisalign aligner, also sometimes referred to as a retainer, is a tray that fits over your teeth. As you wear the tray, you help to shift your teeth, ultimately ending up with a straighter smile. If you are preparing to get your first Invisalign aligner, or are researching the topic, you may have many questions about cleaning the dental device. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions about cleaning Invisalign aligners and the answers. 

How Do You Clean an Invisalign Aligner?

There are a couple of different ways that you can clean your Invisalign aligner. One of the ways is to purchase a soft toothbrush and brush the aligner with a regular paste, non-whitening toothpaste. Do not use a whitening paste as the ingredients can break down the plastic in your aligner. Alternatively, you can brush it using a mild dish detergent or a clear antibacterial soap. Rinse the aligner thoroughly after cleaning. 

The other way to clean an Invisalign aligner is to purchase retainer and aligner soaks and to soak your aligner overnight. These soaks work in the same way denture tablets work. However, it is important that you only use those tablets made from retainer and aligners, not dentures. The ingredients found in denture soaks can ruin the trays. 

How Frequently Should One Be Cleaned?

It is important to clean your Invisalign aligner nightly. This helps to keep your aligner clean, smelling fresh and germ-free. If you fail to clean it often enough, plaque can begin to form in the trays or build up on your teeth, the tray may begin to carry a smell with it, that some people may mistake for bad breath, or the trays can even become discolored. If they become discolored, there is no way to remove the stains. Ordering a new tray is the only option. 

Can Smells Be Removed From the Trays?

Despite regular cleanings, on occassion, smells can set in to the tray. If smells develop, you can brush the aligner with an equal amount of baking soda and water to help remove the scents. If that does not work, soak the tray in either equal parts of distilled vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for about 30 minutes. Rinse the aligner well after soaking it. These remedies should only be used as needed. Using them frequently can weaken the plastic material that Invisalign aligners is made from. 

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign orthodontics, be sure to consult with  family dentist, such as at RTC Dental, today.