How to Clean Invisalign With Toothpaste

If you want to keep your Invisalign aligner free of marks and stains, you’re going to need to clean your aligner every day. You’re wearing it for 22-24 hours a day, after all, and bacteria can, unfortunately, build up on your aligner. This means that you need to brush and clean it daily, along with your teeth. Now, it’s worth mentioning that most types of toothpaste are too abrasive to use on your Invisalign aligner — especially every single day. If you’re in a pinch, though, using a gentle toothpaste to clean your Invisalign tray is absolutely better than nothing.

Here’s what we’d recommend doing: Each morning, when you start your day, take out your aligner and rinse it with water. This helps remove any saliva or debris that may have accumulated overnight. After rinsing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle toothpaste to gently brush your aligner. If you don’t have the recommended toothpaste, you can use a kids’ toothpaste or clear liquid soap as an alternative. The key is to choose a mild option that won’t harm your aligner. It’s surprisingly delicate, and harsh toothpaste could cause it to break down over time. We’ll go into more detail below about how to clean your Invisalign with toothpaste, so stick around!

What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Invisalign

First things first, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t do when it comes to cleaning your Invisalign aligner(s). For example, you should never use hot water when rinsing or soaking your trays. Exposure to hot water can cause the plastic material of your trays to melt or warp, rendering them ineffective in moving your teeth into the correct positions. We’d recommend sticking to lukewarm or cool water to prevent your Invisalign trays from getting damaged.

If you’re using soap to clean your Invisalign, steer clear of anything that’s not clear or dye-free. You don’t want to taste the residue from a super smelly soap in your mouth after cleaning your aligner, either, so make sure to use something that’s fragrance-free. If you’re using toothpaste, you’ll want to stay away from whitening toothpaste or anything with particularly harsh ingredients. It’s really best to opt for gentle toothpaste or a cleaning agent that’s recommended by your orthodontist when it comes to cleaning your Invisalign aligner(s). Just trust us on this one!

Also, this may seem obvious, but make sure you are removing your Invisalign when you clean. That way, stains on the inside can be cleaned just as those on the outside are.

How to Clean Your Invisalign With Toothpaste Every Morning: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to keeping your Invisalign aligner clean, the best thing you can do for yourself is establish a consistent daily cleaning routine. We’d recommend cleaning your aligner at the same time that you brush and floss your teeth in the morning. It just makes sense, you know? By following the steps outlined below each morning, you’ll be able to effectively clean your Invisalign trays and maintain good oral hygiene. This routine should help you keep your aligners free from bacteria and furthermore, staining. This means you won’t have to worry about your teeth getting cavities or plaque building up underneath your Invisalign. And so without further adieu, how to clean Invisalign stains.

Step 1: Remove Your Aligner(s)

Start by taking out your aligners in the morning when you first wake up. Make sure you’re handing them gently and with clean hands.

Step 2: Rinse With Lukewarm or Cool Water

Rinse your aligners thoroughly with water to remove any saliva or debris that may have accumulated overnight. This initial rinse will help prepare your aligners for brushing. Remember, you shouldn’t be using hot water, as it could potentially warp your aligners out of shape. Lukewarm or cool water is really your best bet!

Step 3: Brush Your Aligner(s)

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush your aligners to remove any plaque or bacteria. It’s recommended to use a gentle toothpaste (like one that’s formulated for kids, for example). If you don’t have the appropriate toothpaste, you can use a clear liquid soap as an alternative. Either way, you’ll want to make sure that the soap or toothpaste you use is gentle and won’t cause damage to your aligners.

Step 4: Rinse Again

After brushing your aligners, rinse them again with cool water to remove any remaining toothpaste or soap residue. Remember, you’ll need to make sure this rinse is thorough enough to get rid of any unwanted tastes or gunk that might be sticking to your aligners.

Step 5: Brush and Floss Your Teeth

This part’s easy! Before popping your aligners back in, take the time to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth (just like you do every morning). This will ensure that your aligners stay free of bacteria throughout the day (at least, until you have to eat — but that’s pretty unavoidable!). As long as you’re cleaning your aligners and your teeth twice a day, you should be just fine.

How to Deep Clean Your Invisalign

While toothpaste and soap can effectively remove surface bacteria and grime, you’ll need to do a deep-clean of your Invisalign every day if you really want to make sure they’re nice and stainless. You’ve probably come across suggestions to use denture tablets, but this is actually not the best idea. These tablets are often harsh and abrasive, and can pose a risk of damaging your aligners. It’s highly recommended to use a cleaning product specifically recommended by your orthodontist to clean your Invisalign aligners. Obviously, your orthodontist knows best, and will be able to provide you with specific recommendations and guidance on the best cleaning products to use for your Invisalign.

Should You Clean Your Aligners Every Time You Take Them Out?

Throughout the day, you’ll be removing your Invisalign aligners to eat and drink. You don’t have to go through the entire cleaning process outlined above every time you take your aligners out, but we do recommend rinsing them before popping them back in each time you take them out. Rinsing your aligners serves the purpose of washing away any accumulated saliva and plaque. It’s a good habit to get into, so you shouldn’t hesitate to start incorporating it into your daily routine.