While clear aligners make straightening your teeth a lot easier, keeping your aligners clean is just as important as wearing your aligners.
If you are interested in receiving Invisalign in Sherwood Park, you will need to know how to keep your trays clean.
Having clean aligners not only looks better but also protects your teeth and gums from bacteria buildup as well.
If you do not take care of your aligners, this leaves you with problems such as bad breath, trapped trays, or a combination of both, or issues with your oral health.
Why is it Important to Clean Invisalign Trays?
Cleaning your aligners regularly will help keep bacteria from growing but also prevent staining. Whenever you eat or drink, food bits can end up in your trays, and the sugar from what you consume can settle into the aligners, causing cavities or discoloration.
Find a provider that offers Invisalign Near You to get the best recommendations on how to keep your aligners crystal clear throughout treatment.
Here is why cleaning aligners regularly is a good practice:
- Prevents aligners from harbouring plaque buildup
- Allows your mouth to maintain fresher breath
- Keeps trays clear for improved aesthetics
- Helps to keep teeth from decaying
- Clean aligners = cleaner, healthier smile
Daily Cleaning Routine for Your Invisalign Trays
Daily habits can go a long way to help you in the straightening process with Invisalign. Having and implementing a simple daily routine will keep your trays looking new and/or used, and will support healthy habits:
- Rinse After You Take Them Out—As a general guideline, first and foremost, you should rinse with lukewarm water to rinse away saliva and food debris.
- Brush Gently—Use a soft toothbrush with clear, unscented soap (not toothpaste – as it may scratch).
- Soak Once a Day—Once a day, use Invisalign cleaning crystals or soak in retainer cleaner to help the trays look cleaner.
- Brush before putting them back in—clean, then reinsert. It’s for your teeth, to keep them clean and to minimize the bacteria that get trapped behind the aligners.
Consistency is crucial for both oral health and the level of nature of the trays.
Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Your Aligners
Even the smallest mistakes in cleaning can lead to concerns. To keep your aligners in the best condition possible, your Invisalign dentist will recommend avoiding:
- Hot water
- Colored soaps or mouthwash
- Wearing aligners while eating
- Skipping cleanings
These are simple to remember. Following them will keep your aligners dry, clear, and effective throughout your Invisalign treatment.
Cleaning vs. Soaking: What’s the Difference?
| Cleaning | Soaking |
| Removes surface buildup like plaque or food particles | Kills deeper bacteria and odours |
| Done 2–3 times a day | Done once daily |
| Uses mild soap and a soft brush | Uses Invisalign crystals or a gentle retainer solution |
Your dentist in Sherwood Park will advise you on the best product that will ensure your trays are not ruined.
How Should I Store My Aligners for Safekeeping?
When you are not wearing aligners, it is always good to know how to properly store them. Many patients discard or ruin their trays when eating or brushing. A dentist near you will recommend you to:
- Keep aligners in their protective case
- Avoid wrapping them in tissue or napkins (easy to lose!)
- Store them in a cool, dry place
- Keep them away from pets; dogs love to chew them!
Inappropriate storage of your trays could mean extra spending to replace trays or inefficient treatment. You want to keep your treatment on track!
Healthy Smiles and Clear Aligners At Your Doorstep
Caring for your Invisalign trays is simple once it becomes a habit and can help you achieve better results and a confident smile.
At Salisbury Dental, we help patients care for their aligners with professional advice, follow-up checkups, and ongoing support.
Whether you are just starting or have received Invisalign, our team has got you covered.
Schedule your consultation today.
