The Right Way to Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

To straighten your teeth, your Invisalign aligners need to stay in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. However, this means they will spend a lot of time in an environment where bacteria can build up on them. Not only can this result in your aligners becoming discolored, but it can also lead to oral health issues. Luckily, you can use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to keep your aligners free of bacteria and harmful substances. Here is what you need to know about using this product the right way.

The Steps of Using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

It’s recommended that you use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals at least once a day. When you do so, you will need to follow these steps:

• Take your aligners out of your mouth and gently rinse them off in the sink.
• Put your aligners in warm water. They should be completely submerged before you move on to the next step.
• Add a packet of Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to the water. To help the crystals dissolve properly, shake the container for about 20 seconds.
• Let your aligners soak for at least 15 minutes. (Note that you can leave them in as long as 30 minutes if you prefer.)
• Once you’re sure that your aligners are clean, take them out of the water and rinse them off once more.
• Be sure to brush off any plaque that might still be remaining. Then rinse your aligners a final time to ensure that the cleaning solution is completely gone.

What Else Can You Do to Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Clean?

When it comes to your oral health, it never pays to take chances. If you want to keep your aligners as clean as possible, there are a few additional steps you should follow:

• Gently brush your aligners at least two times a day. Make sure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t damage the material that the aligners are made of.
• Always remove your aligners during meals. You should not consume anything besides water while your aligners are still on your teeth.
• When you take your aligners out to eat, remember to rinse them off before putting them back in your mouth.
• During your oral hygiene routine, make sure that you aren’t wearing your aligners when you rinse with mouthwash. The liquid could leave stains on your aligners and may even deform the plastic.

Are you taking the right steps to maintain clean aligners? Talk to your dentist if you have any concerns; they may have some tips for taking proper care of Invisalign.

About the Author

Dr. Anita Kianimanesh (or Dr. Kiani for short) is very passionate when it comes to dentistry. She studied at the Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine, and today she is improving smiles at Purple Plum Dentistry in Falls Church. She often recommends Invisalign for individuals who want to straighten their crooked teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kiani, visit her website or call (703) 998-4244.