When Invisalign retainers and braces were launched, it didn’t take long for people to clamor for them. They were not just effective, but their clear design made them virtually invisible, which explains its name. They are especially great for adults, who need to look great when they’re at the workplace. Lots of people prefer the to avoid the juvenile teasing that results from wearing braces.
It also means that you need to keep the Invisalign retainer clean. Obviously, it’s simply hygienic. Not cleaning your braces (invisible or not) just leads to proliferating germs. You don’t want anything like that in your mouth.
But a dirty Invisalign also means a noticeable set of braces, and that defeats the whole purpose of wearing Invisalign retainers in the first place. To maintain that invisibility means getting rid of anything that might be seen on it. It has to remain clear.
The good news is that Invisalign braces don’t really require a complicated or expensive cleaning solution. Here are several effective options that you can try out.
Invisalign Cleaning System
Invisalign specially designed this cleaning kit specifically for their aligners. You get a kit, which includes a tub along with a pack of 50 packets of cleaning crystals.
To use it, remove the aligners and rinse them under tap water. Put the aligners into the tub cleaning container, which you fill with enough warm water to fully immerse the aligners. Add 1 packet of the cleaning crystals (and store the unused packets in a cool, dry place).
Shake the tub gently for about 20 seconds, to dissolve and distribute the cleaning crystals. Then let it stand for at least 15 minutes, though 20 minutes may be better. Shake it again for 20 seconds, then you can rinse the container and the retainers thoroughly with warm water.
This kit will set you back about $55, though you do have enough for 50 days. It works extremely well, and it may be the most effective option. But the high cost may not be the most cost-effective option for most people. Online shopping sites may also limit shipping to just the US and Canada.
Soaking the Invisalign in Mouthwash
Compared to the Invisalign Cleaning System, this is a more cost-effective option. It does depend on whether you prefer the expensive brands or the more affordable ones. Still, mouthwash does fight off germs quite nicely. It’s easy enough to buy mouthwash from a nearby drugstore, and you may even have one already.
However, you should avoid colored brands that can leave your Invisalign with a tint. Your best options are the brands with the clear liquid mouthwash. Another benefit of this option is that you end up with nice, minty retainers afterwards.
Antibacterial Liquid Soap
These days, you probably have liquid soap on hand. You may use one meant for dishes, or for our hands.
Whichever type you choose, start by using a soft-bristled toothbrush with the soap to gently scrub the retainers. This will eliminate the bacteria from your aligners. Afterwards, you need to make sure that you rinse them very well, so you’re sure there aren’t any soap remnants left before you before you put the braces back in your mouth. You don’t really want the taste of soap in your mouth, which is why parents use it on kids for using offensive words.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a compound often used to treat open wounds so that they don’t get infected. They’re extremely effective in eliminating germs.
However, in its original form, it’s a bit too strong. That’s why you need to dilute it, making a solution with equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Make enough of this solution to immerse the braces, and then soak your braces in it for about 20 minutes.
With a bottle of hydrogen peroxide costing less than a dollar, it’s a very affordable solution. You just need to make the solution each time, which may be tedious for some folks.
Vinegar Solution
If, for some reason, you can’t get hydrogen peroxide, then you can go with vinegar instead. Vinegar is one of those cleaning solutions that work for plenty of stuff, and that includes Invisalign retainers.
Start by making a solution of equal parts vinegar and warm water. Soak your retainers for about 20 minutes, and then afterwards you need to brush the retainers and rinse it properly with some warm water. There may be some lingering vinegary aftertaste, which is admittedly not pleasant. That results if you didn’t rinse the braces well. The good news is that this aftertaste doesn’t last all that long.
Final Words
The key rule is that you clean your Invisalign aligners daily. You don’t want germs on your braces, while any stains may prevent your braces from being invisible. And it it’s visible, why insist on getting Invisalign retainers in the first place?