Invisalign trays are made up of medical-grade plastic that is set for molding teeth and is supposed to be worn for most of the day. They are always in direct contact with your teeth, making their cleaning a must. One of the best ways to wash Invisalign is to use specialized cleaning crystals. Here’s a step-wise guide on how to do so.
What Are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
Invisalign cleaning crystals improve the cleaning process for your aligners. They eliminate all gunk, such as microscopic germs like bacteria and fungus (if any) that accumulate on your trays over time. Invisalign cleaning crystals easily dissolve in water, killing germs and removing plaque buildup, for a clean and hygienic treatment.
Here are some of the core ingredients found in this:
Sodium Sulfate
While it does not have strong cleaning properties on its own, it plays a supportive role in the formulation. It helps in the dissolution of other active cleaning agents, making sure they work adequately.
Sodium Carbonate
It works by breaking down organic stains and residues, making it easier to remove plaque and food particles from the aligners. Sodium carbonate binds to calcium and magnesium in hard water. This softening allows other cleaning agents to work more effectively.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate
It binds to metal ions that can cause staining and discoloration. By binding to calcium and magnesium ions, sodium tripolyphosphate prevents minerals from building up on the aligners, reducing the stain.
Sodium Dichlorosocyanurate
This compound is primarily used as a disinfectant and sanitizing agent. They release chlorine when dissolved in water, killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant and foaming agent that reduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread better. This easily lifts and removes oils, grease, and debris from the surface of the aligners.
Step-Wise Guide To Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals
Always keep your supplies ready and the tools needed before starting. Prepare a checklist including the following:
- A cleaning container
- A warm water supply
- A space to keep your Invisalign tray safe
Step 1: Prepare your container or Invisalign cleaning tub; choose a large one enough to fully submerge your aligners.
Step 2: Fill your container with lukewarm water.
Step 3: Tear open the packet and pour all the contents into the water. Dissolve the Invisalign cleaning crystals to create a cleansing solution.
Step 4: Once you have a homogenous solution, fully submerge the aligners and soak them for 15 minutes.
Step 5: After soaking, gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove debris, bacteria, etc.
Step 6: After 15 minutes, take the aligners out of that solution and rinse them with lukewarm water. Thoroughly rinse to ensure there is no remaining cleaning solution.
Step 7: Inspect your aligners to make sure they are clean and residue-free before putting them back in your mouth.
Closing Note
The best way to wash Invisalign is to use dedicated cleaning crystals and routinely use them to maintain the hygiene of your aligner trays. It is recommended to clean them daily, maybe once or twice, to prevent discoloration and unpleasant smells. We hope that the piece of reading provided the answers you were looking for. If you have more queries in mind, do not hesitate to contact our expert, Dr. Jeevan Ghatnekar, at Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and is all ears to cater to your dental needs. To book a consultation, just give us a call at (949) 552-1380.