Can you brush Invisalign or other clear aligner trays with toothpaste? Can you clean Invisalign with hydrogen peroxide? Can you use homemade cleaners for Invisalign or other clear aligners? What if you use 3M Clarity Advanced trays? Can you clean them the same way as Invisalign?
We get many questions like this from our patients with Invisalign or Clarity clear aligners at Smith and Davis Orthodontics. Caring for clear aligners is very different from caring for braces, and there are so many suggestions out there on alternate ways to clean that it’s hard to know what you should and shouldn’t do.
Rest assured, we can help you out! We know how important it is to clean Invisalign trays or Clarity trays during your Invisalign treatment. Here are some of the best ideas on how to clean Invisalign, Clarity Advanced, or other aligners without damaging them.
CAN I BRUSH CLEAR ALIGNERS WITH TOOTHPASTE?
You may think that since you brush your teeth with toothpaste, it’s OK to brush Invisalign with toothpaste, too. Well, it’s not. Toothpaste contains abrasive material that’s great for scrubbing your enamel clean, but it’s terrible for your clear aligners. That abrasive material can put tiny scratches on the acrylic that build up over time, making your trays cloudy. That’s why toothpaste is NOT recommended to clean your Invisalign or Clarity Advanced aligners.
CAN I USE SOAP TO CLEAN MY CLEAR ALIGNERS?
This answer is slightly more complicated. Yes, you can clean with only certain types of soap. You can use a clear, antibacterial soap in lukewarm water to clean your trays, but don’t use any soap that has color in it. The coloring in the soap, like aloe vera-enhanced or orange soaps, could stain your clear aligners. The last thing you want is aloe vera-green teeth! Be sure to rinse your trays well before putting them in your mouth. Soap cleans well, but it tastes kind of gross.
CAN I CLEAN INVISALIGN WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE?
You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean Invisalign, but only if you dilute it. It’s too strong alone and can damage your Invisalign or Clarity Advanced trays. You have to use one part peroxide and one part lukewarm water. Never use hot water — it can damage the trays.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN MY INVISALIGN?
With all these questions, you probably want to know how best to clean your Invisalign. No problem! The best way to clean Invisalign aligners or 3M Clear Advanced trays is to use tablets specially made for clear aligner cleaning. Similar to denture tablets, these invisalign cleaning tablets dissolve in water and make a solution that cleans away bacteria and stains from your trays. You can buy these at your local retailer or pharmacy. Just soak the trays for about 15 minutes, rinse them well, and put them back into your mouth.
This cleaner can also come in packets of Invisalign cleaning crystals. Simply pour a pack into the amount of water stated on the package, wait until the Invisalign crystals dissolve, and the crystals will clean Invisalign trays or Clarity trays quickly and easily. You can also buy these Invisalign cleaning crystals at your pharmacy or retailer.
Before cleaning your trays, it’s a good idea to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean any food particles off the trays gently. Don’t brush your aligners too hard with the toothbrush or you could scratch the clear aligners. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth well before you put your clean aligners back into your mouth.
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO CLEAN INVISALIGN?
There are lots of homemade Invisalign cleaner suggestions out there, but not all of them are good for you or your clear aligners. There are three that will work if you’re in a pinch:
- Denture cleansers: These are similar to clear aligner cleaner tablets, but some of them can be abrasive. Make sure the tablets do not contain abrasive material, like those little beads to make your trays minty fresh. Dissolve the tablet completely before adding your trays to the cleaning solution, and rinse them well afterward.
- Baking soda: This must be dissolved entirely before use because any powder left could be abrasive. Soak your aligners for about 30 minutes to get them clean. Baking soda is great for sanitizing your Invisalign or Clarity Advanced aligners.
- Distilled white vinegar: First thing — only use white vinegar. Don’t try to clean your trays with apple cider vinegar or other flavored vinegars, or you’ll end up with teeth that look like you’ve been smoking for 40 years. Use one part vinegar to three parts warm water, soak for 30 minutes, then rinse the aligners well.
GETTING CLEAR ALIGNERS IN ROGERS, AR
INVISALIGN, 3M CLARITY ADVANCED, AND MORE!
Now you know some of the best ways to clean your clear aligners like Invisalign or 3M Clarity Advanced — and some of the worst. If you’ve heard of other ways to clean your clear aligners, it’s better to ask us before you try using them because some of the “homemade” cleaners can damage your clear aligners.
If you’re looking to get started with clear aligners or braces, schedule a free consultation for orthodontic treatment with us in the Rogers, AR, area. We’re looking forward to helping you get the smile you’ve always wanted!
