Congratulations on getting Invisalign! Now that you have your aligners, it's crucial to know how to maintain their cleanliness for optimal effectiveness and longevity.
In this blog post, we'll explore three methods of cleaning your Invisalign: brushing with a toothbrush, utilizing dental cleaning tablets, and using the Sonic Spa Pro by Sonic Dental.
Choose the approach that suits you best and keep your Invisalign sparkling clean!
Option 1: Cleaning with a Toothbrush
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners with a toothbrush is a traditional method. Here are the key points to consider:
Damage to the aligners:
Brushing with a toothbrush can potentially cause scratches, especially if you use a brush with hard bristles. These scratches not only affect the appearance of your aligners but also create rough surfaces where bacteria can accumulate. Brushing can also lead to the aligner's shape becoming distorting and / or a cloudy appearance.
Inefficient cleaning:
Brushing alone may not effectively remove all plaque and bacteria from your aligners, especially in difficult-to-reach areas. This can lead to buildup, discoloration, and an unpleasant odor. These factors can contribute to gum diseases which is why it so important to ensure you have a thoroughly clean Invisalign aligner.
If you choose to use a toothbrush, here's how you can do it:
- Remove your aligners and rinse them with lukewarm water.
- Gently brush both the inside and outside of your aligners using a soft-bristled toothbrush and regular toothpaste.
- Rinse the aligners with lukewarm water again to remove any toothpaste residue.
Option 2: Dental Cleaning Tablets
Another option for cleaning your Invisalign aligners is using dental cleaning tablets. Here's how to use them:
- Remove your aligners and rinse them with lukewarm water.
- Fill a clean container with the recommended amount of water and drop the dental cleaning tablet into the water.
- Place your aligners into the container, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Leave the aligners in the solution for the specified duration mentioned on the tablet packaging.
- Remove the aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water, and gently brush off any residual residue if needed.
Dental cleaning tablets provide a convenient and effective way to maintain the cleanliness of your aligners, reaching areas that brushing alone may miss. However, it's important to be aware of some drawbacks:
Chemical residue:
Some dental cleaning tablets may leave a residue on your aligners, which may require additional rinsing and brushing to remove.
Inefficient Cleaning:
Whilst many dental cleaning tablets can kill 99.9% of bacteria, they can often fail to clean the general grime which can build up on your Invisalign aligner. This often means brushing is required too which has its own drawbacks mentioned above.
Potential allergic reactions or sensitivities:
Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to the chemicals used in dental cleaning tablets. It's important to read the product labels carefully and consult your dentist if you have any concerns.
Option 3: Using the Sonic Spa Pro by Sonic Dental
The Sonic Spa Pro by Sonic Dental offers the most comprehensive, convenient and efficient cleaning solution for your Invisalign aligners. Here's how to use it:
- Remove your aligners
- Place your aligners into the Sonic Spa Pro.
- Let the powerful yet gentle ultrasound vibrations and U.V-C light of the Sonic Spa Pro clean & sterilize your Invisalign aligners.
Benefits of using the Sonic Spa Pro:
Efficient cleaning:
The Sonic Spa Pro utilizes ultrasound vibrations and U.V-C light that penetrate the surface of the aligners, removing plaque, bacteria, and stains more effectively than brushing or dental tablets alone.
It won't damage your expensive Invisalign trays:
The Sonic Spa Pro is very effective yet incredibly gentle on your aligner. Ultrasonic cleaning technology has been used for many years to clean dental equipment. This technology is simply being brought into your home.
No scrubbing required:
With the Sonic Spa Pro, you don't need to spend time and effort scrubbing your aligners. Simply place them in the device and let it do the work for you.
Convenience:
The Sonic Spa Pro provides a hassle-free cleaning experience. Just set it up, let it run its cleaning cycle, and remove your freshly cleaned aligners.
Conclusion: Choose Your Cleaning Method for a Brighter Smile
Maintaining a clean set of Invisalign aligners is crucial for your oral health and treatment success. While brushing with a toothbrush is a traditional method, it can potentially damage your aligners and be less efficient in removing plaque and bacteria. Dental cleaning tablets can kill the bacteria but may not dislodge the grime, plus some brands contain harmful chemicals. Alternatively, the hassle-free cleaning experience with the Sonic Spa Pro ensures thorough cleaning and reduces the risk of damage to your aligners.
Whichever method you choose, remember that a clean and healthy smile is just a few simple steps away!
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams with the cleanest Invisalign aligners!