How Do I Clean My Invisalign Retainer?

Invisalign is the most popular braces alternatives out there. It’s estimated that over 10 million people in the United States, nearly 15% of whom are teenagers, have used Invisalign’s aligners to straighten their teeth and make their smiles beautiful.

The Grove Family Dental has successfully treated hundreds of patients in the Elk Grove Area, both adults and teenagers. One of the most frequent questions Dr. Enaya, our leading dentist, gets is how do I clean my Invisalign retainer?

If you’re wondering the same, read along to find out.
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How to Clean Your Invisalign Retainer in 5 Steps

First off, you should clean your Invisalign retainer every time you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth. To clean your Invisalign properly, use toothpaste, a toothbrush, or a brush designed specifically for dental work and a denture cleaner.

If this is your first retainer, here are a couple of steps you need to follow to properly clean it:

1. First off, rinse your Invisalign retainer with ordinary tap water. Just make sure that it isn't too cold or too hot, because it may damage it.
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2. Hold toothbrush bristles against the retainer and use small, circular movements to clean both the inside and outside it.
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3. If you have any food stuck inside the Invisalign retainer, use a brush to scrub this out before rinsing again under tap water.
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4. Next, the Invisalign should be soaked in a denture cleaning solution for 20 minutes and rinsed afterward. You can use Invisalign's Cleaning System for the best results.
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5. After cleaning it, you can either put the retainer back in your mouth or place it inside its case and let it dry off.
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Proper Invisalign Cleaning Techniques

Washing your retainer regularly is just one of the many ways to care for it. What's more, you need to clean it using toothpaste whenever you brush. Your retainer should be taken out to eat, as food particles stuck inside the retainer or your teeth can lead to tooth decay.

When cleaning Invisalign, the solution needs to be applied gently. If you don't want to use the aforementioned Cleaning System, you should consult your orthodontist and discuss which type of cleanser best suits your retainer.

Another important thing to note is that the Invisalign should never be soaked in mouthwash. Retainers can acquire stains from mouthwash, leaving them with a tinted appearance.

You should avoid washing your Invisalign retainer with any temperature hotter than room temperature. Water that is too warm can cause the plastic to shrink and prevent it from fitting properly in your mouth.

Washing your retainer with warm or hot water can make it loose. Make sure to ask your orthodontist if you need a new one.
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Visit The Grove Family Dental Today!

With the help of a retainer, you can improve your teeth with less hassle and expense. But to get the best results you need to be sure that your retainer is always clean and well-maintained. If you need any help cleaning your Invisalign, feel free to contact The Grove Family Dental office. You can reach us online or via phone at 916-333-0609.