Invisalign is a modern, alternative, and clear teeth alignment treatment. It helps you treat mild to moderate, and some severe malocclusions by wearing a set of clear aligner trays for 20-22 hours each day. These trays help shift your teeth into the proper positions gradually, so it is essential to wear these aligner trays for the recommended time. Hence, cleaning them regularly is also equally important. Invisalign recommends using their patented cleaning crystals to clean the aligner trays. But how to use Invisalign cleaning crystals? And more importantly, what are they, and why are they the best, most efficient cleaning tool for your Invisalign aligners? Let’s read more to find out.
What Are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
Invisalign cleaning crystals are a patented cleaning tool created by Invisalign for regular cleanliness and maintenance of the aligner trays. They can help remove harmful germs and bacteria that may have accumulated in your aligners throughout the day. They can also aid in removing any plaque buildup that may have developed on the aligners. Most importantly, these crystals, when dissolved in water and used as a cleaning solution, help prevent staining, discoloration, and development of any foul smells or odors in your clear aligners. These special Invisalign brand cleaning crystals are non-toxic as they contain compounds like sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium dichloro isocyanurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium tripolyphosphate, which make for safe and effective cleaning for your aligners.
Why Should You Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
Apart from the obvious, there are several reasons why you should make use of the Invisalign crystal cleaning solution. Some of those reasons are:
- The crystals help you keep your aligners sanitized when using them regularly. It’s a device that is placed inside your mouth, and it being safe and sanitized is most important.
- The Invisalign cleaning system crystals help to keep your aligners transparent and invisible as they prevent the development of stains and discoloration.
- These patented crystals also kill any harmful bacteria that may have gotten into the crevices of the aligners due to food or beverage residue and prevent you from contracting gingivitis, gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.
- Harmful bacteria develop due to food residue, and can even lead to plaque buildups, and regular cleaning with the crystals can clear those buildups from your clear aligners.
- These crystals help prevent any external damage to your teeth, and keep your smile white and fresh!
- Regular use of Invisalign cleaning crystals prevents any foul mouth odor and bad breath due to the buildup of food debris.
How to Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?
Now that we know what the crystals are and why they are useful, let us finally understand how to clean Invisalign trays with cleaning crystals. This is an easy step-by-step procedure, and for maximum benefit, you should clean your aligners two times a day to maintain the best oral health and hygiene.
- Remove your clear aligners, and rinse them under warm running water to clean off any excess saliva or food debris that may be stuck to them.
- Then, in a glass or container of warm water, add in one sachet of Invisalign cleaning crystals, and stir or shake to dissolve completely.
- Completely submerge both your top and bottom aligners in this crystal solution, and let them rest and disinfect for 15-30 minutes.
- Once sufficient time has elapsed, remove the aligners from their soaking solution and wash them under warm, running water one more time.
- For the second last step, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush off any remaining build-up, debris, or plaque, that didn’t get dissolved in the solution.
- And finally, wash the aligners under warm water one last time and dry them. You have now managed to learn how to use Invisalign cleaning crystals to keep your aligners bright and your smile even brighter!
General Tips to Keep Aligners Clean
- Cleaning aligners twice a day: Just like your teeth, your Invisalign aligner also needs to be cleaned twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This will help prevent the buildup of harmful germs and bacteria, and keep the aligners invisible and bright.
- Remove aligners while eating or drinking: If you wear your aligners while eating, you risk damaging the aligners due to staining, plaque buildup due to food residue, tiny scratches that develop due to chewing, and buildup of tartar which can lead to gingivitis. Hence, it is recommended to remove the clear aligners while eating to ensure the least amount of contamination and damage.
- Storing in a case: When you aren’t wearing your aligners, you can store them in a case to prevent any physical damage or bacterial contamination.
- Flossing regularly: Adding flossing to your dental regimen can help prevent any unnecessary food residue between teeth, and help keep your aligners clean, transparent, and free of buildup.
- Soaking and rinsing: Try rinsing and soaking your aligners at regular intervals throughout the day, even if it’s just with warm water, plays a major role in keeping them clean and free of bacterial contamination and foul odor.
All in all, this article has helped us understand what are Invisalign cleaning crystals, what they are made of, why they are useful, and how to use Invisalign cleaning crystals to keep your aligners bright and squeaky clean!
We hope that this journey into this guide about cleaning crystals has been an informative one and that you are now fully equipped with all the knowledge you need to take proper care of your clear aligners.
If you have any further doubts about your Invisalign aligners, or you wish to start the treatment and know more about it, and whether you are eligible to avail it, visit us at Vail Orthodontics, situated in Vails Gate, Monroe, NY, for professional, high-quality dental care and orthodontic services.
Also Read: Practical Tips For Invisalign Pain Relief
FAQs
- Why does my Invisalign smell after using cleaning crystals?
The Invisalign cleaning crystals smell a lot like chlorine due to their sodium-based ingredients. Hence, you should always thoroughly rinse and dry your aligners after soaking them in the crystal solution, to prevent any strong, reactive odor in your aligners.
- How often should you use Invisalign cleaning crystals?
You should use the crystals every time you clean your aligners, which is twice a day. If you accidentally drop or misplace your aligners, then you should rinse them and clean them with the crystals before wearing them again.
- What is in Invisalign cleaning crystals?
As mentioned in the above article, Invisalign cleaning crystals are made up of non-toxic ingredients like sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium dichloro-isocyanurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium tripolyphosphate.
- How long to soak Invisalign in cleaning crystals?
You can soak your Invisalign aligners in the cleaning crystals solution for anywhere between 15-30 minutes for optimum results. - Are Invisalign cleaning crystals toxic?
No, these crystals are completely non-toxic and safe for use. They are manufactured using compounds that will ensure maximum disinfection and cleaning, while also not being harmful to your teeth or health. - Where to buy Invisalign cleaning crystals?
You can buy Invisalign crystals from your local dental supply stores or pharmacies linked to orthodontic clinics, your dental practitioner’s office, or online on websites like Amazon and the official Invisalign website.
Dr. Patel is an orthodontist and maintains a private practice in Rome, NY. He completed his undergraduate education at the Ohio State University. Then, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. After earning his doctorate, Dr. Patel attended a three-year, dual-degree residency at Columbia University in New York City. Here, he earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics as well as earning a Masters in Oral Biology.
