Invisalign Cleaning Crystals – How To Use? (Instructions)

Invisalign cleaning crystals help clean your aligners in 15 minutes flat. Invisalign’s unique cleaning crystals remove plaque from aligners and retainers to keep them germ-free, odor-free, and clean. Read on to know how these crystals work their magic on your aligners.

Why Should You Clean Your Aligners?

Most assume that maintaining good oral hygiene is sufficient while wearing Invisalign. And since the aligners are clear and removable, you wouldn’t pay much heed to cleaning them. But this can be counterproductive. Aligners and retainers need good cleansing from time to time.

As per your orthodontist’s recommendation, you will wear your Invisalign for at least 20-22 hours daily. And your mouth can be a breeding ground for bacteria that can transfer to your clear aligner. Soon you will notice stains, plaque build-up, and the unmistakable stench. It defeats the purpose of wearing a clear aligner in the first place. So, what is the solution? The remarkable Invisalign crystals.

What Are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?

This impressive product designed by Invisalign promises to eliminate the bacteria that grows on your aligners due to prolonged wear, leaving them smelling fresh. It prevents the aligners from staining and plaque build-up and keeps them stain and odor-free. It is made with compounds that are non-toxic and, therefore, safe to be used on your precious aligners.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign With Crystals?

Cleaning your Invisalign aligners with crystals is extremely simple. Here are the steps you need to follow to achieve the desired result.

• Clean your clear aligners or retainers thoroughly under warm running water. It removes any visible debris or saliva on it.
• Fill a glass or a closed container with warm water.
• Place your rinsed retainer in it.
• Empty a packet of Invisalign crystals into this container with warm water.
• Dissolve the contents. You could either stir them in or, if using a closed container, shake them for 20 seconds or until completely dissolved.
• Let it stand for 15 minutes. You can leave it in for about half an hour.
• After the soak, remove the aligners and rinse them with clean, warm running water.
• Use a fine-bristled toothbrush to remove any remaining plaque build-up.
• Rinse it once more with warm water to wash off the solution.
• Dry it with a soft cloth. Before wearing the aligner again, rinse and dry the aligners/retainers thoroughly
• Clean the container used for cleaning thoroughly.
• Now, your aligners should be ready for their subsequent use. It is as simple as that!

How Often Should You Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?

You could use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals up to two times a week. Doing so will leave your Invisalign aligners looking fresh and clean.

However, this does not mean you do not need to clean them otherwise. Every time you remove your clear aligners from your mouth, your orthodontist will usually recommend cleaning them.

If this sounds too much, consider cleaning them at least twice daily. It is a good idea as this will prevent the growth of germs and plaque build-up. You could rinse them with plain, warm running water.

Are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals Safe?

When used as recommended, Invisalign cleaning crystals are safe to use.

Invisalign cleaning crystals have been studied to determine their effectiveness and safety. One such study evaluated the long-term effects of different cleaning methods on aligners. It was found that the Invisalign cleaning crystals made little to no difference on the physical surface of the aligners/retainers.

Research has proven that Invisalign cleaning crystals are a safe way to clean your aligners without affecting their physical form or composition. The study compared the usage of mouthwash, hard-bristled toothbrush, and Invisalign cleaning crystals to clean the aligners and found that the crystals were gentler and safer in that they did not affect the surface roughness of the aligner, nor did it affect the strength or the clarity of the trays.

Do I Need Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?

Although using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals is an excellent way to disinfect your clear aligners, we have some alternatives too.

Alternatives To Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are pricey, deterring a few people from choosing this method. To solve this, we have here a list of alternatives you can consider to clean your Invisalign

Commercial Cleaners

You can also use commercial cleaners such as RetainerBrite and Polident to clean clear aligners and retainers. As with Invisalign crystals, soak your aligners in the above cleaners for 15-30 minutes.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix equal parts warm water and hydrogen peroxide (3% strength). Soak your aligner in this mixture for 30 minutes.

Distilled White Vinegar

Mix one part white distilled vinegar with three parts warm water and use this solution to clean your aligners/retainers. The soaking duration is 15 minutes. This method recommends using only white vinegar, as other varieties may stain the aligner.

Soap water

You can use a soap solution to clean your aligners. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the soap solution and gently scrub the aligner’s surface.

Baking soda

Stir a tablespoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water. Soak the aligner for an hour.

In all the above methods, do not forget to brush your aligner/ retainer with a fine-bristled toothbrush to remove excess residue, and rinse thoroughly before using it again. This step is necessary to ensure all excess plaque build-up is gone. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water before wearing them again.

Here are some additional tips to keep your aligners clean

Cleaning your aligners with cleaning crystals is key to maintaining fresh, clean, stain-free, and odor-free aligners. But that alone won’t suffice. It would help if you took notes of these additional tips to prevent any damage:

1. Clean your aligners at least two times a day
2. Never wear Invisalign while eating.
3. When not in use, keep your aligners in a cool, dry place or in a case to protect them from any damage and bacteria.
4. There is no substitute for good oral hygiene. So, brush twice a day and after a meal, if required. Floss as part of your oral care routine.

Conclusion

Although there are cheaper alternatives to cleaning your clear aligners, Invisalign cleaning crystals are proven to be the ideal choice. In addition, they are explicitly designed to work with Invisalign. Please book a consultation with us to find out more about Invisalign.

 

Invisalign Cleaning Crystals – How To Use? (Instructions)