Top Tips for Keeping Teeth Clean with Invisalign®/3M Aligners

One of the main benefits of Invisalign®/3M Clarity (along with the obvious invisibility of aligners) is the ease of cleaning and maintaining them.

Because you can remove your clear aligners to brush, floss, and clean your aligners, and you’ll sport a fresh new set every two weeks or so, it doesn’t require too much effort to keep your smile clean throughout treatment.

That said, maintaining proper oral hygiene and being consistent with your oral hygiene routine with any orthodontic treatment is crucial to achieving the best results.

How to Keep Teeth Clean with Invisalign and other Clear Aligners

Whether you're new to wearing clear aligners or you’re half-way through treatment, here are some essential tips to keep your aligners clean and your smile sparkling:

1. Brush regularly and thoroughly.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle manual toothbrush or soft-bristle electric toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums and enamel.

Studies show that using an electric toothbrush can supercharge your oral hygiene routine. In an extensive 11-year study by the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, using an electric toothbrush resulted in 22% less gum recession and 18% less tooth decay in subjects, as compared to using a manual toothbrush! If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, this could be a good investment for you.

If you really want to keep that smile sparkling throughout treatment, we recommend brushing your teeth an additional time in the afternoon! Less food debris stuck in your teeth means less bacteria, less plaque, and better oral hygiene.

2. Don’t neglect floss!
Flossing should be used alongside brushing to remove plaque and food particles from places where your toothbrush can't reach. This helps keep your teeth and gums clean, prevent cavities and gum disease, and prevent bad breath!

Floss thoroughly, at least once each night.

3. Do a quick mouthwash rinse each day.
Flossing and brushing are absolutely essential, whether you’re in clear aligner treatment or not, but using an antibacterial mouthwash can really boost your oral hygiene routine and safeguard you from bacteria buildup.

Antibacterial mouthwash kills bacteria and freshens your breath. Since bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of your mouth, rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing is an easy way to further disinfect your smile with minimal effort.

Can you use mouthwash with Invisalign or clear aligners in your mouth? No, it’s best to take your aligners out before you rinse with mouthwash. The coloring ingredients in mouthwash can stain your aligners, and the alcohol in mouthwash can cause them to warp.

4. Stay hydrated!
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated, reducing the risk of dry mouth and bad breath. Plus, when your body is hydrated, it has a better chance of fighting off harmful bacteria and preventing gum disease.

5. Be consistent.
Consistency is key! If you’re committed to achieving that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of, you have to commit to consistent cleaning. Don’t go to bed without cleaning your teeth, and make a practical routine of caring for your smile throughout the day.

Cleaning Invisalign Clear Aligners and 3M Aligners

The same way you commit to cleaning your teeth, it’s important that you commit to cleaning your clear aligners too. After all, clear aligners are hanging out in your mouth day and night, which means they’re susceptible to the same bacteria buildup that occurs in your teeth and gums.

1. Gently brush your clear aligner with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive, non-whitening toothpaste or mild soap and lukewarm water after every meal.
2. Soak your clear aligners regularly too! You can use lukewarm soapy water, or you can use a retainer cleaning solution, like Retainer Brite, to eliminate odors, calcium and mineral deposits that can lead to yellowing retainers and bacteria growth.

How often to clean Invisalign or 3M aligners:

1. Clean your clear aligners multiple times throughout the day. After you eat, rinse them out before putting them back in your mouth.
2. When you brush your teeth in the morning and night, brush your aligners too!
3. A couple of times a week (3-4), soak your aligners in a cleaning solution.

How to Keep Teeth White with Invisalign/3M

Another advantage to transforming your smile with removable clear aligners - you can still use teeth whitening products throughout treatment! Simply remove your aligners to brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste, or to use a whitening treatment.

Here are some other tips to help maintain white teeth with Invisalign/3M:

1. Be sure not to miss any of your regular dental check-ups/cleanings. Your dentist uses special tools to clean plaque and bacteria from your teeth, and prevent tartar buildup. Because plaque and tartar calcify, or harden, this buildup can cause noticeable yellowing and discoloration in your teeth. Showing up for your professional dental cleanings (every 6 months or as often as advised) is one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth clean and white!
2. Eat a balanced diet. Sugary and acidic foods are known to cause yellowing or discoloration in teeth. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support not only your oral health and smile aesthetic, but your overall health and wellbeing too.
3. Store your aligners properly. When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in their protective case to prevent damage and contamination. Clean your retainer case regularly too to prevent bacteria growth! Bacteria can cause discoloration in your aligners, and in your teeth.
4. Prioritize your oral hygiene. Maintaining a beautiful smile comes down to a commitment to prioritize your oral hygiene. Carry travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste with you, and give your teeth a quick cleaning after each snack or meal. The more frequently you clean your teeth, the less chance you give those discoloration-causing bacteria to thrive.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene while in clear aligner treatment doesn't have to be a chore. With daily care, you’ll be well on your way to a perfect smile that lasts a lifetime.

If you haven’t started your transformation journey yet, getting started is easy! Book a complimentary consultation at our orthodontist office in Wilton, CT!

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