Being able to remove your Invisalign aligners means it's easy to brush and floss your teeth during orthodontic treatment. But you have to keep the aligners themselves clean, too! Here’s how.

Cleaning

1. Rinse your aligners off thoroughly each time you remove them. Otherwise, dry saliva and plaque will build up over time and create an ideal breeding ground for foul smelling bacteria.
2. Brush and floss before putting you aligners back onto your teeth. This will prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped in the tight space between your teeth and aligners.
3. Clean your aligners with a clear, mild anti-bacterial soap and a soft toothbrush regularly. This will remove bacteria and keep your aligners clean and fresh. Avoid using coloured soap though, as this can discolour the aligners. Rinse thoroughly before putting the aligners back in your mouth.

Damage Prevention

1. Only consume water while you're actually wearing your aligners. Food and drinks can stain them and cause unpleasant odours over time.
2. Toothpaste is abrasive, so don't use it to clean your aligners unless necessary. Toothpaste can cause your aligners to become dull, and create small scratches that trap bacteria.
3. Always clean your aligners and put them right back in their case when you're not wearing them. Leaving your aligners out in the open exposes them to bacteria, and increases the likelihood that they’ll be damaged or lost.

If you could use some more guidance on how to care for your Invisalign aligners, don’t hesitate to contact our Surrey dentists!