Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

What are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?

Invisalign cleaning crystals are an easy tool to help clean your Invisalign aligners and retainers. Using cleaning crystals for just 15 to 30 minutes per day can leave your aligners fresh and free of bacteria.

Other benefits of using Invisalign cleaning crystals include:

• Preventing bad odor or discoloration
• Helping the aligners last longer
• Reducing the chance for plaque or gum infection

Invisalign cleaning crystals can be found online, at your local orthodontist’s office, or at a dental supply store.

How to Use Cleaning Crystals

The crystals are made of non-toxic materials designed specifically to keep your aligners clean.

Here’s how to use them:

1. Place your aligners or retainer under room temperature, running water.
2. Allow the running water to remove food debris and any excess saliva.
3. Fill a clean glass with room temperature water.
4. Dissolve the Invisalign cleaning crystals into the water by stirring or shaking them in the water. 
5. Fully submerge your aligners or retainers into the cleaning solution.
6. Let the aligners soak in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes.
7. After the time is up, remove the aligners and rinse them under room temperature water.
8. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush off any remaining plaque or build-up on the aligners.
9. Rinse the aligners under warm water to wash off the solution. Then wash out the glass.

This routine will keep your aligners clean and free of bacteria or discoloration.

How Often Should You Use Cleaning Crystals for Invisalign?

Bacteria can form on aligners overnight. These bacteria can cause a bad odor and discoloration, as well as raise your risk for plaque, gingivitis, and periodontitis. 

Just like brushing and flossing your teeth, you should clean your Invisalign aligners with cleaning crystals every day. 

Why Do Invisalign Cleaning Crystals Smell Like Bleach?

The reason Invisalign cleaning crystals smell like bleach is because they are made of sodium-based ingredients.

These are:

• Sodium sulfate
• Sodium carbonate
• Sodium tripolyphosphate
• Sodium dichloroisocyanurate
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

Despite the smell, all of these ingredients are completely non-toxic.

How Much Do Invisalign Cleaning Crystals Cost? 

Invisalign cleaning crystals can be found online or at any dental supply store. 

A 50-pack of Invisalign cleaning crystals currently retails on Amazon for around $45.

Other Options to Clean Aligners 

Here are some other, at-home options to clean Invisalign aligners:

1. Non-Whitening Toothpaste

Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and scrub the retainers with toothpaste. Be sure to use non-whitening toothpaste, as whitening toothpaste will discolor the aligners.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Fill a glass with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Stir the two together and then soak your aligners in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse and brush the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush afterward.

3. Denture Cleaner

Denture cleaners are effective for cleaning Invisalign clear aligners. Soak the aligners for about 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Brush the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and run them under warm water to wash off any residue. 

4. White Distilled Vinegar

Mix three parts warm water to one part white distilled vinegar. Stir the two together and then submerge the aligners. Rinse and brush them afterward.

5. Mouthwash

Soak the aligners in a glass filled with antibacterial mouthwash for 15 to 30 minutes. Then wash them with warm water. 

Note: Colored mouthwash can stain aligners with frequent use.

6. Retainer Cleaner Solutions

Commercially available products like Retainer Brite and SonicBrite are an alternative way to clean your aligners. Soak your aligners in them for 15 to 30 minutes and then wash with warm water.

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