Invisalign Cleaning Crystals – How To Use

Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is essential for maintaining your oral hygiene and ensuring the best results from your treatment. While regular brushing and rinsing help, Invisalign Cleaning Crystals offer a deeper clean by effectively removing plaque and bacteria that can build up on your trays. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals properly, explain their benefits, and give you some helpful tips to keep your aligners fresh and clear throughout your treatment. Let’s dive into the easy steps that will keep your smile sparkling!

What Are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals Anyway?

Invisalign cleaning crystals are powerful antimicrobial agents, exclusively designed to maintain the hygiene of your clear aligners and retainers. These cleaning crystals come in a pack of 50, and some packs include a cleaning tub for convenience. As recommended by Invisalign, the leading brand for aesthetic dental alignment solutions, aligners should be cleaned at least once every day using these crystals.

The cleaning process is quick and straightforward; soak your aligners or retainers in a solution of these crystals for 15 minutes at least once a day. These crystals are not just easy to use but also ensure that your aligners are free from harmful micro-organisms. It’s an integral part of the Invisalign value system which offers a suite of products to enhance the user experience of achieving a perfect smile, however, aligners are not included with the cleaning crystals.

Can I Clean all Invisalign Aligners and Retainers?

Yes. All Invisalign aligners and retainers are suitable for cleaning crystals. Clean daily and follow usage tips every time.

• SmartTrack
• Invisilgn Teen
• Vivera retainers

How Often Should I Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?

Use Invisalign cleaning crystals daily. Any more is a waste. Any less will downgrade the quality of the plastic.

Use a proper container like a large glass. Try to incorporate cleaning into a routine. Use the time you follow your oral health routine to clean the aligners.

How Does It Work Anyway?

It works easily. Like dissolving a water-soluble aspirin or vitamin supplement. Fill a glass and drop a tablet in. Stir well. After the tablet is dissolved place the aligners in and set a timer.

Stir well

15 to 30 minutes later remove and rinse. This will leave the aligners free of bacteria and plaque buildup. Nasties are broken in a non-toxic manner. Discoloration and staining are also lessened or removed completely.

Step By Step Instructions

• Take out your aligners or retainer.
• Remove food particles and any excess saliva by rinsing them under warm running water.
• Add warm water to a glass.
• Mix one packet of Invisalign Cleaning Crystals with water; stir to dissolve, or cover and shake for a few seconds.
• Ensure that both top and bottom aligners or retainers are fully submerged. Wait 15-30 minutes before removing.
• Remove the aligners and rinse the aligners.
• Brush off any remaining plaque buildup with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Rinse one last time. 

How Can I Buy Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?

• Online
• Orthodontist’s office

Can I use Homemade Techniques?

Yes. We have an article on complete cleaning and oral health.

You can use:

• Hydrogen Peroxide. With this product 3% mixed with water.
• White distilled vinegar. 1 part vinegar 3 parts water.
• Denture Cleaner. Follow instructions on the packaging. 

Why Does My Invisalign Smell After Using Cleaning Crystals?

Cleaning Crystals contain sodium which can produce a similar smell to chlorine. If you have aligners. It is important to wash them properly when you remove them.

Relevant Studies

Fresh off the press, the Journal of Orthodontic Science recently published an enlightening study on the effectiveness of different methods to clean Invisalign aligners, where the Invisalign cleaning crystals came out as one of the top-performing methods.

Also, you might find the research by Baysal and Uysal in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, helpful when it comes to understanding surface changes in Invisalign aligners with different cleaning techniques. Their study reveals that, when used according to guidelines, Invisalign cleaning crystals help maintain smooth and clear aligners throughout the course of a treatment plan.

Lastly, but certainly not least, the Australian Orthodontic Journal has an invigorating study that covers the antimicrobial properties of Invisalign cleaning crystals. The results advocate using crystals to clean aligners for an optimally clean and hygienic experience.

Forums

• Reddit – Invisalign: A dedicated forum for all things Invisalign. Cleaning crystals are a hot topic here.
• Archwired Forum – Invisalign Users: This forum sees regular discussions about the usage and effectiveness of cleaning crystals.
• RealSelf Forum: Shares insights on different dental procedures including Invisalign and its cleaning techniques.
• Quora – Invisalign: Numerous users share their experiences with Invisalign cleaning crystals.
• MouthHealthy by ADA: Although not a traditional forum, it is an excellent resource for expert advice on Invisalign cleaning.

Conclusion

Cleaning your aligners and retainers is key to good oral health. Follow the above or ask us for a more comprehensive approach. 

The above is a rough guide on what to expect in real terms. You can get all the information on the above from Dr. Panucci at Beach Braces. 

They have the experience and dedication to give you and your child the best possible service. If you have any further questions you can contact us TODAY.

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.