Like brushing your teeth and cleaning your braces, you must regularly clean your clear retainers. Keeping them in good condition can help you avoid costly repairs, prevent bacteria buildup and infections, and ensure you get the best results from Invisalign in Nashville.

Whether your kid is already using aligners or you’re considering getting them for a straighter smile, knowing the cleaning routine is important. Here are the dos and don’ts of cleaning Invisalign® and some tips on how to teach your child the importance of retainer hygiene.

Invisalign for Kids: Is It a Good Option?

When it comes to choosing orthodontic treatment for your child, you want to ensure it’s the best option available. With its clear aligners, Invisalign has become a modern marvel in orthodontics, offering a comfortable, seemingly unnoticeable, but effective treatment for kids and teens.

It’s suitable for a wide range of orthodontic issues in children, including mild to moderate misalignment of teeth.  

Invisalign works by utilizing a series of clear, removable aligners to gently guide your child’s teeth into the desired position. These aligners are custom-made for your child’s unique dental structure, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.

However, many patients underestimate the importance of proper tray care. After all, why should you maintain a try if you’re going to dispose of it in a few months? Here’s a breakdown of why regularly cleaning your aligners is crucial.

Why and How Often Should You Clean Your Invisalign?

Invisalign is a great option for children who require orthodontic treatment. However, your kids must wear their retainers constantly for the treatment to be effective. They should also clean them twice a day.

Your child's Invisalign retainers fit tightly over their teeth, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish. If retainers are not cleaned regularly, bacteria can accumulate, causing bad odors and raising the risk of cavities, gum disease, and foul breath, among other problems.  

While Invisalign retainers are supposed to be invisible, discoloration can occur quickly if they are not cleaned correctly. Daily retainer cleaning lowers these risks and guarantees your child's oral health throughout treatment.

While cleaning your aligners may be easier than brushing with braces, it still comes with a series of challenges. Here are some key steps to teaching your child about proper aligner care:

1. Clean Your Aligners Regularly

If your child wears aligners daily, you should ensure they clean them every time they brush their teeth.

To prevent plaque and food particles from sticking to the Invisalign aligners, first instruct them to rinse them with lukewarm water after each use. Hot water can warp the plastic and compromise the fit, so show them how to measure the temperature of the water before starting.

They should also brush the aligners to remove any buildup that rinsing cannot handle. To gently clean the inside and outside of the aligners, demonstrate to them how to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild liquid soap. This keeps the aligners from developing a cloudy appearance.

Steer clear of toothpaste when cleaning aligners. Many brands contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the aligners, leaving them dull-looking and more prone to bacteria accumulation.

2. Soak Your Aligners in a Cleaning Solution

To guarantee your child’s aligners are completely clean and free of bacteria, they must soak them every day. You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals or distilled white vinegar as a DIY retainer cleaner. It is safe and gets rid of bacteria and plaque.

Have your little ones place the aligners in the cleansing solution for 15-30 minutes, then rinse them with lukewarm water before putting them back in their mouth. Meanwhile, you can find an activity they enjoy and help measure the time, like playing a game or watching an episode of their favorite show.

Using a cleaning solution can ensure their aligners stay clear, odor-free, and look new. Additionally, make sure to use a colorless solution to avoid discoloring the aligners.

3. Clean Your Teeth Before Reinserting Aligners

Maintaining good oral hygiene is just as important as cleaning your aligners. Before your child puts their aligners back in, ensure they brush and floss their teeth. This helps prevent food particles and plaque from getting stuck between their teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease. Moreover, it sets an example for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene habits.

A clean mouth combined with clean aligners is the greatest line of defense against oral health problems during treatment.

4. Use a Retainer Case

Your children should always store their aligners in their protective case when not in use. This easy habit will prevent them from getting lost, coming into contact with unclean surfaces, or being unintentionally thrown away.

Encourage your child to use their retainer case by allowing them to adorn it with gems and stickers or by putting a strap on it so they can wear it as a necklace. Additionally, advise them not to put their loose aligners in their school bags or on napkins, as this exposes them to bacteria and raises the possibility of damage.

5. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents

Never clean their Invisalign aligners with harsh chemicals like mouthwash, bleach, or other strong cleansers. These chemicals have the potential to deteriorate the plastic, change the fit, and leave behind dangerous residue that could harm your child’s teeth. Use only mild cleaning agents that are made especially for clear aligners.

To prevent your kid from reaching for the wrong materials, you can make them an Invisalign care packet that includes their toothbrush, cleaning solutions, and extra retainer cases. To further involve them in the process, let them choose the bag and toothbrush they like.

Learn More About Keeping your Invisalign in Nashville Clean

Good oral hygiene is already challenging for kids, especially when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Invisalign retainers add another layer of complexity. While clear aligners offer a fantastic alternative to traditional braces, failure to keep them clean can lead to bacterial buildup, discoloration, and other oral health problems.

With these tips, you can educate your kid on the importance of care and oral hygiene. If you’re interested in learning more about clear aligners care tips, reach out to Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics!

*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.