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Is there a good natural way to clean aligners?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:15 am
by Jane16
Hi all
Anyone know of a good way to clean the aligners that doesn't involve chemicals?
Jane
Re: Is there a good natural way to clean aligners?
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 12:15 pm
by bbsadmin
Re: Is there a good natural way to clean aligners?
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:57 pm
by freysmiles
Well "chemicals" to mean is pretty much everything, but here are some options that you can do that aren't so chemically:
- Use DentaSoak's Polysulfate-Free retainer cleanser. All retainer cleaners help freshen up your aligners by ridding them of bacteria. I put together a comprehensive resource on retainer cleansers if you are interested in the ingredients and a bunch of other options:
http://www.freysmiles.com/blog/view/the ... -retainers
- You can use an essential oil (eucalyptus oil is the best option) to help disinfect your aligners since essential oils have anti-microbial properties. I would use 2-3 drops per tray and leave it in for 5-10 minutes before throughly rinsing the essential oils out of the tray. This is less effective at disinfection than the first option, but is pretty organic if that is what you are looking for.
- A simple toothbrush and some water works pretty at getting goop out, but isn't doing any disinfecting. You don't want to use toothpaste to do this because the abrasives in the paste will create micro-scratches and make new places for stinky stuff and bacteria to hide.
- If you are concerned about the aligners being smelly, one of the best ways to keep them fresh is to keep your teeth spic 'n span. The best way I have found to perfect my brushing is by measuring my plaque score for a few weeks to track areas I might be missing. Here is how you can do it:
http://www.freysmiles.com/blog/view/eva ... oring-test
Re: Is there a good natural way to clean aligners?
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 6:10 pm
by bbsadmin
Unfortunately, essential oils won't prevent the buildup of white plaque on your aligners or retainers! But they are nice to use for some things!
Re: Is there a good natural way to clean aligners?
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 6:14 pm
by freysmiles
bbsadmin wrote:
> Unfortunately, essential oils won't prevent the buildup of white plaque on your aligners
> or retainers! But they are nice to use for some things!
How long are you leaving these things in for
There really shouldn't be any gunk that can't be wiped out unless people are doing really funky stuff with them.
Re: Is there a good natural way to clean aligners?
Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 12:36 am
by bbsadmin
Aligners stay in 24/7.
At the beginning, retainers stay in 24/7 for several months. After that, they are only used at night.
Retainers get plaque buildup just like teeth do.
Re: Is there a good natural way to clean aligners?
Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:59 pm
by freysmiles
bbsadmin wrote:Aligners stay in 24/7.
At the beginning, retainers stay in 24/7 for several months. After that, they are only used at night.
Retainers get plaque buildup just like teeth do.
Haha I was being sarcastic about how long people were wearing the Invisalign aligners. I know how long they stay in for; I am an orthodontist. Good explanation about retainers.
Re: Is there a good natural way to clean aligners?
Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 7:00 am
by DrJasonKTam
I cleaned my aligners with an ultrasonic cleaner and water. On occasion, I would add in a splash of mouthwash. Afterwards, you can brush off the residue that has been "loosened" with a manual or ultrasonic toothbrush.
Here is a picture of my Vivera retainers after one year (F/T wear for a couple months and nightly wear).
http://twitpic.com/4rhq46