Best Invisalign Cleaner?

Message

#1 Post by **youngone22** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:21 pm

Hi!
I'm getting my invisalign trays in a few weeks, and I wanted to get everything in order for their arrival (haha i sound like I'm about to have a baby, lol!). I just wanted to know what everyone has found to be the best cleaner. I planned on ordering RetainerBrite and using that to soak the trays in to keep the white stuff off, and just rinsing with water and a soft brush occasionally, but I'm just curious to see what everyone has found to be the best cleaner for the trays?

thanks so much

#2 Post by **blair** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 1:59 pm

My ortho sent me home with Retainer Brite and then when I ran out I used Efferdent, which I've been using since. I don't really notice a difference; my ortho said Efferdent is fine and it's easier to find in stores. Other than that, sounds like you've got it down.

#3 Post by **sandra** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 5:33 pm

I used to use baking soda. Now I have a sonic cleaner and recommend it.

#4 Post by **bbsadmin** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 6:14 pm

On my retail website, (www.dentakit.com) I sell two different retainer/aligner cleaners.

Retainer Brite tablets are best for daily use if there is no buildup already on your retainers or trays.

SonicBrite powder is stronger than Retainer Brite and will do a good job of getting rid of any white buildup on your retainers or aligner trays.

Both products work well with their respective sonic cleaners and can be used daily. Some people use both products: one for heavy cleaning once or twice a week, and the other for daily maintenance.

Aside from those products, some people brush their retainers (not recommended for aligners or clear plastic Essix retainers), and some people soak them in various types of solutions, from mixtures of hydrogen peroxide to diluted mouthwash.

Whatever you do, you must keep your retainers and your aligner trays clean. Otherwise, you will get yucky smelly bacteria buildup.

#5 Post by **jeni** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:24 pm

I recommend a hard bristle toothbrush (separate from the one you use to brush your teeth). The soft bristle brush that I had been using just didn't do well enough at getting the stuff off the first time or getting into the tight places so I switched to a 50 cent model from the drug store about 3 months ago.

#6 Post by **Over50** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 7:03 pm

Does the hard bristle brush scratch the aligners or make them more visible on your teeth?

#7 Post by **jeni** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:48 pm

No, it doesn't scratch. The brush isn't *that* hard. It is just the regular two steps above a soft bristle brush and keeps the form better while brushing the gunk from between the "teeth" shapes on the aligners.

#8 Post by **scorpetteFL** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:56 am

I just brush them before I put them in every time. I think the key is to never let them dry! I rinse them when I take them out (if possible). Then brush them before I put them in - if you aren't using tartar control toothpaste this won't work. I use crest multicare.

Recently I accidentally bought the wrong toothpaste and brushing wasn't enough, but when I went back to multicare it worked again.

#9 Post by **Invisibeth** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:02 am

My husband, who has a nighttime mouth guard, uses bleach! He insists that if I dilute it (5:1), it's safe.

I'm only 3 days into Invisalign, and so far, so good, but I'm brushing like a madwoman, and don't expect this intensity will last. I'd like to soak them in something the 20 minutes that I'm stuffing myself with food.

On that note, I was told it's fine to drink (white wine, water, juice-- not cranberry or grape!) while I'm wearing them, including coffee (i only drink it in the morning, a cup or two). However, to avoid Red wine. I have these things for 9 months, so it's like being pregnant (I love my wine!).

I'm going on a trip to Napa next week! Fortunately, I change my liners a couple of days after I get there. Does it stain quickly, or is okay to have red wine for a couple days and move onto my next liners (and don't drink wine with the new one)? Anyone?

#10 Post by **blair** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:22 pm

Invisibeth wrote:I'm going on a trip to Napa next week! Fortunately, I change my liners a couple of days after I get there. Does it stain quickly, or is okay to have red wine for a couple days and move onto my next liners (and don't drink wine with the new one)? Anyone?

I've never had any problems drinking red wine; just try sip on some water periodically to help rinse the aligners out. Sometimes I notice a pinkish tint at the end of the night, but nothing that doesn't come out with brushing. But I've had mine for over a year and regularly drink juice and wine with them in, and I haven't had any problems at all. Have fun!

#11 Post by **Invisibeth** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 6:23 pm

Thanks, Blair. That's the happiest news I've had yet!