The History of Dentistry

Five Alternatives to Professional Cleaning Kits for Invisible Braces

17 September 2015

Regina Carlson

Keeping your clear aligner trays clean is an important part of protecting and maintaining your oral hygiene. However, professional cleaning kits with special solutions and oxidising agents can be expensive. Looking for alternatives to namebrand invisible braces cleaning kits?

Here are a few affordable and alternative cleaning options to consider:

1. Toothpaste

You can use toothpaste on your trays, but unfortunately, the abrasives in some pastes can scratch or break down trays. Before using toothpaste, talk to your orthodontist about whether or not your favourite brand works well with your type of invisible braces. If you opt to use toothpaste, use a soft bristled brush, and brush your trays as you would your teeth.

2. Mouthwash

If you like, after brushing, you can soak your trays in a mixture of gentle mouthwash and water. That kills bacteria and can help freshen your trays.

3. Denture Cleaner

Foaming denture cleaners remove bacteria on trays, and as these cleaners are made to be used on dental prosthetics, they are safe and gentle on the tray's plastic material. Slip your trays in denture cleaner over night, and let the foaming action clean them. For best results, use a denture cleaner that also promises to whiten.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide or Vinegar

A few drops of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar can also clean the aligner trays. Simply place the trays in a soaking container with warm water and a few drops of either liquid. Both options break down debris and kill bacteria without threatening the integrity of your trays, and hydrogen peroxide, in particular, can help with stains.

5. Ultrasonic Cleaners

Regardless of what you opt to use to clean your trays, vibration can augment the cleaning process. Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners use gentle sound waves to clean metal jewelry and precious stones, and these machines work well with most invisible braces as well.

Simply add tepid water with a bit of denture cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vinegar or washing-up liquid and let the machine clean your trays for a few moments.  As with any cleaning method, be sure to rinse your trays thoroughly before returning them to your mouth.

Before using any of these alternative cleaning methods, ask your dentist or orthodontist if they are right for you. If you're looking for an orthodontist, check out a clinic like Perfect Smiles Orthodontics. Keep in mind you may have to experiment until you find the best cleaning methods for you, and these may not be the only options.

 

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