The Ultimate Guide to Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals: How to Use, Benefits, and Alternatives
If you’re looking for orthodontic treatment without the classic look of metal brackets, there’s no better option than Invisalign®. While virtually invisible, Invisalign® aligners are capable of remedying a wide variety of structural issues. But how do you go about keeping them clean?
Like traditional braces, Invisalign® aligners require regular cleaning on top of your standard oral hygiene routine. To that end, many people find Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals to be one of the most effective ways to keep their aligners clean, clear, and odor-free.
At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we’ve provided first-rate orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® to the Atlanta community for over four decades. Today, we’re here to break down everything you’ll want to know about Invisalign® crystals.
What Are Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals?
Invisalign® crystals are a cleaning agent designed to help keep your aligners fresh. The traditional crystals are tablets that dissolve in water, while the new Cleaning Crystal+ product is a liquid solution with added mint flavoring.
Regardless of which product type you choose, both are effective at cleaning aligners and helping you maintain proper oral hygiene throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment.
Key Benefits of Using Cleaning Crystals
Using cleaning crystals, Invisalign® lets you enjoy several evidence-based benefits. These include the following:
Remove Plaque and Bacteria
Regularly brushing your teeth and flossing is imperative, particularly when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, having a foreign object in your mouth makes it inherently easier for plaque and bacteria to grow, and a standard dental hygiene routine will only go so far. Invisalign® crystals offer an easy way to remove plaque and bacteria from your aligners.
The crystals contain an enzyme that effectively breaks down plaque and kills bacteria, helping to keep your aligners hygienic. When combined with a proper oral hygiene routine (brushing, flossing, etc.), cleaning crystals in Invisalign® can help you avoid plaque buildup and other common side effects.
While the traditional crystals are effective at cleaning aligners, the Cleaning Crystal+ product is specifically capable of removing 99.99% of odor-causing bacteria.
Prevent Stains and Discoloration
Most patients choose Invisalign® because it offers a much more discreet way than traditional brackets to correct orthodontic issues. However, over time, aligners can sometimes develop noticeable stains.
Pigmented substances like coffee, tea, and wine can contribute to discoloration, as can poor oral hygiene and improper cleaning. Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals help combat stains, keeping your aligners clear and undetectable as intended.
Support Overall Oral Hygiene
When a patient fails to take proper care of their teeth during orthodontic treatment, they can sometimes develop unpleasant conditions. Gum disease and tooth decay are two examples, and both can evolve into unpleasant, long-term ailments.
Keeping your Invisalign® aligners clean helps prevent the buildup of bacteria that contributes to these conditions, allowing you to progress through your orthodontic treatment without worry.
Ensure Aligner Fit
Once you have Invisalign® aligners, you’ll want to listen to your orthodontist’s instructions to help ensure treatment success. Common advice includes:
- Wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day
- Sticking to your aligner schedule, only changing to a new set when advised
- Regularly brushing and flossing
- Using Invisalign® chewies to help set the aligners
To ensure your treatment provides long-lasting results, cleaning your aligners is also something you’ll want to do. Removing plaque and other objects helps your teeth move without obstruction from debris.
How to Use Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering how the crystals work? They’re easy to use and add to your routine.
Here’s how to use Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals – both the traditional and Cleaning Crystals+ product:
How to Use Cleaning Crystals Invisalign®:
If you’re using the traditional Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals, you’ll want to do the following:
- Remove your aligners and rinse them in warm water to wash away food particles
- Fill a container or cup with enough warm water to submerge your aligners
- Empty a packet of crystals into the solution and stir the water until they dissolve
- Place your aligners into the solution, ensuring they’re submerged
- Let them soak for 15-30 minutes
- Remove the aligners, use a soft toothbrush to brush away any residue, and rinse them thoroughly under warm water.
How to Use Cleaning Crystals+:
Patients with the newer Cleaning Crystals+ product can expect a similarly straightforward cleaning procedure:
- Rinse your aligners under warm water to remove food particles
- Fill a container with 100 ml of warm water and add one capful of Cleaning Crystals+
- Submerge your aligners and mix the solution around for about 20 seconds
- Let your aligners soak for at least 15 minutes
- Once clean, remove the aligners, dump the solution, and rinse the aligners thoroughly
How Often Should You Use the Crystals?
As long as you’re not using abrasive methods, it’s better to clean your Invisalign® aligners too often than not enough. You can use cleaning crystals Invisalign® as often as twice a day, although that’s not usually necessary.
For most patients, using the cleaning crystals once a day will suffice, but some people can get away with using them a bit more infrequently. At a minimum, though, you should expect to use them once or twice a week.
Throughout your care plan, your orthodontist will offer specific advice to ensure you’re appropriately cleaning your aligners.
Are There Cleaning Alternatives?
Cleaning crystals is one of the most effective ways to regularly clean your Invisalign® aligners. That said, there are other ways to ensure they remain hygienic.
One simple way is by brushing your aligners with a soft toothbrush after removing them. You can also add a small amount of unscented, antibacterial soap when doing so. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse them afterward.
Using baking soda is another popular technique, as it has mild antiseptic properties and is a natural cleaning agent. Just mix a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water, then soak your aligners in the solution for 15-20 minutes. Afterward, brush and rinse your aligners to remove any residue.
While Invisalign® crystals offer the deepest clean, you can effectively supplement them with non-abrasive DIY treatments.
Professional Care is Key
Invisalign® offers a discreet yet effective way to remedy various dental concerns, and Invisalign® cleaning crystals make for one of the best ways to keep the aligners clean. By following the above guidelines, you can help maintain strong oral hygiene throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment.
Whether your care plan uses Invisalign® or another type of treatment, Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists is here to support you throughout your journey. Regular checkups with our team of experts can help further support your oral hygiene, address discomfort, and ensure long-term efficacy.