You love how your Invisalign® aligners are discreetly straightening your teeth, a journey you may have started with the team at Markham Dental. But it probably didn’t take you long to realize that after a few hours of wear, they can start to feel a little fuzzy or develop a slight odour, taking away from that clean-mouth feeling everyone enjoys.
Keeping your aligners in great shape is simpler than you might think. A combination of daily cleaning and a regular deeper disinfection routine can help keep your Invisalign® trays clear, fresh, and comfortable throughout your treatment.
Why You Need to Disinfect Your Aligners
Prevent Buildup & Odour
Just like your teeth, your aligners can accumulate bacteria and plaque. This buildup can lead to unpleasant smells and make the plastic feel slick or fuzzy. A consistent cleaning routine helps manage bacteria and keeps your breath feeling fresh.
Keep Your Aligners Clear & Invisible
One of the main appeals of Invisalign® is that the aligners are hard for other people to see. However, food particles and drinks like coffee or red wine can stain the plastic, making it look yellow or cloudy. Proper disinfection helps your aligners stay transparent so your smile is what people notice.
Simple Daily Disinfection Methods
Rinse Your Aligners After Removal
Every time you take out your aligners to eat or drink, give them a quick rinse. Use cool or lukewarm water (never hot) to wash away saliva and any loose food particles. This simple step helps prevent buildup from drying onto the surface.
Brush Aligners Gently
You can also gently brush your aligners each day. Use a separate, soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of clear, unscented soap. Carefully brush all the surfaces, inside and out, then rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth.
Deeper Disinfection for a Thorough Clean
Use At-Home Solutions
For a more thorough clean, you can soak your aligners in a simple homemade solution. A mix of equal parts white vinegar and water works well, or a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water can help disinfect them. Another option is a paste made from baking soda and water, which you can use to gently scrub the aligners.
Try Commercial Cleaning Products
If you prefer a ready-made option, you can find products designed for this purpose. Denture or retainer cleaning tablets work well for a deep soak. When choosing a product, you can look for those that have earned the CDA Seal of Recognition. You can also find cleaning crystals made specifically for Invisalign® that dissolve in water to create an effective disinfecting bath.
What to Avoid When You Disinfect Aligners
Protecting your aligners is key to reaching your cosmetic dentistry goals. When you clean them, there are a few things you should try to steer clear of to prevent damage. Make sure to avoid:
- Hot water: High temperatures can warp the plastic, changing the shape of your aligners and affecting your treatment progress.
- Harsh chemicals: Bleach, alcohol, and harsh soaps can damage the aligner material and are unsafe to put in your mouth.
- Abrasive toothpaste: Many kinds of toothpaste (especially whitening formulas) contain rough, scratchy ingredients that can dull your aligners.
Get Support from Your Dentist
Your Invisalign® Questions Answered
Your dentist in Markham is a helpful resource for any questions about your Invisalign® treatment. Because we provide both cosmetic and general dentistry, we have the experience to review your oral hygiene routine, check the condition of your aligners, and offer personalized advice to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Convenient Appointments for Your Schedule
We know that fitting dental visits into a busy work week can be a challenge. That’s why we offer evening and Saturday appointments to fit your schedule and needs. With a simple online booking calendar, you can find a time that works for you without disrupting your day.
Invisalign® Treatment with Markham Dental
If you have questions about your Invisalign® care or need to book your next treatment, our multidisciplinary team at Markham Dental is here to help. Schedule your appointment online or call in to our friendly front desk to find a time that works for you.
Specialty Servicesfor Every Smile
Sleep Better, Breathe Better
Start your home sleep study today with no family doctor referral needed. Through our partnership with Resolve Health, you can complete a convenient WatchPAT ONE home sleep test from the comfort of your home, followed by personalized care from our team.
From oral appliances and CPAP support to myofunctional therapy and airway-focused treatment, we provide comprehensive solutions for children and adults.
Train Your Muscles, Improve Your Sleep
Our myofunctional therapy programs retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to support nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and improve airway function. We work with children and adults to build long-term habits that benefit sleep, oral posture, and facial development.
Straighten Teeth, Support Healthy Breathing
We offer comprehensive orthodontic care for all ages, including braces and Invisalign. Beyond aesthetics, our approach improves bite, jaw function, and airway health, helping both children and adults achieve a healthy, functional smile.
Relieve Jaw Discomfort and Improve Function
Our TMJ treatment addresses jaw discomfort, clenching, and muscle tension using tailored therapies. From bite adjustments to neuromodulator support, we focus on restoring jaw function and reducing discomfort for a better quality of life.
Relax Facial Muscles, Improve Comfort
Neuromodulator treatments like Jeuveau/Neuceiva can reduce tension in the jaw and face, relieve TMJ discomfort, treat migraines, and refine fine lines. Our team customizes treatments for both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
Replace Missing Teeth with Stability and Function
Our dental implant services, including all-on-4 implants, restore missing or damaged teeth for a secure, natural-feeling smile. Implants support bite function, improve chewing and speaking, and prevent bone loss. Our team provides personalized planning, guided surgery, and ongoing support for long-lasting results.
What SetsMarkham Dental Apart
We approach your care differently, with a focus on health, function, and long-term prevention. At Markham Dental, we are:
We look beyond your teeth, incorporating assessments like blood pressure, airway and tongue analysis, and sleep screening to better understand how your oral health connects to your overall well-being.
With denturists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists working together, your care is coordinated, comprehensive, and tailored to your needs.
Every exam is designed to be in-depth and intentional, with advanced assessments included at no additional cost, so nothing is overlooked.
What Our PatientsAre Saying
Come Visit Usin Markham
You can find us on Woodbine Avenue, with plenty of parking available outside the clinic. We look forward to seeing you!
Our Address
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
Contact Information
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com
Hours of Operation
Markham Dental
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com