Invisalign vs Fixed Braces: Which Is Easier To Clean?

Millions of people have straightened their teeth with braces worldwide. And in their quest to find the right solution, they likely researched Invisalign vs metal braces online. The rivalry between these tooth straightening solutions has been around for a while. For some, Invisalign is the premium choice as the aligners are clear and removable. Others remain sceptical of Invisalign’s effectiveness. We do use Invisalign with great success, and the subject of when this is the right solution will be the subject of another post. Here’s our analysis of which is easier to clean. 

When you embark on any tooth straightening journey, you want to ensure that your teeth stay clean. If not, there's a chance that your teeth and gums can become damaged in the process. 

With fixed braces, if you don’t take the correct steps to care for your teeth, this can cause staining around the brackets. There’s also an increased risk of bad breath, cavities and gum disease. 

With Invisalign, you must clean your teeth and aligners meticulously. Otherwise, it’s the perfect environment for growing bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Sometimes, our clients tell us that their Invisalign aligners look cloudy rather than crystal clear. That's usually a sign of plaque growth on them. In this case, cleaning them twice daily with an appropriate brush is essential. 

You cannot remove fixed braces when you eat, so food debris can become stuck in them. There is also now a greater surface area in your mouth that needs brushing. For this reason, it will take about twice as long to do a good job cleaning your teeth. Obstruction from the metal wires also requires greater attention to detail. Dentists may provide an interdental brush to help you get beneath them. 

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you aren't limited to what food you eat throughout the day. You can also brush and floss without any obstruction. Nevertheless, there are a few drawbacks to keeping them fresh and clean, which we’ve highlighted below. 

You should clean your teeth each time you have eaten before putting the aligners back in. Otherwise, any food you've consumed will remain between the aligner and your tooth's surface. This can damage enamel, leaving them susceptible to cavities. We also advise the same for all drinks except water. 

You must also deep clean the Invisalign aligner trays twice daily. We recommend cleaning with an electric brush twice daily and soaking them in the dedicated Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture solution once per week. If you don't have these solutions on hand, you can also brush the aligner trays with clear, anti-bacterial soap. 

Therefore, you may need to consider whether Invisalign is your best option, especially if you travel a lot or aren’t able to brush your teeth during the day. 

Both tooth straightening procedures add complexity to your cleaning regime. Fixed braces could be the better option if you're forgetful or spend most of your day in places that aren't convenient for cleaning your teeth. But if clear aligners are your choice, you can still keep them gleamingly clean; it just requires a few extra steps and forward planning. 

Click here to learn more about keeping your Invisalign aligners in tip-top condition. 

At Park Dental Nottingham, we offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments to suit your needs, including Invisalign and hidden braces. If you’re interested in our teeth straightening solutions, please contact us here to schedule a free consultation. 

We look forward to welcoming you.