(Part 2) Top products from r/Invisalign

I use retainer brite, a dissolvable tab you soak in water with your aligners (like denture cleaners). They're available on amazon. It works ok (and even better if you use a sonic cleaner; one comes free if you buy a year's supply here - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EKAF2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zvUHybM5GCMFD) but your trays will always look pretty gross towards the end of your wearing time. It's such a relief to change your trays for fresh, clean, new ones. Also, brushing your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners in is essential.


Edited to include: I've heard to not use toothpaste. I'd steer clear of using it for cleaning your aligners.

I use a makeup bag, but something like a travel bag or a shaving bag for men might work better for you. Also, I just got this for Christmas, and it is one of the greatest things I've ever received. I hope this link works. Edit: They come in all different colors.

Oh wow let me know how it goes for you! The surgeon I just rotated with does the Linx procedure.

Also on the brushing a ton but flossing twice a week, I honestly feel like you'd be better off flossing more and brushing less. Cavities form from all the trapped food between your teeth and gumline, and without flossing it gets stuck in there. Seems like it would be better for your gums if you flossed after every meal and used mouthwash rather than brushing 15 times a day.

Sometimes for snacks I will floss and chew gum or use mouthwash, or use a wisp mini toothbrush. I use these flossers during the day and I really like them. https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Glide-Care-Floss-Picks/dp/B001P920WG

Spry mints are frequently recommended on here and by dentists. Xylitol is good for your teeth: Spry Natural Peppermint Xylitol Mints - On-The-Go Oral Care Sugar Free Mints - 240 Count (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IN6RQVY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lBe0Db63H04FJ

Heres the exact WaterPik that I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CU9VF2Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one contains the pocket pik, it's the only attachment I use on it really. You can buy the pocket piks separately too:

https://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-Dental-Water-Pocket-Replacement/dp/B001NIZ5V2/ref=pd_sim_194_9?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001NIZ5V2&pd_rd_r=DAF5M4AETBY4W5V96HKD&pd_rd_w=JVU33&pd_rd_wg=09pZS&psc=1&refRID=DAF5M4AETBY4W5V96HKD

When you use it, only use 2-4 pressure on the water. Like I said, I like to put some mouthwash in the tank to help kill the bacteria down in the gumline.

As for it being similar to the AirFloss, it may be, I haven't used that device. But I'm pretty sure WaterPik has a patent on the pulsing water technology for flossing, so either way the WaterPik is arguably better.

I should also note that I use the WaterPik more than any device I own for dental health, mostly because I can literally feel it cleaning those areas where I previously had plague build up, especially in the areas on my bottom teeth that have extreme crowding that floss can't get into.

I wouldn't do it overnight every night, but I've used it every once in a while when my teeth were sensitive and I know others who use this after whitening with the trays. The tooth mousse recommended is also a good one as well, they use it on me after IPR in the office. Neither stain the trays:

https://www.amazon.com/Remineralization-Gel-Remineralizing-Sensitivity-Whitening/dp/B004VEZ1LY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3N4VH30V3J914&keywords=sunshine+remineralization+gel&qid=1555501431&s=gateway&sprefix=sunshine+remi&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A183NZ43EO0XMY

I bought [something like this] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009W1RL2I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UF7JAb6K0V3KX). It's a lot skinnier than a wooden/emery file, so I can file around the elastic hooks pretty easy.

I'm totally the same way, just really don't care for plain water, want some flavor.

I thought I'd struck gold with these True Lime (no sugar) packets:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ECLIUA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

...But then I found that citric acid is really bad for your teeth :/

So I'm switching to making iced tea with herbals like Celestial Seasonings, or keeping fresh lemons and limes handy, though they also have citric acid in them, they at least also have vitamin C.

...Sigh.

Hope you get some better answers here!

No, I actually bought it because it was the only sugar free and alcohol free mouth wash I could find but it's specificity targeted for people with dry mouth. Have you tried a dry mouth rinse before? Might it's worth a shot? You could check out the Amazon reviews for it https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/reviews/B003O93LNM/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8

If you have $6,000 for Invisalign you (probably) have $39 for a Dremel.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BACCDA

It made a world of difference for me. Good luck!

These are the three I use. Mixed with some almond milk, the shakes will add a couple hundred calories to each meal, plus 20-30 grams of protein. Soylent is another good option for a quick on-the-go meal. There have been a few days where I went out, and just brought a bottle with me to drink. I left my trays in, and swished really well with water afterwards. I definitely don't do that often, but it works in a pinch!

https://www.amazon.com/Naturade-VeganSmart-Plant-Based-Nutritional/dp/B00CWLA57S/ref=sr_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520989546&sr=8-10&keywords=vegan%2Bprotein%2Bpowder&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Plant-Based-Soy-Free-Vegetarian-Chocolate/dp/B00FD2WKQM/ref=sr_1_17_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520989546&sr=8-17&keywords=vegan%2Bprotein%2Bpowder&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Sports-Protein-Powder-2-Pound/dp/B001DB4MFO/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520989675&sr=8-3&keywords=pea+protein

My ortho gives me these.. I always ask for a ton at each appointment. Looks like they’re $18 on amazon. You just put them in your trays and wear it for a bit. My teeth and attachments are the same color and generally whiter and I’m on tray 22/33

LumiBrite 32% Take-Home Whitening Gel Refill 6 Syringes 2.5 mL EACH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCZBNE0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_42z-Ab7Z4PVEN

I really try to brush/floss after eating. Keeping these: https://www.amazon.com/Colgate-Wisp-Peppermint-16-Brushes/dp/B001TH8Y60, along with travel floss in my purse and/or go bag for places (airport bathrooms; grungy bars; or even my office if I don't have time to get to the ladies for a proper cleaning) I don't want to use a toothbrush has been helpful

Keeping each tray in for a month is very strange. I've never heard of anyone doing that personally. 1-2 weeks is pretty typical, I'm on a 5 day change cycle with Acceledent. For cleaning, I use this soap. Morning and night, I do a short 5 minute soak then lightly brush them and Rinse. I was told technically only water to drink, but they also did say that I can get away with occasional alcohol or iced coffee, as long as I'm good about rinsing after. No hot drinks because they could warp the aligners. Normally staining or clouding would be an issue, but I switch every 5 days.

I think I fall in line with most of the folks here. If I have the equipment and the time, I'll brush/floss, I've noticed I need to swoosh around a lot more after brushing. I'll swish and spit a few mouthfuls of water and make sure nothing everything that was dislodged is out of my mouth. If I'm on the run or out, I'll just rinse/toothpick/use one of these, and toss em back in. As many have suggested, if I'm out all day and don't get a good brush, I'll spend a little extra time cleaning the tray at night. Do do a full on brush/floss every time I eat is a bit excessive, but I will say I don't feel "right" until I have done a brush floss, for instance, I will likely never go to bed without brushing/flossing and making sure there's no chunks in/around the trays.

Mine broke so I ordered two of these, much better! https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00EQA51RM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1503560704&sr=8-1&keywords=invisalign+case

https://www.amazon.com/Hydrogen-Peroxide-Antiseptic-Solution-Bottles/dp/B000TZ769Y

It is available at https://amzn.to/2ZCtEy6 and enter the code REDDIT50OFF at checkout for 50% off!

I also brush the trays any time I eat. Soft bristle brush, no toothpaste, water only.

 
When I'm at work or out:

the trays get thorough rinse, a cursory brush "inside" under running water and a quick check over for any obvious "build up". Then I put the trays back in to brush briefly over the outside (it's far easier when they're on your teeth).

 
When I'm at home (and at least once a day, in the evening):

I soak the trays in a mild solution of white vinegar while I'm eating, as a mild disinfectant/cleaner. Some people suggest a 50:50 mix but honestly mine is more like only 25:75 vinegar:water. If I remember, I'll switch them into plain water after 15-20 minutes -- though I frequently forget and I've left them in the solution for 60+ minutes without issue.

Before I put them back on I brush them thoroughly. I have a bunch of attachments (22, I think) so have to pay particular attention to getting the bristles into those gaps and checking the trays closely for any build-up. I have a soft brush head attachment for my electric toothbrush, and tend to use this at least once a day (without too much physical pressure and not for too long) to make it easier/more thorough to get into the attachment indentations -- I haven't seen any adverse effects from using the electric brush, since the trays already spend all day getting knocked around/ground together by my teeth.

 

Other than the mild vinegar soak each day I don't use any other chemicals, toothpaste, mouthwash, rinses, or commercial cleaners on the trays. I think you run the risk of staining or turning them cloudy if you use anything too "harsh" (acidic/basic) too regularly.

Other than cleaning the trays directly, the main "tricks" seem to be simply:

a) avoid drinks that may stain or discolor -- coffee, tea, red wine, etc. ... anything sugary or acid are a bad idea for both the trays and your teeth. Honestly, just stick to water most of the time until the trays are out.

b) make sure you clean your teeth thoroughly before putting the trays back in. Anything you fail to clean off or out from between your teeth is going to be stuck fast between your teeth and the trays for the next 5-8 hours when you remove them again, which bad for both. I try to floss and brush (at least briefly) after each meal now. If you don't see yourself flossing outside the comfort of your own bathroom, at least pick up some dental picks so you can surreptitiously get between the teeth to some degree before brushing. (These are the ones I prefer.) Yes, it's a bit of a pain in the ass but a good habit to get into.

 

FWIW, no, there's no residual vinegar taste/smell at all after you rinse and brush with clean water, and white vinegar is dead cheap compared to mouthwashes or any commercial retainer cleaners.