Clear aligners offer a convenient and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces for achieving teeth straightening. 

Renowned for their comfort, discretion, and user-friendly nature, these aligners require diligent care and maintenance to preserve their cleanliness and freshness.

For individuals utilizing clear aligners as part of their teeth-straightening journey, maintaining a stringent hygiene regimen is paramount. This not only contributes to overall oral health and enhances aesthetic appeal but also ensures the optimal functionality and longevity of the aligners.

Within this comprehensive guide, we will delve into effective practices and invaluable tips for maintaining the cleanliness of your clear aligners. 

Additionally, we will debunk common myths that could potentially jeopardize the well-being of both your aligners and oral health.

By adhering to these recommended practices, you can safeguard the radiance and health of your smile with confidence.

Why Cleaning Your Aligner Matters

Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. 

They are removable, comfortable, and virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for many people who want to improve their smile. 

However, like any other dental appliance, they require proper care and maintenance to prevent problems.

Risks of Neglecting Aligner Hygiene 

Some of the risks of neglecting aligner hygiene are:

Consequences of Neglecting Aligner Hygiene	Description
Bacteria buildup	Your mouth is full of bacteria that can stick to your aligners and cause bad breath, plaque, cavities, and gum disease.  If you don’t clean your aligners regularly, you are exposing your teeth and gums to harmful germs that can damage your oral health.
Stains	Your aligners are designed to be transparent and discreet, but they can become discolored over time if you don’t clean them properly.  Food particles, drinks, tobacco, and other substances can stain your aligners and make them noticeable and unattractive.  This can affect your confidence and self-esteem, as well as the effectiveness of your treatment.
Reduced aligner lifespan	Your aligners are made of durable plastic, but they can wear out faster if you don’t take good care of them.  Dirty aligners can become brittle, cracked, or warped, which can compromise their fit and function.  This can delay your treatment progress and require additional visits to your orthodontist.

A systematic review by Gabriele Rossini, and fellow peers in 2015 found a significant improvement in the periodontal health indexes, particularly when clear aligner treatment (CAT) was compared to fixed appliances. No periodontal CAT adverse effects were observed.

Daily Cleaning Routine

To avoid these problems, you should clean your aligners every day by following these simple steps:

Brushing

You should brush your aligners every morning and night with a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth) and clear unscented antibacterial soap. 

Gently brush the inside and outside surfaces of your aligners, paying special attention to the areas where food debris may accumulate. 

Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water after brushing.

Soaking

You should also soak your aligners at least once a day in lukewarm water with one of the following solutions:

Tips for Soaking Aligners	Description
Branded cleaning crystals or tablets	These are specially formulated products that can dissolve dirt, bacteria, and stains from your aligners. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount and duration of soaking.
Diluted white vinegar solution	You can make your own natural cleaning solution by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts water. Soak your aligners for 15 to 30 minutes in this solution, then rinse them well with cold water.
Baking soda paste	You can also use baking soda as a mild abrasive to scrub away stubborn stains from your aligners. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, then apply it to your aligners with a toothbrush or a cotton swab. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.

Additional tips

Here are some more tips to keep in mind for your daily cleaning routine:

Tips for Aligner Optimizing Hygiene	Description
Rinse your aligners after every meal and sugary drink	This will prevent food particles and sugars from sticking to your aligners and causing bacteria growth and stains.   If you can’t brush or soak your aligners right away, at least rinse them with water until you can.
Never use hot water, harsh chemicals or toothpaste	These can damage your aligners by warping their shape, discoloring their surface or scratching their material.  Always use lukewarm or cold water and mild soap or cleaning solutions for your aligners.
Store your aligners in a dry clean case during meals and cleaning	This will protect your aligners from dust, dirt and bacteria when you are not wearing them.  Never leave your aligners exposed to air or wrapped in a tissue or napkin, as this can increase the risk of losing or damaging them.

 

Deep Cleaning

In addition to your daily cleaning routine, you should also perform a periodic deep cleaning of your aligners every one or two weeks. 

This will help remove any stubborn dirt, bacteria, or stains that may have accumulated over time.

To do a deep cleaning, you can repeat the soaking steps with deeper cleaning solutions (per manufacturer’s instructions) such as:

Deep Cleaning Techniques	Description
Denture cleaner	This is a product that is designed to clean dentures and other dental appliances. It can effectively remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your aligners.  Follow the directions on the package for the amount and duration of soaking.
Hydrogen peroxide	This is a common household product that can disinfect and whiten your aligners.   Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and soak your aligners for 30 minutes in this solution. Rinse them well with cold water afterward.
Ultrasonic cleaners	These are devices that use high-frequency sound waves to create bubbles that can loosen and remove dirt, bacteria, and stains from your aligners.  They are optional, but they can enhance your cleaning results. Follow the instructions on the device for the amount of water and cleaning solution to use and the duration of cleaning.

This will not only improve your oral health and aesthetics but also make your aligner experience more comfortable and enjoyable. 

Remember to also visit your orthodontist regularly for check-ups and adjustments, and to follow their recommendations for wearing and changing your aligners. 

With proper care and maintenance, you can achieve the smile of your dreams with clear aligners!

A 2023 study by Maierdanjiang Rouzi, and fellow peers found that during the clear aligner treatment, the patients’ periodontium remained in a healthy condition, and clear aligner treatment had no significant impact on the composition of subgingival microbiota.

Maintaining Freshness

One of the main concerns that many aligner users have is how to prevent their aligners from developing an unpleasant odor. 

This can happen due to bacteria buildup, food particles, or saliva residue on the aligners. 

How to Maintain Oral Health 

To avoid this, here are some simple steps you can take:

Tips to Maintain Oral Health	Description
Use mouthwash before inserting your aligners	This will help kill any germs in your mouth and freshen your breath.   However, avoid using colored mouthwash, as it may stain your aligners.
Consider using aligner fresheners or sprays	These are specially designed products that can help deodorize and sanitize your aligners.  You can spray them on your aligners before wearing them or after taking them off.   However, consult your dentist before using any such products, as some may contain harsh chemicals that may damage your aligners or irritate your gums.
Stick to good oral hygiene practices	This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth with water after every meal or snack.  This will help remove any food debris or plaque that may get stuck on your aligners or between your teeth. Also, make sure to clean your aligners every time you take them off or put them on.

Travel Essentials

If you are traveling with your clear aligners, you may face some challenges in keeping them clean and safe. 

Travel Tips 

Here are some tips for aligner care on the go:

Travel Tips for Aligners	Description
Pack a portable cleaning kit	This should include a mini brush, a travel-sized cleaning solution, and a case for storing your aligners.  You can use the brush and the solution to gently scrub your aligners whenever you have access to a sink or a bathroom. You can also use denture tablets or baking soda as alternative cleaning solutions.  However, avoid using toothpaste, as it may scratch or dull your aligners.
Carry a clean water bottle	This will help you rinse your mouth and your aligners whenever you need to. Avoid using tap water or bottled water that may contain minerals or chlorine that may discolor or damage your aligners.
Avoid leaving your aligners exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures	This may warp or melt your aligners, affecting their fit and function.  Always store your aligners in their case when not in use, and keep them away from heat sources or windows.

Let’s Bust Some Common Myths

There are many misconceptions and myths about clear aligner care that may lead you to make mistakes that may harm your aligners or your oral health. 

Here are some of the most common ones and why they are false:

Myth 1: Using toothpaste is fine for cleaning aligners

Fact: 

Toothpaste is not suitable for cleaning clear aligners, as it may contain abrasive ingredients that may scratch or dull the surface of the aligners, making them more visible and prone to staining.

Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleaning solution to gently clean your aligners.

Myth 2: Hot water cleans aligners better

Fact: 

Hot water is not good for clear aligners, as it may cause them to warp or shrink, affecting their fit and function. 

Always use lukewarm or cold water to rinse or soak your aligners.

Myth 3: Soaking aligners in mouthwash keeps them fresh

Fact: 

Mouthwash is not a good option for soaking clear aligners, as it may contain alcohol or coloring agents that may dry out or stain the aligners. Also, mouthwash does not remove the bacteria or plaque that may accumulate on the aligners. 

Instead, use a denture cleaner or a baking soda solution to soak your aligners for about 15 minutes once a day.

Myth 4: You only need to clean your aligners once a day

Fact: 

You need to clean your clear aligners every time you take them off or put them on, which should be at least twice a day. This will help prevent bacteria buildup, odor, and staining on the aligners. 

Also, remember to brush and floss your teeth before wearing your aligners, as any food particles or plaque left on your teeth may transfer to the aligners.

Myth 5: You can skip aligner cleaning for a day or two if you’re busy

Fact: 

Skipping clear aligner cleaning is not advisable, as it may lead to serious oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath, or infections. Also, it may affect the effectiveness of your aligner treatment, as dirty aligners may not fit or move your teeth properly. 

Therefore, make aligner cleaning a part of your daily routine, and do not compromise on it.

Myth 6: Aligners don’t need deep cleaning

Fact: 

Aligners do need deep cleaning once in a while, as regular cleaning may not remove all the bacteria or plaque that may be stuck on the aligners. You can use an ultrasonic cleaner or a professional cleaning service to deep clean your aligners. 

However, consult your dentist before using any such methods, as some may not be compatible with your aligners.

Myth 7: You can use any cleaning solution for your aligners

Fact: 

Not all cleaning solutions are safe or effective for clear aligners, as some may contain harsh chemicals that may damage or discolor the aligners. Also, some may not kill all the germs or remove all the plaque that may be on the aligners. 

Therefore, use only recommended cleaning solutions for your aligners, such as denture cleaners, baking soda solutions, or aligner-specific products.

Myth 8: Your aligners will automatically stay clean if you brush well

Fact: 

Brushing well is important for your oral health, but it is not enough to keep your clear aligners clean. You still need to clean your aligners separately, as brushing alone may not reach all the areas or corners of the aligners where bacteria or plaque may hide. 

Also, brushing may not remove the stains or odors that may develop on the aligners over time.

Myth 9: You can clean your aligners with soap and water only

Fact: 

Soap and water are not sufficient for cleaning clear aligners, as soap may leave a residue on the aligners that may affect their clarity or comfort. Also, water alone may not remove all the bacteria or plaque that may be on the aligners. 

Therefore, use a mild cleaning solution along with soap and water to thoroughly clean your aligners.

Myth 10: Clear Aligners don’t need to be replaced as often as traditional braces

Fact: 

Clear Aligners do need to be replaced periodically, as they may wear out or lose their shape over time. This may affect their ability to move their teeth effectively and comfortably. Your dentist will provide you with a set of aligners that you will need to change every one or two weeks, depending on your treatment plan. 

Do not skip or delay changing your aligners, as this may slow down or compromise your treatment results.

Keeping your clear aligners clean is not only important for their appearance but also for their effectiveness and health. 

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your aligners stay clear, fresh, and comfortable throughout your treatment. 

You can also enjoy the benefits of having a beautiful and healthy smile that you can be proud of.

If you have any questions or concerns about your aligners or your oral hygiene, don’t hesitate to consult our panel of qualified orthodontists. 

They can provide you with personalized advice and guidance on how to care for your aligners and your teeth. They can also monitor your progress and make any adjustments as needed to ensure your treatment is going smoothly.

If you’re intrigued by the prospect of straightening your teeth with our FDA-certified invisible braces, please fill out the contact form below. Our friendly customer service reps will reach out to guide you on the next steps. All your information will be kept confidential.