Key Takeaways
- Clean your aligners every day to help prevent stains, odour, and cloudy trays.
- Rinse them with lukewarm or room-temperature water each time you take them out.
- Rinse and gently brush your trays every night, following your dentist’s care instructions.
- If you soak your trays, use a cleaner recommended for your aligners and follow its directions.
- Avoid hot water and use only cleaners recommended for your aligners.
You pop your aligners out for lunch and notice they look a little foggy. Maybe they smell a bit off too. That’s a normal part of wearing clear trays all day, and patients at Springbank Dental Centre ask about it often. A few simple steps can help keep your trays clear and fresh.
To clean Invisalign, rinse your aligners in lukewarm water each time you remove them, brush them gently every night with a soft toothbrush, and use an approved cleaner only as directed by your dentist. If you’re thinking about Invisalign treatment for yourself or your teen, these habits can help your trays stay comfortable and easy to wear from your first set to your last.
Why Clean Your Invisalign Aligners Every Day?
Your aligners sit snug against your teeth for most of the day. Over those hours, they collect saliva, tiny food bits, and plaque, which is the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
When that buildup stays put, your trays can start to look stained or cloudy. They can also pick up an odour you notice the moment you take them out.
Clean trays support healthy teeth and fresher breath.
How Do You Rinse & Brush Invisalign Aligners?
Rinse Each Time You Take Them Out
Give your aligners a quick rinse every time they come out, whether that’s for breakfast or a snack at the kids’ soccer game. Use lukewarm or room-temperature water only. Hot water can warp the plastic and change how your trays fit.
Rinsing is a great first step. However, water alone can’t remove all the bacteria, so brushing comes next.
Brush Your Aligners Twice a Day
Each night, use a soft toothbrush to clean your trays. Move in gentle circles and cover every surface, inside and out.
Follow the care instructions provided by your dentist. Ask whether toothpaste or another cleaning product is suitable for your aligners, as recommendations can vary.
What Can You Soak Invisalign Aligners In?
If your dentist recommends soaking your trays, use a cleaner designed for clear aligners and follow its package instructions.
Aligner Crystals & Denture Tablets
Cleaning crystals and denture tablets are made for soaking, but directions vary by product. Follow the package instructions for mixing and soak time, then rinse your trays thoroughly.
- Follow the package directions for cleaning crystals.
- If recommended for your aligners, use Efferdent or Polident tablets according to the package directions.
Is It Safe to Soak Invisalign in Vinegar?
Vinegar may not be suitable for every aligner. Check with your dentist before using a vinegar soak, and follow any care instructions they provide.
Other Household Options
Household cleaners aren’t suitable for every aligner. Ask your dentist before using baking soda or hydrogen peroxide on your trays.
What Should You Avoid When You Clean Invisalign?
Products & Habits to Skip
Some everyday products and habits are a poor match for clear plastic. Keep these swaps in mind:
- Choose plain options over coloured or alcohol-based mouthwash.
- Use only cleaners approved for your specific aligners.
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water from the tap or kettle.
Is Dish Soap Safe for Invisalign?
Dish and dishwasher detergents aren’t made for aligner cleaning and may affect the plastic.
Use a cleaner approved for your aligners instead.
Simple Habits to Keep Your Aligners Fresh
Everyday Tips
A few small habits can help your trays stay clear between cleanings. Try these:
- Take your aligners out before you eat or drink.
- Store them in their case whenever they’re not in your mouth.
- Skip smoking while you wear your aligners.
How Long Do Invisalign Aligners Last?
You usually switch to a new set of trays every one to two weeks, based on your treatment plan. If you have a long trip coming up, plan ahead so your next trays are packed and ready to go.
Your dentist in SW Calgary can also share aligner care tips that fit your routine.
Get Aligner Care Tips From a Dentist in SW Calgary
Clean aligners can help you feel fresh and comfortable through every stage of treatment. A quick rinse, twice-daily brushing, and a few soaks a week go a long way.
The team at Springbank Dental Centre is happy to walk you and your family through aligner care or answer your questions about Invisalign. Book a visit with a dentist in SW Calgary who takes the time to get to know you.
