Aligners sit against your teeth about 22 hours a day, so anything left on them stays against your teeth too. A few minutes of cleaning a day keeps them clear, keeps bad smells away, and protects your teeth. Here's a routine that works, plus the mistakes that ruin aligners.
The daily routine
Every time you take them out
- Rinse both aligners under lukewarm or cool water. This clears saliva before it dries into a film.
- Put them in the case, never in a napkin. Napkins are how most aligners end up in the trash.
Morning and night
- Brush gently inside and out with a soft toothbrush. Use one that's only for your aligners.
- Use clear, unscented liquid soap or a cleaner made for aligners. Colored or scented soaps can leave a taste or tint.
- Rinse well before putting them back in.
Before putting them back in
Brush and floss your teeth, or at least rinse your mouth with water. Otherwise food and sugar get sealed against your teeth under the plastic.
Deep cleaning
A soak once a day or a few times a week helps with film and odor. Options include:
- Aligner cleaning crystals or tablets, used as directed on the package.
- A small ultrasonic cleaner, which uses vibration to loosen buildup.
Some brands advise against denture cleaners. If you're unsure whether a product is safe for your aligners, ask your provider or check your aligner brand's care instructions.
What never to use
- Hot or boiling water. Heat can warp aligners so they no longer fit.
- Regular toothpaste. It's abrasive and scratches the plastic, making it cloudy and easier for bacteria to stick to.
- Colored mouthwash or scented soap. These can stain or leave a taste.
- Harsh chemicals such as bleach or alcohol.
- The dishwasher or washing machine. Heat and detergent damage the plastic.
Don't forget the case
A dirty case puts bacteria right back on clean aligners. Rinse it daily, wash it with mild soap a few times a week, and let it air dry.
Cleaning when you're out
At a restaurant or at work you won't always have soap and a sink. At a minimum, rinse the aligners with water, rinse your mouth, and brush properly at the next chance. A small kit with a travel toothbrush, floss, and your case makes this easy. See our travel checklist.
Signs your aligners need more attention
- A cloudy or white film that doesn't brush off
- A bad smell or taste
- Visible stains, often from coffee or tea drunk with aligners in
Step up your routine, and remember the good news: you'll switch to a fresh tray soon. Stains are also a hint to check what you're drinking with aligners in.
Track it instead of guessing
TrackMyAligners logs your wear time with one tap, reminds you when aligners are out too long, and tells you when to switch trays. Free on iPhone.
The bottom line
Rinse every time, brush twice a day with a soft brush and clear soap, keep the water cool, and skip the toothpaste. Clean aligners look better, smell better, and are better for your teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean my aligners with toothpaste?
It's best not to. Most toothpaste is abrasive and can leave tiny scratches that make aligners cloudy and trap bacteria. Use a soft brush with clear, unscented soap or a cleaner made for aligners.
Can I soak my aligners in mouthwash?
Colored or alcohol-based mouthwash can stain or dull the plastic. If you want a soak, use a product made for clear aligners and follow its instructions.
How do I get rid of cloudy or smelly aligners?
Brush them gently twice a day, rinse after every removal, and add a soak with an aligner cleaner. Clean your case too. If an aligner stays cloudy, remember you'll switch to a fresh one soon.
Can I put aligners in the dishwasher?
No. Dishwasher heat and detergent can warp and damage them.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your orthodontist or dentist knows your case, so follow their instructions if they differ from anything here.