How to Care for Your Clear Aligners
Keep your aligners clean, clear, and working effectively with these simple tips.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are a popular orthodontic option for teens and adults who want a straighter smile without the look of traditional braces. But to get the best results—and avoid unwanted odors, stains, or buildup—caring for your aligners properly is just as important as wearing them consistently.
At Shine Ortho Studio, we want to help you protect your investment and keep your smile journey on track. Here’s how to take excellent care of your clear aligners, from daily cleaning to smart storage.
Rinse Every Time You Remove Them
Each time you take your aligners out—whether it’s to eat, drink, or brush your teeth—give them a quick rinse under lukewarm water. This helps wash away saliva and plaque before they dry and harden on the plastic. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material and affect how the aligners fit.
Clean Them Gently (But Thoroughly) at Least Once a Day
Use a soft toothbrush (not the one you use on your teeth) and clear, unscented soap or a gentle aligner cleaner to brush your trays once a day. Don’t use toothpaste—it’s abrasive and can scratch the surface, making your aligners look cloudy over time.
Pro tip: Brush your aligners at the same time you brush your teeth at night to make it part of your routine.
Avoid Eating or Drinking with Aligners In
Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food particles and colored drinks like coffee, soda, or juice can stain the plastic and trap bacteria, leading to bad breath and plaque buildup.
Store Aligners Safely in Their Case
Whenever your aligners aren’t in your mouth, they should be in their case. Leaving them in a napkin, on a tray, or in your pocket is a fast track to losing or damaging them. Using the case protects your aligners from germs, cracks, and accidental disposal.
Don’t Skip Brushing and Flossing
Since aligners fit snugly against your teeth, any food or plaque left behind gets trapped underneath and can lead to cavities, gum irritation, or bad breath. Make sure to brush and floss thoroughly before putting your aligners back in—especially after meals.
Use Cleaning Crystals or Soaks Occasionally
For a deeper clean, consider using aligner cleaning crystals or tablets once or twice a week. These are designed specifically to disinfect and freshen up your trays without damaging them. Just follow the instructions on the package, and rinse thoroughly afterward.
Follow Your Wear Schedule
While it’s not a cleaning tip, sticking to your wear schedule is key to keeping your treatment on track. Wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day, and only switch to your next set when directed by your orthodontist.
Keep Your Aligners—and Your Smile—Looking Their Best
Clear aligners are a fantastic, discreet way to straighten your teeth—but they only work as well as you care for them. With a few simple habits, you can keep them clean, clear, and effective throughout your treatment.
Have questions about aligner care or your orthodontic progress? We’re here to help.
📞 Call Shine Ortho Studio at 419-989-6609 or schedule a free consultation online—we’re with you every step of the way toward a confident, healthy smile!