Keeping your clear aligners sparkling clean is so important during treatment. I mean, you’re popping these plastic trays in and out of your mouth all day long as they work to straighten your teeth. Without proper daily cleaning, aligners would get gross and cloudy real fast from all that tooth and food gunk building up. No thanks!
As an orthodontic assistant, I’ve seen it all when it comes to aligner cleaning. Some patients are diligent about upkeep and their trays look brand new each visit. Others fess up that they just rinse or wipe down aligners quickly before popping them back in their mouth, and it shows – their aligners have horrible plaque buildup and stains after just a few weeks of wear. Not a good look.
Trust me, taking the couple extra minutes each day to thoroughly clean aligners is well worth the effort. Your aligners will be more comfortable, work better, and you’ll avoid unsightly discoloration or odors. Most importantly, good cleaning habits keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment. Follow these pro tips I share with patients for squeaky clean aligners anytime:
How often do I need to wear clear aligners each day?
Rinse First
Before removing aligners, always rinse your mouth and trays with lukewarm water. This washes away any food particles, plaque or saliva so they don’t dry on the aligner surface which can make cleaning tougher later.
Brush With Toothpaste
Use your regular soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste (non-whitening is best) to gently brush away debris on and around aligners, including along the inner surface next to your teeth. Make sure no gunk is sticking in the attachment dimples either. But don’t scrub too aggressively or you could damage the plastic.
Soak in Cleaner The gold standard is using an aligners-specific cleaner daily. These tidy tablet solutions dissolve in water and you just soak aligners for 5-10 minutes to kill germs and lift stains. Retainer Brite and EverSmile WhiteFoam are popular options, or ask your orthodontist for a recommended brand. It’s worth the small investment for aligners that come out looking like new!
For a DIY route, dissolve a denture cleansing tablet in water for soaking instead. Or you can mix a dab of antibacterial dish soap with cool water – just avoid harsh detergents.
What Are The Best Methods Of Not Losing My Clear Aligner?
Brush Inner Surfaces
Here’s a step many patients forget – carefully brush the inside surfaces of aligners that are up against your teeth using toothpaste. That’s where plaque bacteria love to hide out. Give them a good scrub, especially along the gumlines where aligners wrap around teeth. Gotta keep those pearly whites fresh!
Rinse and Air Dry
When finished brushing and soaking, thoroughly rinse aligners under cool water to remove all cleaning solution residue. I recommend leaving them out on a clean towel to completely air dry before putting them back in your mouth or case. Hot tip: lightly wipe the inside of aligners with a microfiber cloth to remove any lingering moisture so they’re comfy when reinserted.
Proper Case Storage
Never toss aligners in a napkin or paper towel – that’s asking for trouble! Only store in the protective case provided, or a hard plastic container if you lost yours. Keeping aligners in the open air makes them more prone to damage or accidentally getting thrown away. Protect that investment.
Avoid Hot Water
Lastly, use only lukewarm or cool water when rinsing aligners. Hot water can warp and distort the shape over time, reducing the snug fit needed for shifting teeth properly. Save hot beverages for when aligners are out of your mouth!
Stick to these simple aligner cleaning habits each day, and I promise your orthodontist will be impressed at how clear and gunk-free your aligners stay from one visit to the next. A few extra minutes maintaining your aligners means a happier, healthier smile in the long run.
