Caring for Clear Aligners: Tips for a Successful Treatment

Clear aligners make straightening your teeth easier, but they’re not maintenance-free. If you don’t clean and care for them properly, they can stain, trap bacteria, or even start to smell. But, a few simple habits can keep them fresh, clear, and working effectively so your treatment stays on track. Follow these clear aligner care tips to keep your trays clean, comfortable, and working effectively.

How to Keep Your Aligners in Top Shape

1. Clean Your Aligners Daily

Your Invisalign aligners spend most of the day in your mouth, so keeping them clean is a must. Rinse them with lukewarm water every time you take them out. Use a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste!) to gently scrub off bacteria and plaque. Hot water? Bad idea—it can warp the plastic, ruining the fit.

2. Soak Them for a Deeper Clean

Even with daily brushing, your aligners need a little extra care. Soak them in aligner cleaner or denture tablets for about 15 minutes a day. This helps remove any lingering buildup and keeps them fresh. Skip the mouthwash—it can stain or damage the plastic.

3. Take Them Out Before Eating or Drinking

Aligners aren’t made for chewing, and food can easily get trapped inside them. Always remove them before eating or drinking anything but water. Coffee, tea, and soda can stain your aligners, and biting down on hard foods can crack them.

4. Brush and Floss Before Putting Them Back in

Putting aligners back over unbrushed teeth is like sealing in bacteria for hours. Yuck! Always brush and floss before popping them back in to avoid bad breath, plaque buildup, and cavities.

5. Store Them Properly

Lost aligners happen more often than you’d think. Avoid wrapping them in a napkin (that’s how they end up in the trash!). When not in use, always keep them in their protective case to prevent loss, bacteria buildup, or accidental damage.

6. Wear Them as Directed

Your aligners won’t work if they’re sitting in their case. For the best results, wear them for 20–22 hours a day. Skipping or delaying wear time can slow down your progress, meaning your treatment will take longer.

Clear Aligner Care at Rock Hill Orthodontics in Cherry Hill, NJ

Caring for your aligners helps keep your treatment on track and your smile looking great. At Rock Hill Orthodontics in Cherry Hill, NJ, Dr. Ambika Sharma provides expert guidance on aligner care and proper wear to ensure the best results.

Need advice on clear aligner care or have questions about your treatment? Schedule an appointment today and let’s keep your smile moving in the right direction!

Categorised in: Invisalign