Clear aligners make it easy to straighten your teeth without changing your everyday lifestyle, but like your teeth, they need regular cleaning to stay fresh.
Because your aligners sit against your teeth for 20–22 hours a day, they’re exposed to saliva, plaque and bacteria throughout the day. Without proper care, they can become cloudy, develop an unpleasant smell and make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
The good news? Keeping your aligners clean only takes a few minutes each day.
Here’s the simple routine we recommend to our patients at L&L Orthodontics.
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Aligners?
Keeping your aligners clean isn’t just about keeping them looking clear.
A good cleaning routine helps reduce plaque and bacteria build-up, supports healthy teeth and gums, and keeps your aligners fresh throughout treatment.
Clean aligners also feel more comfortable to wear, making it easier to stay consistent with the 20–22 hours of daily wear recommended by your Specialist Orthodontist.
Step 1: Rinse Your Aligners Every Time You Take Them Out
Every time you remove your aligners for a meal, snack or drink, give them a quick rinse under cool or lukewarm running water.
This simple habit helps wash away saliva before it dries onto the aligners and reduces the build-up of plaque throughout the day.
Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic and affect how your aligners fit.
Step 2: Brush Your Teeth Before Putting Them Back In
Think of your aligners as a close-fitting cover for your teeth.
If you put them back in after eating without brushing, food particles and plaque can become trapped against your teeth for hours.
Whenever possible, brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners. Flossing once a day is just as important for keeping the areas between your teeth clean throughout treatment.
Step 3: Give Your Aligners a Gentle Clean
Every time you brush your teeth, give your aligners a gentle clean too.
Using a separate soft toothbrush and a small amount of clear, mild soap, lightly brush both sides of the aligners before rinsing them thoroughly.
Although it might seem like the obvious choice, toothpaste isn’t recommended. Many toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can leave tiny scratches on the aligner material, making them appear cloudy over time.
Step 4: Deep Clean Your Aligners
Your everyday cleaning routine removes most plaque and debris, but it’s worth giving your aligners a deeper clean throughout the week as well.
We recommend soaking your aligners in Orthobrite Cleaning Tablets, which are specifically designed for clear aligners, retainers and other removable orthodontic appliances.
Simply dissolve half a tablet in lukewarm water, soak your aligners for around 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before wearing them again.
Orthobrite Cleaning Tablets are available from our Melbourne CBD and Templestowe clinics.
Step 5: Make Cleaning Even Easier with a Sonic Cleaner
If you’re looking for an easier way to keep your aligners clean, a sonic cleaner can be a great addition to your daily routine.
The GO2 Dentagenie Sonic Cleaner uses ultrasonic vibrations to clean removable appliances such as clear aligners, retainers and mouthguards. Many patients enjoy the convenience of simply placing their aligners into the cleaner while they brush their teeth.
For a deeper clean, add half a tablet of Orthobrite Cleaning Tablets.
It’s a simple way to make aligner care part of your everyday routine.
Step 6: Only Wear Your Aligners with Water
One of the easiest ways to keep your aligners clear is to remove them before eating or drinking anything other than cool water.
Coffee, tea, red wine and coloured drinks can stain your aligners, while hot drinks may affect the aligner material.
After eating or drinking, brush your teeth where possible before putting your aligners back in.
Step 7: Keep Them Safe in Their Case
It happens more often than you’d think.
Aligners wrapped in a napkin are accidentally thrown away, left on café tables or discovered by a curious family dog.
Whenever your aligners aren’t in your mouth, store them in their protective case. It helps keep them clean, reduces the chance of damage and makes them much easier to find when you need them.
Common Questions About Cleaning Clear Aligners
Can I clean my aligners with toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste can scratch the surface of your aligners, making them appear cloudy. A soft toothbrush with mild soap and cool water is a better option.
How often should I clean my aligners?
We recommend rinsing them every time you remove them and cleaning them thoroughly each time you brush your teeth.
Can I use hot water?
No. Hot water can distort the aligner material and affect how your aligners fit.
How do I remove stains from my aligners?
Regular cleaning and soaking your aligners with Orthobrite Cleaning Tablets can help remove surface staining. Removing your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water is the best way to prevent stains in the first place.
Do I need a sonic cleaner?
Not necessarily, but many patients find a sonic cleaner makes keeping their aligners clean quicker and more convenient.
Looking After Your Aligners Means Looking After Your Smile
Looking after your aligners doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple habits each day can help keep your aligners fresh while supporting healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment.
If you ever have questions about caring for your aligners or you’re looking for product recommendations, our team is always happy to help.
Thinking About Clear Aligners?
If you’re considering clear aligners for yourself or your teenager, book a consultation with one of our Specialist Orthodontists at our Melbourne CBD or Templestowe clinics.
We’ll assess your smile, answer your questions and discuss whether clear aligners may be suitable for you.