How to care for your clear aligners
Your aligners spend most of the day pressed against your teeth, so how you look after them affects how they look, how they smell and how well they work. Learning how to clean clear aligners takes a few minutes, and once it becomes a habit it costs you almost no extra time. This guide covers a simple daily routine, the mistakes that damage aligners, and how to store them when they are out of your mouth.
Why aligner care matters
Saliva, food particles and bacteria collect on any surface in the mouth. If an aligner is not cleaned, that film builds up into a cloudy layer, it can start to smell, and it holds bacteria against your teeth and gums for hours at a time. A clean aligner stays clear, feels fresh and lets your dentist see how it is fitting.
Care also protects the aligner itself. Alignova aligners are made from a tri-layer material: a hard, clear outer shell, an elastic core and a smooth inner shell. That structure is designed to apply gentle, consistent force, and it only does that properly if the aligner keeps its exact shape. Heat, harsh chemicals and rough handling can change that shape.
How to clean clear aligners every day
A good routine is short and easy to repeat:
- Rinse every time you take them out. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water to wash off saliva before it dries.
- Brush them gently twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush kept only for your aligners. Brush inside and outside with a little mild, clear, unscented soap, then rinse well.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting them back. Clean teeth mean you are not trapping food inside the aligner.
- Soak if your dentist recommends it. Some dentists suggest a cleaning product made for aligners or retainers. Follow the product instructions and your dentist's advice.
Many dentists advise against using toothpaste on the aligners themselves, because some toothpastes are abrasive and can leave fine scratches that make the plastic look dull. Ask your dentist what they prefer.
What to avoid
- Hot water. Never wash aligners in hot or boiling water, and never leave them in a hot car or in direct sun. Heat can warp the plastic so it no longer fits. This matters in a Pakistani summer, when a car parked outside can get very hot.
- Coloured or scented products. Coloured mouthwash and soaps can stain or leave a taste.
- Bleach and strong cleaners. They can damage the material and are not safe in your mouth.
- Hard brushes. Stiff bristles scratch the surface.
- Chewing on them. Biting on the edges or flicking them with your tongue can crack or loosen them.
Storing aligners when they are out
The most common way to lose an aligner is to wrap it in a tissue at a meal and forget it. Use the case every time, even for a short meal at a restaurant or a wedding dinner. A case also keeps the aligner away from dust, pets and small children.
Keep the case clean too. Rinse it and let it dry open once a day so moisture does not collect inside. If you carry a small kit in your bag, include the case, a travel toothbrush and a small bottle of water so you can rinse anywhere.
Keeping aligners clear and fresh
The outer shell of Alignova aligners is designed to resist staining, but no plastic is stain-proof if it is left soaking in tea, coffee or curry all day. The simple rule is to take aligners out for everything except plain water. Our guide to eating and drinking with clear aligners covers this in detail.
If an aligner starts to smell, it usually means it needs more thorough brushing, or that teeth are not being brushed before it goes back in. If cloudiness or a white film keeps coming back, mention it to your dentist.
Looking after your teeth and gums
Caring for aligners and caring for your teeth go together. Brush at least twice a day, floss or use interdental brushes once a day, and keep regular dental check-ups. If you have attachments, small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to some teeth, brush around them carefully as plaque can collect at their edges. You can read more about how treatment works in how clear aligners work.
When you switch to the next aligner
Your dentist will tell you when to change aligners. Keep your previous aligner, cleaned and dry in a labelled bag or case, unless your dentist tells you otherwise. If the new aligner is lost or damaged, the previous one may be useful while you contact the clinic. See what to do if an aligner is lost or broken.
If your dentist uses the Alignova patient app, each aligner change is also when you take your three progress photos. A clean aligner makes those photos much easier for your dentist to review. Learn more about aligner monitoring.
A simple daily checklist
- Morning: take aligners out, rinse, brush them gently, brush your teeth, put aligners back.
- Meals: aligners in the case, eat, brush or at least rinse your mouth, aligners back in.
- Night: brush and floss thoroughly, clean the aligners, clean and dry the case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean my aligners with toothpaste?
Many dentists advise against it because some toothpastes are abrasive and can scratch the plastic. A soft brush with mild, clear soap and cool water is a common alternative. Follow your dentist's advice.
Can I put aligners in hot water to sterilise them?
No. Hot or boiling water can warp aligners so they no longer fit correctly. Use cool or lukewarm water only.
Why does my aligner look cloudy?
Cloudiness usually comes from dried saliva and plaque. Rinse every time you remove the aligner and brush it gently twice a day. If it does not improve, ask your dentist.
Do I need special cleaning tablets?
Not always. A good brushing routine is often enough. Some dentists recommend a soaking product as well, so ask what suits you.
Clear aligners are a prescription treatment. Whether they suit you is decided by a licensed dentist or orthodontist after an examination.
Take the free smile check and a partner dentist will contact you about an assessment.