How to Clean Your Invisible Aligners

Invisible aligners are one of the most convenient ways to straighten your teeth, subtle, removable, and highly effective. But keeping them sparkling clean is just as important as wearing them. Why? Because poor aligner hygiene doesn’t just affect your aligners; it affects your breath, your oral health, and even the success of your treatment.

In this quick guide, we'll walk you through the best aligner cleaning tips, provide expert insight on clear aligner maintenance, and show you exactly how to clean clear aligners the right way. Whether you're just starting your journey with invisible aligners or are already deep into your smile transformation, this post is packed with essential advice. And yes, we’ll also talk about why ALIGNERCO customers enjoy one of the easiest daily cleaning routines in the industry.

Why Is Aligner Hygiene So Important?

Invisible aligners are worn for 20–22 hours a day, which means they’re exposed to everything in your mouth, saliva, bacteria, food particles, and more. Without proper oral appliance care, these microscopic leftovers can quickly become a breeding ground for odor, plaque, and even infections.

Here’s what poor aligner hygiene can lead to:

• Bad breath
• Cloudy, stained aligners
• Increased risk of cavities and gum disease
• Delayed or ineffective treatment results

This is why practicing a daily cleaning routine for aligners isn’t just good advice, it’s non-negotiable for anyone serious about their dental health and smile transformation.

The Best Way to Clean Invisible Aligners: Basic Supplies

Cleaning your aligners doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple, affordable toolkit for everyday care:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Gentle, clear liquid soap
• Lukewarm water (not hot!)
• A clean towel or tissue for drying
• Aligner cleansing tablets

How to Clean Clear Aligners in 5 Easy Steps

Now, let’s break down the best way to clean invisible aligners using a dentist-approved process.

Rinse Immediately after Removal

Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them under lukewarm running water to wash away saliva and loose debris. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp the plastic.

Brush Gently with a Soft Toothbrush

Use a toothbrush dedicated solely to your aligners. Gently scrub them under running water. Don’t use toothpaste, it’s abrasive and can scratch the aligners, making them cloudy over time.

Soak Periodically (Once a Day or a Few Times a Week)

Soaking your aligners in a cleaning solution, like aligner cleaning tablets, helps remove deeper-set bacteria. Fill a cup with lukewarm water, drop in the tablet, and let the aligners soak for 5 minutes or better overnight. Or you can also use a UV ultrasonic cleaner to clean your aligners.

Rinse Again and Dry

After soaking or brushing, rinse your aligners thoroughly to remove any residue. Pat them dry with a clean towel or let them air-dry completely before putting them back in your mouth or their case.

Clean Your Aligner Case Too

A sparkling aligner is useless if your aligner case is filled with bacteria. Rinse it daily and wash it with soap and water a few times a week. Let it air dry fully to prevent moisture buildup.

The ALIGNERCO Advantage: Simplified Aligner Cleaning

At ALIGNERCO, we believe taking care of your aligners should be effortless. That’s why our products are made to fit your lifestyle:

• UV Ultrasonic Cleaner: A compact device that uses ultrasonic vibrations and UV light to kill 99.99% of bacteria. You just have to fill the cleaner with water and put your aligners in it, choose your cleaning mode, and get your aligners germ-free.
• Aligner Cleansing Tablets: Quick-dissolve formula designed to remove plaque and odor. Put a cleansing tablet in a warm glass of water, let the tablet dissolve, and soak your aligners in it for 5 minutes. If you want better results, soak them overnight.
• Aligner Cleaner + Whitener Foam : Cleans your aligners and whitens your teeth in minutes. Put the cleaner foam in your aligners, pop them in like you normally do, and let the cleaner do its magic.
• Compact Aligner Case: Keep your aligners in an aligner case, which is already included in every ALIGNERCO Aligner plan.

Our customers love the convenience of our cleaning solutions, which are safe, fast-acting, and travel-friendly. Whether you're at home or on the go, ALIGNERCO makes it easy to stick to your cleaning routine without hassle.

Daily Cleaning Routine for Aligners: Keep It Consistent

Creating a routine makes it easier to stick with your aligner hygiene goals. Here’s a simple daily cleaning routine for aligners that works well for most people: