How to Keep Your Clear Aligners Clean and Effective

Clear aligners are designed to fit seamlessly into your everyday life, but keeping them clean is an important part of your treatment.

Your aligners spend hours sitting closely against your teeth, so good cleaning habits help keep them fresh, clear and comfortable while also supporting good oral hygiene throughout your treatment.

The good news? Looking after your aligners doesn't need to be complicated.

The Do’s of Cleaning Your Clear Aligners

Brush and Floss Your Teeth First

Before putting your aligners back in, brush your teeth and floss regularly to remove food particles and plaque.

Putting clean aligners over unclean teeth can trap food and bacteria against your teeth for extended periods, which can contribute to plaque build-up, bad breath and an increased risk of tooth decay.

Aim to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily as part of your normal oral hygiene routine.

Clean Your Aligners Every Day

Your aligners should be cleaned regularly to remove saliva, bacteria and build-up.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water to gently clean your aligners. You can also use a mild, non-abrasive soap or a cleaning product specifically designed for clear aligners.

Avoid scrubbing too aggressively, as scratches can make your aligners look cloudy and harder to keep clean.

Use Aligner Cleaning Tablets

For a deeper clean, you can use cleaning tablets specifically formulated for removable aligners and retainers.

Aalto Aligner & Retainer Cleaning Tablets are designed to help remove build-up and keep your aligners feeling fresh throughout treatment.

Follow the instructions provided with your cleaning product and rinse your aligners thoroughly before putting them back in.

Rinse Your Aligners Before Wearing Them

Whenever you remove your aligners, give them a rinse before putting them back in their case or returning them to your mouth.

A quick rinse helps remove saliva and loose debris and is particularly useful when you're away from home and don't have access to your usual cleaning routine.

Store Them in Their Case

When your aligners aren't in your mouth, keep them safely in their case.

Leaving aligners loose on a table, wrapped in a tissue or sitting in your pocket makes them much easier to lose or accidentally damage.

Your case also helps protect them from dirt and bacteria when you're eating, travelling or simply taking them out during the day.

The Don’ts of Cleaning Your Clear Aligners

Don’t Use Hot or Boiling Water

Avoid hot or boiling water when cleaning your aligners.

High temperatures can affect the shape of the plastic, so stick to cool or lukewarm water when rinsing and cleaning them.

Don’t Use Abrasive Toothpaste

It might seem logical to clean your aligners with the same toothpaste you use on your teeth, but abrasive toothpaste can scratch the surface of clear aligners.

Instead, use a soft toothbrush with an aligner-safe cleaning method.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Avoid bleach, alcohol-based products and other harsh household cleaning products unless specifically recommended by your dental professional.

Your aligners are designed to be worn in your mouth, so it's best to stick to products specifically intended for aligners or removable dental appliances.

Don’t Eat or Drink With Your Aligners In

With the exception of water, remove your aligners before eating or drinking.

Food and coloured or sugary drinks can become trapped between your teeth and aligners, potentially contributing to staining and plaque build-up.

Coffee, tea, soft drinks and other coloured beverages can also stain your aligners.

Don’t Leave Your Aligners Out

If you're taking your aligners out to eat, brush your teeth or enjoy a drink, make sure you put them somewhere safe.

Keeping them in their case when they're not being worn helps prevent accidental damage or loss.

Keeping Your Aligners Clean While Travelling

Travelling doesn't mean your aligner cleaning routine needs to disappear.

Pack a small oral hygiene kit with:

• Your aligner case

• A soft-bristled toothbrush

• Toothpaste and floss

• Aligner cleaning tablets

• A bottle of water when access to clean water may be limited

If you're travelling for an extended period, make sure you have your next aligners with you as advised by your treating dental professional.

And if you're using Aalto's remote monitoring, you can continue your treatment monitoring while you're away, making it easier to stay connected with your dental team while travelling.

What If My Aligners Become Cloudy or Smell?

A cloudy appearance or unpleasant smell can be a sign that your aligners need a more thorough clean.

Start by gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush and rinsing them thoroughly. An aligner cleaning tablet can also help remove build-up.

If your aligners remain discoloured, damaged or uncomfortable to wear, contact your treating dental professional for advice.

A Simple Routine for Cleaner Aligners

Looking after your aligners can become as routine as brushing your teeth.

Morning:
Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

Throughout the day:
Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Rinse them before putting them back in.

Evening:
Brush and floss thoroughly and clean your aligners before wearing them overnight.

Regularly:
Use an aligner-safe cleaning tablet as recommended and inspect your aligners for damage or build-up.

Keep Your Smile and Aligners on Track

Clean aligners aren't just about keeping your trays looking clear. Good aligner hygiene forms part of a healthy treatment routine and helps make your orthodontic experience more comfortable.

By cleaning your aligners regularly, maintaining good oral hygiene and following the instructions provided by your treating dental professional, you can keep your aligners fresh and your treatment on track.

If you ever have questions about caring for your Aalto clear aligners, speak with your treating dental professional or the Aalto team.