How to Clean Invisalign®: Expert Invisalign and Clear Aligner Care Tips

At Olive Orthodontics, we know that starting your clear aligner journey is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. To help keep your treatment on track and maintain your oral health, it’s essential to keep your aligners clean and free of harmful bacteria.

We’re sharing our best Invisalign and clear aligner care tips so you can keep your smile shining bright as your treatment progresses. Whether you’re brand new to clear aligners or your treatment has already started, this blog will share ways you can maintain your comfort and achieve beautiful results.

Clear aligners are virtually invisible, custom-molded, and removable, making them a convenient choice for adults, teens, and kids. However, because they’re worn for 20–22 hours a day, your aligners are constantly exposed to saliva, food particles, and plaque. Without proper care, this can lead to:

Clean aligners mean you’ll have better hygiene, a fresher smile, and more effective treatment.

Each time you take out your aligners—whether for meals, brushing, or a quick coffee break—give them a rinse under cool or lukewarm water. This helps flush away saliva, plaque, and food particles before they harden or stain your trays.

Pro tip: Never use hot water! It can warp the plastic and affect the fit of your aligners.

You brush your teeth twice a day (we hope!), and your aligners should get the same attention. Here’s how you should brush your aligners:

It’s important to avoid colored or abrasive toothpaste, which often contains baking soda or silica, that can scratch and cloud your aligners.

Once a day, treat your aligners to a deeper soak using either of these options:

Soaking your aligners helps eliminate stubborn buildup and odor-causing bacteria.

Pro tip: To reduce the vinegar smell on your aligners, if that is your preferred soak method, soak them in just plain water for a few minutes after removing them from the vinegar solution.

Clear aligners aren’t designed to withstand pressure from chewing or heat from hot drinks. Eating or drinking anything but plain water while wearing them can lead to:

Always remove aligners before eating meals or drinking beverages, and brush or rinse your mouth before popping them back in.

Some mouthwashes contain dyes and alcohol that can stain or weaken the plastic. Stick to cleaning products designed explicitly for aligners or gentle, fragrance-free soap.

Aligners trap whatever’s on your teeth against the enamel. If you skip brushing after a snack or meal, that means bacteria and sugars get locked in, creating a recipe for plaque buildup and decay. A healthy smile is just as important as a straight one, and keeping your aligners clean will help you achieve both.

Patients often ask how to keep their aligners clean while balancing school, work, or sports. Here are some practical tips:

Keep a small travel pouch with these essentials:

Create a consistent routine for aligner hygiene, just like you would for skin care or workouts. Whether it’s after breakfast and before bed, or tied to your other morning and evening routines, repetition of good habits builds positive results.

Even if you’re diligent about cleaning your aligners, they can get re-contaminated in a dirty case. Rinse your case daily with warm, soapy water and let it air dry. Replace it every few months or sooner if it becomes cracked or discolored.

A clean clear aligner is a happy clear aligner, and your effort will pay off in the form of a dazzling, healthy smile. If you ever have questions about aligner care or need support, our team at Olive Orthodontics is just a call away at (314) 624-9373.