Clear Aligner Care UK — How to Clean, Store and Look After Your Aligners

Cleaning aligners — method, frequency, and products to use

Aligners should be cleaned every time you remove them to eat or drink — at minimum twice daily when you brush your teeth. The recommended method is to rinse the aligner under cool running water immediately after removal to prevent saliva and food debris from drying inside the tray. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of clear, unscented liquid soap to gently scrub the inner and outer surfaces. Pay particular attention to the gum line edge and any attachments seats (the small indentations that grip composite attachments on the teeth), as these accumulate the most biofilm. Rinse thoroughly before reinserting. Dedicated aligner cleaning crystals or tablets — such as those provided by Invisalign — can be used once daily as a deeper clean. Soak for the time specified on the product, then brush lightly and rinse before wearing.

What NOT to use on clear aligners

Several commonly available cleaning products will damage or discolour your aligners. Hot or warm water will warp the thermoplastic material — always use cool or lukewarm water. Regular fluoride toothpaste is mildly abrasive and will create microscopic scratches that trap bacteria and cloud the aligner over time — never brush aligners with toothpaste. Coloured mouthwash — such as blue or green formulations — will permanently stain the aligner material. Even clear mouthwash contains alcohol, which degrades the plastic with repeated use. Bleach-based cleaning products, dishwasher tablets, and boiling water are all damaging. Scented soaps can leave a residue that causes an unpleasant taste. Stick to clear unscented soap, cool water, a soft brush, and manufacturer-approved cleaning products only.

Storing aligners safely when out

Every clear aligner system comes with a hard plastic case — always use it when the aligners are out of your mouth. Aligners left on a table, wrapped in a tissue, or placed on a tray are the most commonly lost or accidentally discarded aligners. The case protects against both physical damage and contamination. If travelling, carry a spare case. Keep the case out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources such as car dashboards, which can warp the plastic even through the case. Store the previous aligner set in a labelled bag as a backup in case the current set is lost or damaged before the next appointment. Do not store aligners in their case while wet without first rinsing them, as a sealed damp environment encourages bacterial growth.

Eating and drinking rules — what is actually safe

Aligners must be removed before eating any food. Chewing with aligners in place can crack the plastic, distort the tray shape, or dislodge attachments — all of which interrupt treatment. Plain still water at room temperature or cool is safe to drink with aligners in and does not require removal. All other beverages — including hot drinks, fizzy drinks, fruit juice, squash, alcohol, and flavoured water — should be consumed only after removing the aligners. These liquids pool between the aligner and the enamel, creating an acidic or sugary environment that cannot be cleared by saliva, significantly increasing the risk of decay. After eating or drinking anything other than water, rinse your mouth and ideally brush before reinserting the aligner to avoid trapping debris against the teeth.

Travelling with aligners

When travelling, carry the aligner case, a travel toothbrush, and aligner cleaning tablets in hand luggage rather than checked bags in case luggage is delayed. Keep the previous set of aligners in your bag as a backup. If you are crossing time zones, maintain the 20 to 22 hours per day wear requirement and use the number of days worn rather than calendar dates to track when to progress to the next aligner. If flying, drink water regularly as cabin air is very dry and can make the aligners feel tight — do not remove them for the duration of the flight unless you are eating. If your orthodontist is using remote monitoring via a scanning app, check in as normal during your trip.

Signs an aligner is damaged and needs replacing

Hairline cracks along the edge of an aligner can expand with wear and cause the aligner to split. A rough or sharp edge that was not present when the aligner was first fitted may indicate the plastic has cracked. If an aligner no longer seats fully on the teeth despite good compliance and feels loose or sits proud at the gum line, it may have distorted. Significant discolouration that persists after cleaning is cosmetic rather than clinical but worth flagging. Any visible crack, split, or distortion that affects how the aligner fits should be reported to your orthodontist promptly. Wearing a damaged aligner that does not fit correctly will not move teeth in the intended direction and will waste treatment time. Your orthodontist will advise whether to wear the previous set, the next set, or to order a replacement.

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