How To Clean Invisalign®: Products, Methods & Mistakes To Avoid

Dirty aligners are cloudy, smelly, and full of bacteria. The fix is simple: a two-minute cleaning routine twice a day. Here's exactly what to do and what to use.

Your Daily Cleaning Routine

Morning:

• Remove your aligners
• Rinse them under cool water
• Gently brush inside and out with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste)
• Rinse again and either put them back in or store in their case

Evening (before bed):

• Remove your aligners
• Rinse under cool water
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush
• If you have Invisalign® cleaning crystals or a retainer cleaning solution, soak for 15 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly and put them back in

Every time you eat:

• Remove aligners
• Rinse aligners under water while you eat
• Brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth before putting aligners back in
• Rinse aligners again before reinserting
• That's it. Two minutes in the morning, two minutes at night, and a quick rinse after meals.

Best Products for Cleaning Invisalign®

Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals

The official product from Invisalign®. Dissolve in water and soak your aligners for 15 minutes. Kills bacteria and removes light staining. Available from your orthodontist or online.

Retainer Brite

Effervescent tablets designed for clear retainers and aligners. Drop one in water, soak for 15 minutes, rinse. Widely available and affordable.

White Vinegar Solution

Mix one part white vinegar with three parts cool water. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Good for removing mineral deposits and killing bacteria. Rinse thoroughly afterwards -- the taste lingers otherwise.

Baking Soda Paste

Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply with a soft brush for stubborn spots. Mildly abrasive, so use sparingly.

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Small devices that use sound waves to clean aligners. Effective but not necessary for most patients. Worth considering if you struggle with staining or plaque buildup.

What NOT to Use

Toothpaste. Most toothpastes contain abrasives that scratch the clear plastic. Scratched aligners look cloudy and give bacteria more places to hide.

Mouthwash. Many contain alcohol, which can dry out and warp the plastic. Coloured mouthwashes can also stain clear aligners.

Hot water. Heat warps the aligners. Always use cool or lukewarm water.

Hand soap or dish soap. Some work fine, but scented varieties can leave a taste. If you use soap, choose unscented and rinse very thoroughly.

Bleach. Damages the plastic and can irritate your mouth.

Dealing with Staining

Even with regular cleaning, aligners can develop a slight yellow tint, especially if you drink coffee, tea, or wine while wearing them (which you shouldn't).

For light staining:

• Soak in a vinegar solution for 20 minutes
• Use an Invisalign® cleaning crystal soak
• Brush gently with baking soda paste

For heavy staining:

• Ask your orthodontist for a professional cleaning or early replacement
• Prevention is easier than cure: remove aligners for anything other than water

Keeping Your Case Clean

Your aligner case needs attention too. Rinse it daily and let it air dry. Replace it every 3-6 months, or sooner if it develops a smell or visible mould.

How Dental Monitoring Helps

If you're using Dental Monitoring as part of your Invisalign® treatment, clean aligners make for better scan results. Dirty or cloudy aligners can affect the AI's ability to track your tooth movement accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean Invisalign® with toothpaste?

No. Toothpaste scratches the clear plastic, making it cloudy. Use a soft brush with water or a dedicated aligner cleaner instead.

How often should I clean my Invisalign® aligners?

Rinse every time you remove them. Do a proper brush clean twice a day. Deep soak once a day or every other day.

Can I soak my Invisalign® overnight?

No. Soaking for more than 30 minutes can damage the material. 15-20 minutes is enough.

Why do my Invisalign® aligners smell?

Bacteria buildup. Clean them more thoroughly and more often. If the smell persists after cleaning, the aligners may need replacing.

Can I use retainer cleaner on Invisalign®?

Yes. Products like Retainer Brite are safe for Invisalign® aligners. Just follow the packet instructions.

Have questions about Invisalign® care? Book a free consultation at our Blacktown or Dubbo practice.