Aligner Care
Your Complete Guide to Cleaning, Wearing, and Maintaining Clear Aligners
Proper Aligner Care = Beautiful, On-Schedule Results!
Clear aligners are incredibly effective—but only when you wear them consistently and keep them clean. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your aligners stay clear, comfortable, and working as designed.
The Golden Rule: Wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink (anything but water), and clean. Proper wear time and hygiene are essential for successful treatment!
Your Daily Aligner Care Routine
Build these habits into your day for treatment success
Morning
After Every Meal/Snack
Evening
How to Clean Your Aligners
Multiple methods to keep your aligners crystal clear and bacteria-free
Daily Cleaning with Soft Toothbrush
Twice daily (morning & evening)
Essential
Steps:
- Use a separate soft-bristled toothbrush (not your teeth brush)
- Apply clear, unscented liquid soap or mild dish soap
- Gently brush all surfaces of aligners
- Pay special attention to ridges where bacteria hide
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Never use toothpaste—it's too abrasive and will scratch
Pros:
Cons:
Aligner Cleaning Crystals/Tablets
Once daily
Highly Recommended
Steps:
- Dissolve cleaning tablet in lukewarm water
- Submerge aligners in solution
- Let soak for 15-30 minutes
- Brush lightly with soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly before wearing
Pros:
Cons:
Clear Antibacterial Soap
Twice daily
Essential
Steps:
- Use clear, unscented antibacterial soap
- Apply small amount to wet aligner
- Gently rub all surfaces with fingers or soft brush
- Rinse extremely well until no soap residue remains
- Dry with soft, lint-free cloth if desired
Pros:
Cons:
Lukewarm Water Rinse
Every time you remove aligners
Good for Quick Clean
Steps:
- Remove aligners
- Rinse immediately under lukewarm running water
- Gently shake off excess water
- Store in case or replace in mouth
Pros:
Cons:
Aligner Care Dos & Don'ts
Follow these rules for successful aligner treatment
DO These Things
DON'T Do These Things
Expert Tips for Aligner Success
Pro strategies to make your treatment easier and more effective
Wear 20-22 Hours Per Day
Only remove for eating, drinking, and cleaning. Consistency is key to staying on schedule.
Change Before Bed
Switch to your new set at bedtime so you sleep through initial tightness.
Use Chewies
Bite down on aligner chewies for 5-10 minutes after inserting to ensure proper seating.
Track Your Progress
Use an app or calendar to track wear time and ensure you're meeting the 22-hour goal.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps with dry mouth and keeps you healthy.
Keep Case with You
Always carry your case. Never wrap aligners in tissue or napkins—they'll get tossed!
Common Issues & Solutions
Know how to handle common aligner challenges
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Rinse vigorously with water. Use proxy brush or water flosser to dislodge. Brush if needed.
Quick Tips:
Aligners Smell Bad
This happens when bacteria builds up. Increase your cleaning frequency, use cleaning crystals daily, and make sure to brush teeth before reinserting.
Quick Tips:
Aligners Look Cloudy or Stained
Staining often comes from food/drinks or buildup. Soak in cleaning solution, avoid drinking coffee/tea with aligners in, and clean more thoroughly.
Quick Tips:
Aligners Don't Fit Properly
If aligners suddenly don't fit, you may have skipped wearing them. Go back to previous set and call our office. Never force aligners that don't fit.
Quick Tips:
Lost or Broke Aligners
First, try wearing your previous set. Call our office immediately—we'll determine if you should wear previous set, move to next, or get replacements.
Quick Tips:
Dry Mouth or Excess Saliva
Both are normal initially as your mouth adjusts. Stay hydrated, use sugar-free gum between meals, and give it time—usually resolves in 1-2 weeks.
Quick Tips:
Recommended Products
Stock up on these essentials for successful aligner care
Essential
Aligner Case
Always carry your case. Keep one in your bag, one in your car, one at work.
Highly Recommended
Aligner Cleaning Crystals
Specialized cleaning tablets designed specifically for clear aligners.
Highly Recommended
Aligner Chewies
Soft, spongy tubes you bite on to help seat aligners properly.
Essential
Soft Toothbrush (separate)
Dedicate one toothbrush solely for cleaning your aligners.
Essential
Clear Antibacterial Soap
Unscented, clear liquid soap for daily aligner cleaning.
Recommended
Travel Toothbrush & Floss
Keep travel-sized oral hygiene products with you at all times.
Keep on Hand
Orthodontic Wax
For any sharp edges that might irritate your mouth.
Helpful
Aligner Removal Tool
Makes removing tight-fitting aligners easier, especially attachments.
The 20-22 Hour Rule
Your aligners only work when you're wearing them! To stay on track and finish treatment on time, you must wear your aligners at least 20-22 hours per day.
Clean Aligners, Beautiful Smile!
Following these care instructions ensures your aligners stay clear, comfortable, and effective throughout your treatment. Remember: wear them 20-22 hours, clean them twice daily, and never eat with them in!
Wear 20-22 hrs/day
Clean 2x daily
Always use your case