Clear aligners spend much of the day against your teeth, so a simple cleaning habit is part of treatment. Invisalign’s patient guidance recommends rinsing aligners with lukewarm water, brushing them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and keeping them in a protective case when they are out of your mouth.
A simple daily routine
- Remove and rinse. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water after taking them out. Avoid hot water, which the manufacturer says not to use with its cleaning products.
- Clean gently. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and follow the cleaning instructions your dentist gives you. Rinse thoroughly before putting aligners back in.
- Brush your teeth. After eating, clean your teeth before reinserting aligners when you can. Food and drink residue can be trapped against enamel.
- Use the case. A case helps protect aligners from damage or being misplaced during meals.
What about a deeper clean?
Invisalign offers cleaning crystals for aligners and retainers. If you use them, follow the product instructions exactly and rinse the aligners thoroughly afterward. Ask our team before trying household cleaners or other products that may affect the material.
Keep the bigger picture in mind
Good aligner care also means wearing them as directed and bringing questions to your progress visits. If an aligner no longer fits or is damaged, call the office rather than trying to reshape it yourself.
Care guidance source: Invisalign patient resources ↗