Cleaning aligners: tips for Invisalign and other clear trays
Invisalign: the daily cleaning routine
Clean your Invisalign aligners before every insertion with a soft toothbrush and a gel-based toothpaste (for example Meridol). If you do not have a toothbrush on hand, lukewarm water with a little soap or dish soap will do the job. Rinse the trays thoroughly with water after cleaning.
Important: never use regular denture cleaner or mouthwash. These products attack the material of your trays and leave a matte surface that makes the aligners more visible.
Deep cleaning with cleaning crystals
For a thorough clean we recommend the official Invisalign cleaning crystals or aligner-specific cleaning tablets. Mix the crystals with lukewarm water and submerge the trays. The cleaning takes about 15 minutes — a great fit for meal times.
Removing stains
If your trays have picked up stains from coffee, tea or other coloring foods, gently scrub them with a toothbrush and toothpaste. For stubborn stains, the cleaning crystals do the work. Read more on the causes of staining.
What to avoid
- Hot water (it can warp the material)
- Mouthwash with alcohol or colorants
- Regular denture cleaning tablets
- Harsh cleaning agents
- Storing trays dry for several days (an aligner case with water is better)
Cleaning routine
- Before every insertion: a quick rinse with water and a soft toothbrush
- Once a day: a thorough clean with toothpaste
- Once a week: a 15-minute soak in cleaning solution
- For staining: targeted brushing with a toothbrush
That way your aligners stay clear and hygienic for the full length of your treatment.