Before applying the rest of these care tips, it's important to develop the habit of removing your trays before meals. Otherwise, food particles can get trapped between your aligners and teeth. Bacteria, saliva, and food can mix to form plaque.

Plaque is the clear, tacky substance that can cause cavities to form.

Eating while wearing your aligners can also damage the plastic or cause discoloration. One of the many benefits of wearing clear aligners is the discretion they offer. Most people won't realize you're wearing your aligners unless they become discolored.

Cleaning your Invisalign clear aligners will ensure they remain clear.

Caring for your clear aligners can also help you avoid bad breath. If food particles cling to the plastic, bacteria can form and spread. Bacteria can cause bad breath.

Cleaning Invisalign aligners on a daily basis can keep your aligners clear and bacteria-free.

If bacteria gets the chance to spread, your risk of tooth decay could increase. You could also develop gingivitis (gum disease). These problems could cause a delay in your Invisalign treatment plan.

Remove your aligners before every meal. Place them in their designated case while you eat. Do not place your aligners in a napkin.

You could unintentionally throw away or damage your aligners. Keeping them in their case will keep them clean and prevent damage. Otherwise, you'll have to visit your dentist for a replacement.

After meals, brush and floss your teeth. Rinse your aligners and put them back in your mouth. You'll need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day to remain on schedule. 

If you don't have time to brush and floss after a meal when traveling, rinse your mouth instead. 

There's a difference between cleaning and rinsing your Invisalign aligners.

Rinsing your clear aligners is part of your daily care routine. It can help them appear slightly cleaner. However, rinsing them won't address any unseen bacteria buildup that's occurred.

When you wake up in the morning, remove your aligners and rinse them under lukewarm water.

Don't use hot or cold water. You could warm the plastic. If your aligners don't fit properly, they won't be effective in adjusting your bite.

Brushing your aligners using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don't use the brush you use for your teeth. You could unintentionally scratch the plastic with a normal brush.

Brushing and rinsing the aligners will remove debris and bacteria.

After brushing and flossing your teeth, rinse your aligners. Store them in their protective case when you're not wearing them.

Brush and floss your teeth after breakfast before putting your aligners back in. 

Once you begin using these tips, make cleaning Invisalign trays part of your daily routine. 

You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals to soak and deep clean your trays. The crystals feature ingredients like sodium bicarbonate (a natural antiseptic) and sodium sulfate.

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water. Add a packet of the crystals into the water and let them dissolve. Then, add your aligners to the bowl and let them soak for three minutes. 

Afterward, rinse the sterilizing solution off your aligners. Give them a gentle brushing, too. 

Soaking your aligners on a regular basis will disinfect them from:

• Strep
• Staph
• Candida
• E Coli

It can also help you avoid debris, plaque, odor, and deep staining. 

You should rinse your aligners each time you're about to put them on. However, you only need to soak them once a week. Though you'll change your aligners every two weeks, it's still important to take care of them.

Remember, you could develop bad breath or notice your aligners look discolored if you're not cleaning them. 

If you don't have Invisalign cleaning crystals, you can use a home solution instead. Don't use denture cleaner. Instead, make your own solution using a solution of one part water, one part vinegar. 

When cleaning your aligners, make sure to avoid:

• Toothpaste
• Scented soaps
• Mouthwashes
• Denture cleaners

Scented soap can make your aligners taste bitter. Mouthwash often contains alcohol and color dyes, which could cause discoloration.

Don't use cleansing soaps that have added dyes to avoid staining.

Avoid using a coarse bristle brush when cleaning bacteria off your aligners. The bristles could be too hard for the plastic. 



If your aligners look damaged or discolored, talk to your dentist. 

Don't leave your aligners soaking for longer than 30 minutes. Remember, you need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Once they're done soaking, put them back into your mouth. 

Consider allowing your aligners to soak during meals to save time. 

Keeping your Invisalign clear aligners clean is essential to your oral health. Otherwise, plaque could form against your aligners. Use these tips on how to clean Invisalign trays to keep your aligners and teeth bacteria-free.



If you experience any issues with your aligners (such as warping or discoloration), talk to your dentist.

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