What’s the best daily routine to clean Invisalign aligners?

Morning and night, brush trays gently with mild, clear soap and a soft brush, then rinse with cool water. After every meal, rinse your mouth and trays; brush if you can.

How often should I do a deep clean?

Soak trays 3–4 times per week for 15–20 minutes using Invisalign cleaning crystals/tablets or 1 teaspoon baking soda in a cup of cool water.

Is hot water safe for cleaning aligners?

No. Hot water can warp the plastic and change the fit. Always use cool or lukewarm water.

What liquids are safe to drink while wearing aligners?

Only water. Remove trays for coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks, and juice to avoid stains, sugar buildup, and warping.

Which cleaners should I avoid?

Skip alcohol, bleach, and undiluted vinegar. Also avoid colored mouthwashes and whitening gels on trays—they can stain or damage the plastic.

My aligners smell or look cloudy—what should I do?

Do a deep soak (crystals/tablets or baking soda), brush trays gently inside and out, and improve tooth brushing/flossing—plaque on teeth transfers to trays.

How do I keep my teeth and gums healthy with Invisalign?

Brush 2–3 times daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and consider a water flosser. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash after removing trays and drink plenty of water.

How to Clean Invisalign Aligners Properly?

Q: How long should I wear aligners each day?

Aim for 20–22 hours daily. Only remove them to eat, drink anything besides water, and clean.

You chose Invisalign for a clear, comfortable way to straighten your teeth, and keeping your aligners looking and feeling fresh is key to that experience. Dr. Joseph Porter and the team at Porter Orthodontics in Baton Rouge, LA, want every patient to get great results while maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Wondering the best way to clean your trays? Follow this straightforward guide on how to clean Invisalign aligners properly to prevent cloudiness, odors, and bacteria buildup.

What is the best daily routine for Invisalign cleaning?

When	What to Do	Why It Matters
Wake up / Bedtime	Brush trays with mild soap; rinse; reinsert	Removes plaque & keeps trays clear
After meals	Rinse mouth + trays; brush if possible	Cuts odor, stains, and sugar load
3–4× per week	Soak 15–20 min (tablets or baking soda)	Deep clean for odor/cloudiness
Always	Only water while trays are in	Prevents warping, stains, cavities
On the go	Use case (not napkins)	Avoids loss or accidental trash

Aligner care: What should I avoid to keep trays clear and odor-free?

No hot water. Heat can warp plastic and change the fit.
Skip toothpaste, whitening gels, and colored mouthwash on trays, many are abrasive or can stain.
Avoid soaking in alcohol, bleach, or vinegar that isn’t diluted. These can damage the material.
Only water while wearing. Coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks, and juice can stain and trap sugar.
Don’t wrap trays in a napkin. They’re easy to throw away by accident, always use your case.
Keep away from pets. Dogs in particular love to chew aligners.

Oral hygiene tips with Invisalign: How do I keep teeth and gums healthy?

Brush 2–3 times daily with fluoride toothpaste; floss once a day.
A water flosser or floss threaders can make cleaning faster.
Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash (after you remove trays) to fight plaque.
Drink plenty of water to wash away food acids.
If you can’t brush after lunch, swish with water and brush as soon as you can.

Healthy teeth mean clearer trays and better breath—your aligners won’t trap as much bacteria.

Can I eat or drink with my aligners?

Only water.
Remove trays for everything else. Eating with aligners can crack them and push food and sugar against your teeth, leading to stains and cavities.

What if my aligners smell or look cloudy?

First, try a deeper soak using crystals/tablets or the baking-soda method.
Make sure you’re brushing the trays gently (inside and outside) morning and night.
Check your toothbrushing and flossing, plaque on teeth will transfer to trays.
If odor or cloudiness sticks around, switch to a new soft brush and review your meal-time routine (no sugary or colored drinks with trays in).

My trays feel rough or look scratched, what should I do?

Light scuffs can happen over time, but do not file the plastic.
If there’s a sharp edge, crack, or a warped area, call the office for advice. Wearing a damaged tray can slow progress or irritate your gums.

I lost or damaged an aligner, do I skip ahead?

Don’t guess. Call Porter Orthodontics for instructions. Depending on your case, we may ask you to:

Go back to the previous tray,
Move to the next tray, or
Order a replacement.
Keep wearing something (previous tray) until we advise you, so your teeth don’t shift.

How long should I wear aligners each day?

Aim for 20–22 hours daily. The more consistent you are, the smoother your progress. Take them out only to eat, drink (anything but water), and clean.

Quick checklist for success

Wear 20–22 hours/day
Daily: brush trays with mild soap + soft brush
After meals: rinse mouth and trays, then re-insert
3–4x/week: deep-clean soak
Only water while wearing
Store in your case, not a napkin

Need help or replacements? The team at Porter Orthodontics in Baton Rouge, LA is ready to assist. Learn more or contact us.