Clear aligners are custom-made, removable plastic trays worn over the teeth for most of the day, constantly collecting saliva, food particles, and bacteria. Failure to clean them regularly allows plaque buildup, leading to unpleasant odors and harmful bacteria growth. This accumulation impacts oral health and causes the aligners to become discolored and cloudy, making treatment less discreet.
Essential Daily Cleaning Routine
Maintaining clear aligners requires a gentle cleaning routine performed every time the trays are removed. Immediately rinse the aligners with cool or lukewarm water upon removal to prevent saliva and debris from drying onto the plastic. This makes subsequent cleaning easier.
Next, gently brush the aligners using a soft-bristled toothbrush dedicated solely to this purpose. This scrubbing removes accumulated biofilm and plaque. Use a mild, non-scented liquid soap or a specialized aligner cleaning solution as the cleansing agent.
Avoid using standard abrasive toothpaste, as the fine particles can create microscopic scratches on the surface. These tiny grooves become hiding spots for bacteria and cause the plastic to appear permanently cloudy. This gentle cleaning must be performed every time the aligners are removed and before they are placed back into the mouth.
Methods for Deep Sanitization
While daily brushing handles surface residue, periodic deep chemical sanitization is necessary to remove stubborn mineral buildup and thoroughly disinfect the trays. This deep cleaning typically involves soaking the aligners once a day or a few times a week.
Specialized effervescent tablets, marketed as cleaning crystals, dissolve in water to create a sanitizing solution. These commercial products break down plaque and eliminate odor-causing bacteria without harming the thermoplastic material.
For cost-effective alternatives, diluted household solutions can also be used. A mixture of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to one part lukewarm water is an effective disinfectant for a 15 to 30 minute soak. Alternatively, a solution of one part distilled white vinegar mixed with three parts water can help dissolve calcium deposits and mineral buildup.
After any deep chemical soak, the aligners must be thoroughly rinsed under running water. This final rinse removes all traces of the cleaning solution before the trays are placed back into the mouth.
Avoiding Damage and Common Mistakes
To preserve the integrity and effectiveness of the aligners, certain cleaning practices must be strictly avoided. The most significant error is exposing the aligners to high temperatures, such as using hot or boiling water for cleaning or soaking. Since aligners are made from thermoplastic material, excessive heat will cause the trays to warp and distort their shape.
A warped aligner will no longer fit correctly and becomes ineffective at moving the teeth, potentially delaying treatment. Harsh household chemicals are also prohibited, including bleach, alcohol, or alcohol-containing mouthwash. These substances can damage the plastic, lead to discoloration, or present a hazard if residual chemicals are ingested.
In addition to avoiding abrasive toothpaste, do not use other abrasive materials like baking soda for scrubbing, as they cause micro-scratches. When aligners are not being worn, proper storage is necessary to prevent contamination and damage. They should always be stored dry in their designated, protective case, rather than being left exposed on a counter or wrapped in a napkin.