Invisalign 101 - When and How to Clean Your Invisalign Aligner

Invisalign 101 - When and How to Clean Your Invisalign Aligner

Invisalign is a modern-day blessing. Before the days of clear tooth aligners, many of us had middle-school nightmares of banded braces and all the associated complications — food stuck in brackets, yellowing teeth and a metallic smile.

Believe it or not, Invisalign comes with similar issues, minus the "brace face." Invisalign trays require daily cleanings for health and hygiene. Not sure about the right ways to keep your Invisalign and your smile clean? Don't worry! EverSmile is here to help you out.

Here, we'll cover how to clean Invisalign trays, as well as the proper preventive measures to make cleaning your Invisalign a breeze.

Do You Need to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners?

Yes, absolutely. Think of your Invisalign tray like your smile's partner in crime. You wouldn't go weeks, or even days, without cleaning your teeth — so why wouldn't you clean your Invisalign aligners?

Your mouth is home to millions of bacterial families. Plaque and biofilm are particularly harmful to your oral health and Invisalign aligners, causing unsightly effects if left unaddressed.

What's So Bad About Plaque?

Plaque is one of the harmful bacteria families that exist in your mouth. It's the sticky film that builds up in tiny crevices, like near your gumline or between teeth.

Without proper oral hygiene, plaque buildup breaks down your tooth enamel, causing:

  • Cavities.
  • Tooth decay.
  • Gingivitis.
  • Teeth discoloration.
  • Bad breath.

Your Invisalign aligners live in the same bacterial environment. And, when they're in your mouth, they create a mini-environment for plaque bacteria to thrive, increasing your teeth's exposure to these harmful effects.

When Should You Clean Your Invisalign Aligners?

Add cleaning your Invisalign aligners to your daily oral health routine. Clean them about twice a day, or whenever you notice any funk buildup. Cleaning your Invisalign aligners only takes a few minutes, so there's no excuse not to!

How to Clean Invisalign Aligners

We recommend adding a cleaning station in your bathroom that reminds you to clean your Invisalign trays. In this area, all you need is a vessel large enough to fit your trays, one that can hold sufficient water to submerge them. 

Keep your cleaning supplies — which will vary depending on your preferred cleaning method — next to your tray for convenient, fast access.

Consider using these methods to clean your Invisalign trays.

1. EverSmile® WhiteFoam™

WhiteFoam is well-known as the best way to clean your Invisalign. That's why it's the top-selling Invisalign cleaning product!

Our WhiteFoam gives you the freedom of on-the-go cleaning. It comes in a pumpable package, conveniently sized to fit in your purse or backpack. You can clean your Invisalign tray anywhere following three simple steps:

  • Place your aligner in your hand and apply one-half to a full pump of the foam cleaning agent.
  • Use the nozzle to spread the foam around your tray, ensuring an even coat.
  • Pop the tray back in your mouth and spit out any excess foam.

Within 60 seconds, the WhiteFoam kills 99.999% of bacteria — no brushing or soaking required. It also gently lightens your teeth and freshens your breath!

2. White Vinegar

You may already have white vinegar in your pantry. If not, it's inexpensive. When cleaning your Invisalign aligners with this method, follow these instructions:

  • Add one part white vinegar to three parts of warm water to your cleaning glass.
  • Dunk your aligners into the mixture.
  • Let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Grab your soaked Invisalign aligners and rinse them thoroughly with clean water.

White vinegar is acidic, so it works well at penetrating the bacteria and other particles on your Invisalign trays.

3. Denture Cleaning Tablets

Pick up your choice of denture cleaning tablets, then follow these steps:

  • Fill your cleaning glass with warm water.
  • Pop in your aligners.
  • Open the tablet package and drop it in the water.
  • Let it soak for 15 minutes, or however long the package recommends.
  • Remove your Invisalign trays and rinse them with clean water.

Though they're not dentures, Invisalign aligners experience the same bacteria buildup dentures do. It's always best to go with the other cleaning methods mentioned before using denture cleaning tablets. Additionally, some tablets have layered formulas, with one of the layers being colored. While it doesn't affect dentures, there is a chance your aligners can become discolored over time with use.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another natural Invisalign aligner cleaner you can find at your local grocery or convenience store. Clean your Invisalign trays with hydrogen peroxide by:

  • Filling your cleaning glass with one part hydrogen peroxide and equal part warm water.
  • Putting your Invisalign trays in the mixture.
  • Letting them soak for about 30 minutes.
  • Taking your Invisalign aligners out of the mixture and rinsing them with cold water.

Hydrogen peroxide is antimicrobial and antibacterial, making it one of the best methods to clean your Invisalign aligners because of its stain-fighting power.

How NOT to Clean Your Invisalign Aligners

Just like some foods and drinks can harm your teeth, specific cleaning techniques shouldn't interact with your Invisalign aligners. 

  • Toothpaste: Though toothpaste is effective at cleaning teeth, it can leave a sticky film on your Invisalign and cause it to discolor over time. Toothpaste can give your aligner a funny taste, too. Most importantly, toothpastes are abrasive, which means they can cause microscopic scratches in your aligners. These scratches will collect plaque and other stains, and make your Invisalign hard to clean. 
  • Mouthwash: Mouthwash isn't powerful enough to penetrate food particles or remove bacteria from your Invisalign, and it also causes discoloration, especially red-toned mouthwashes.
  • Using boiling or hot water: Water that's too hot can deteriorate the integrity of your Invisalign aligners, causing them to deform and impact the way the trays shape your smile.
  • In the dishwasher: Dishwasher has scalding water that can distort your trays, similar to the effects of boiling water. Plus, harsh cleaning agents like dish soap strip away food particles from plates, not your Invisalign.

If someone tells you to clean your aligners using these methods, run far, far away.

The Best Ways to Keep Your Invisalign Clean

Once you clean your Invisalign, keep it clean with these best practices.

  • Remove trays before eating or drinking: Your orthodontist probably already told you this, but you should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food particles can get stuck in your aligners, and drinks can quickly discolor them. Plus, your aligners can't withstand the force of eating, so you risk breaking your investment if you do so with them in.
  • Brush and floss after eating: How many times have you heard your dentist caution you to brush and floss your teeth regularly? Well, we're telling you again. The food particles and plaque that stick to your teeth can transfer to your Invisalign aligner, so it's best to remove them before reinserting your tray.
  • Use WhiteFoam regularly: The best way to keep your Invisalign clean is to get in the habit of cleaning your trays using the best option on the market, WhiteFoam. We may have a bit of a bias, but hear us out — our Invisalign cleaner is easy to use, whitening and clean-tasting. Why wouldn't you want to use it regularly?

Following these guidelines also makes it easier to clean your Invisalign during routine cleanings, saving you from desperate deep cleanings.

Make Cleaning Your Invisalign a Breeze With WhiteFoam — Find It Online Now!

Have you noticed a buildup of gunk inside your mouth trays and wondered how to clean your Invisalign? We hope we've convinced you of the cleaning power of EverSmile's White Foam. If so, visit our website and make a one-time purchase, or save money with a customizable subscription that matches your needs. If no, let our other customers convince you otherwise!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our friendly team online. We aim for 100% customer satisfaction, and we're eager to learn more about how we can help you.

Review by Michael Florman, Oral Care Expert

Reviewed By Michael Florman, Updated on 12/8/21

New

Learn More

Related Articles

  • How to Tell if It's Time to Replace a Retainer

    How to Tell if It's Time to Replace a Retainer

    Retainers play an essential role in your post-orthodontic treatment plan. They help keep your teeth straight, maintaining the smile you invested in. Your orthodontist will likely recommend you wear a retainer for life because teeth are prone to shifting. Retainers usually only last a few...

    Read More
  • Why Does Having Straight Teeth Matter? 12 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

    Why Does Having Straight Teeth Matter? 12 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

    If you're one of 81% of adults that think their teeth are unattractive when they see them in photographs, it might feel good to know you're not alone. But it still doesn't change how you feel.  Many adults are self-conscious about their smiles because they don't...

    Read More
  • Breakdown of the Different Clear Aligner and Retainer Materials

    Breakdown of the Different Clear Aligner and Retainer Materials

    Confidence begins with a smile. If you look in the mirror and aren't happy with your smile, now's the perfect time to change it! Clear aligners and retainers are more accessible and affordable than ever before. They straighten your teeth over time while being discreet...

    Read More
  • What's the Difference Between Clear Aligners and Retainers?

    What's the Difference Between Clear Aligners and Retainers?

    On the surface, aligners and retainers seem pretty similar. Both are made of clear plastic and used for orthodontic treatment. However, they have two different goals — aligners are meant to move your teeth into new positions, while retainers keep your teeth in their final...

    Read More
  • How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners

    How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners

    Aligners are excellent alternatives to traditional wire braces. They discreetly straighten your smile, allow you to maintain your oral health more easily, and don't come with any food or drink restrictions. Because ClearCorrect aligners stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day,...

    Read More
  • Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer

    Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer

    Clear aligners have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional braces. Brands such as Invisalign offer the benefits of straighter teeth with the addition of a discreet appearance to fit any lifestyle. You can enjoy more freedom when wearing clear aligners, and you can smile...

    Read More
  • 14 Tips for a Healthier Smile

    14 Tips for a Healthier Smile

    A smile is often one of the first things people notice about us, and many people take great pride in having an attractive smile. However, the importance of having a healthy smile goes beyond mere appearances. The health of our teeth and gums is directly tied...

    Read More
  • How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces

    How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces

    The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...

    Read More
  • 12 Tips for New Invisalign Users

    12 Tips for New Invisalign Users

    Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...

    Read More
  • How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners

    How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners

    Clear aligners are convenient and discreet ways to help straighten your smile. You can remove them whenever you need to, and they're more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It's essential to take care of your teeth, and while making sure they're straight is one way...

    Read More
  • The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?

    The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?

    You got clear aligners so that no one would notice them, but your invisible aligners are only invisible if they stay clear. Many things can stain your aligners or lead to your retainer turning yellow. Certain foods, such as dark-colored berries or sugary chocolates can lead...

    Read More
  • Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners

    Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners

    As an athlete, you have a lot on your mind when you're on the field or court. You're thinking about your opponent's next move, memorizing plays and doing everything you can to win. You don't want your teeth or aligners taking up valuable thought space...

    Read More
  • The Science Behind Teeth Movement

    The Science Behind Teeth Movement

    Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...

    Read More
  • How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell

    How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell

    As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...

    Read More
  • Why Do Aligners and Retainers Get Holes?

    Why Do Aligners and Retainers Get Holes?

    You wear your aligners almost all day, so it's not surprising that they can become damaged. But, why do aligners and retainers get holes and other damage? There are a few different ways this can happen. Take a look at the guide below to learn...

    Read More
  • Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?

    Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?

    If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...

    Read More
  • 12 Tips for New Invisalign Users

    12 Tips for New Invisalign Users

    Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...

    Read More
  • How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners

    How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners

    Aligners are excellent alternatives to traditional wire braces. They discreetly straighten your smile, allow you to maintain your oral health more easily, and don't come with any food or drink restrictions. Because ClearCorrect aligners stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day,...

    Read More
  • Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer

    Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer

    Clear aligners have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional braces. Brands such as Invisalign offer the benefits of straighter teeth with the addition of a discreet appearance to fit any lifestyle. You can enjoy more freedom when wearing clear aligners, and you can smile...

    Read More
  • The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Retainer

    The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Retainer

    You should always follow your dentist's directions for wearing a retainer to ensure the investment you put into having a straight smile lasts for years to come. Adhering to the do's and don'ts of wearing a retainer is vital to keeping your teeth straight and...

    Read More
  • How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces

    How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces

    The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...

    Read More
  • How to Preserve Your Clear Retainers

    How to Preserve Your Clear Retainers

    Retainers are vital for straightening your smile. Even when you're done with aligners or braces, your retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back into their misaligned positions. Because these appliances are essential, it's useful to know how to preserve your clear retainers. You'll help them...

    Read More
  • 12 Tips for New Invisalign Users

    12 Tips for New Invisalign Users

    Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...

    Read More
  • How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners

    How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners

    Clear aligners are convenient and discreet ways to help straighten your smile. You can remove them whenever you need to, and they're more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It's essential to take care of your teeth, and while making sure they're straight is one way...

    Read More
  • The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?

    The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?

    You got clear aligners so that no one would notice them, but your invisible aligners are only invisible if they stay clear. Many things can stain your aligners or lead to your retainer turning yellow. Certain foods, such as dark-colored berries or sugary chocolates can lead...

    Read More
  • Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners

    Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners

    As an athlete, you have a lot on your mind when you're on the field or court. You're thinking about your opponent's next move, memorizing plays and doing everything you can to win. You don't want your teeth or aligners taking up valuable thought space...

    Read More
  • The Science Behind Teeth Movement

    The Science Behind Teeth Movement

    Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...

    Read More
  • How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell

    How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell

    As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...

    Read More
  • Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?

    Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?

    If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...

    Read More