How to clean your aligners (and how to clean your retainers at home)

One of the biggest patient questions post-arrival of that magic Impress kit is “how do I clean my aligners at home?”. So, let’s talk about it and get into how to clean those beloved invisible braces. These steps will give you some quick and easy options for cleaning your aligners and retainers at home.

4 easy ways to clean aligners

Option 1 – Aligner-specific cleaning tablets

There are cleaning tablets made specifically for orthodontic devices such as retainers and aligners. They're made to eliminate bacteria and dirty residue without damaging the aligner or compromising its design.

Here’s a general overview of how to clean your retainers at home using cleaning aids for orthodontic devices.

1. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before you start any cleaning process to avoid damaging the material of any orthodontic device.
2. Dissolve one of the tablets in warm water in a suitable container and place your invisible aligner inside.
3. Let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Rinse your aligner with warm or cold water.
5. Enjoy the freshly cleaned feeling as you reinsert your aligner!

Option 2 – Safe home methods for cleaning your aligner

If you’re more of a natural method lover, both white vinegar and baking soda are effective options to clean your aligners with products you can find at home.

If you're using white vinegar, here’s a recommended mix:

1. Mix one part white vinegar with 2 parts warm water.
2. Soak your aligners in the solution for a few minutes (longer won’t harm them, so don’t worry if you go over this time).
3. Give them a gentle brush with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Rinse and dry with a towel or kitchen paper.

Why is vinegar good for cleaning?

Vinegar has antimicrobial properties which help to eliminate bacteria and unpleasant odours.

Option 3 – pH-neutral soap and water

No funny coloured soaps, harsh cleaning products or dishwashing your aligners or retainers, as any of these things can affect the integrity of the design, fit and adjustment that have been designed specifically for you.

One of the easiest ways to clean your aligners is to use a mild soap and warm water.

1. Fill a small bowl with the soap mixture.
2. Insert your aligner or retainer and use a soft-bristle brush to give them a gentle clean.
3. Dry well with kitchen paper, or a light cloth.

Option 4 – Baking soda for cleaning aligners

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it’s great for cleaning and removing light stains without affecting the texture, fit or form of your clear aligner.

1. Mix a small amount of baking soda (1 tablespoon will do!)
2. Mix with a tablespoon of warm water to form a paste.
3. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub your aligners.
4. This method will also eliminate odours.

Why is cleaning your aligners important?

Because of the removable aspect of clear aligners, it’s important to keep them clean to preserve their transparency, prevent bacteria buildup up and ensure there's no odours or stains that could affect your results.

Let's look at what can happen if retainers and aligners aren’t kept clean.

Accumulation of bad bacteria and plaque

If you fail to clean your aligner regularly, it can lead to infections, cavities and plaque buildup, just like it can with braces. Your aligners are always covered in food debris and saliva: the perfect breeding ground for bacteria!

Say hello to bad odours

Cleaning your aligners regularly saves you and anyone else the embarrassment of having to tell you they can smell an odour from badly maintained aligners.

It's important to remove your aligners every time you eat, and to give them a rinse when possible between uses. It's also a good idea to brush your teeth after every meal to avoid getting debris caught in them.

Keep your aligners clear and discreet

Impress aligners are designed to be invisible, discreet and unnoticeable, so as not to impact your lifestyle! In order to keep them that way, it's important that you clean them regularly to avoid them becoming opaque or acquiring ugly stains. To keep that smile solution to yourself, set a reminder to clean them so you can shine every day while you straighten your teeth.

Common mistakes when cleaning aligners

Using toothpaste: it might seem like a quick and right option, but toothpastes can scratch your aligners, which could in turn affect their transparency!

Exposing them to hot water: Water that is freshly boiled and too hot is likely to warp the material your aligners are made from which will impair and affect their function.

Leaving them with soap or traces of chemical residue: it's important to rinse any signs of chemical or soaps used when cleaning your aligners, as residue can affect the integrity of the item, but also your oral and general health.

From white teeth to a straight smile with aligners from Impress

We are industry leaders at straightening your teeth with our innovative technology, fantastic clinic teams, and the patient care you’ll receive throughout your treatment.

You can find out everything you need to know about paying for treatment with Impress, booking a free first visit, or whitening by calling us on +442038081072 or sending us a message on Instagram.