By Dr. Ronak Joshi, Orthodontist at Anant Dental Clinic Orthodontic and Implant Center, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
If you wear Invisalign clear aligners, keeping your trays clean is absolutely essential—not just for your teeth, but for your overall oral health.
Dirty Invisalign trays can lead to:
- Bad breath
- Plaque buildup
- Tooth decay
- Gum irritation
- Discoloration of aligners
As a leading orthodontist in Ahmedabad, I always tell my patients at Anant Dental Clinic that keeping your Invisalign trays clean is just as important as brushing your teeth. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide anyone can follow.
1. Rinse Your Trays Every Time You Take Them Out
Whenever you remove your Invisalign trays — whether to eat, drink, or brush — rinse them with lukewarm water immediately. This helps remove saliva, bacteria, and food particles before they dry up and stick to the trays.
Important: Never use hot water. It can warp the plastic and affect the fit of your aligners.
2. Brush Your Trays Gently (But Not With Toothpaste)
You should brush your Invisalign trays twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. But don’t use the same brush you use for your teeth.
- Use clear, mild liquid soap or an Invisalign-approved cleaner
- Gently brush inside and outside the aligners
- Avoid toothpaste — it’s abrasive and can scratch the clear plastic
- Rinse thoroughly after brushing
This keeps your trays looking clean, clear, and invisible.
3. Soak Your Trays Daily for Deep Cleaning
For a deeper clean, soak your Invisalign trays once a day. You can choose from:
- Invisalign Cleaning Crystals – follow the instructions provided in the pack
- DIY option: Mix equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water, soak for 15–30 minutes
After soaking, give your trays a gentle brush and rinse well before wearing them again.
What NOT to Do With Your Invisalign Trays
To protect your trays and keep your Invisalign treatment on track, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t use colored or alcohol-based mouthwash — it can stain or damage the plastic
- Don’t eat or drink anything other than water with your trays in — food particles can get trapped
- Don’t skip cleaning — even one missed day can lead to odor and bacteria buildup
- Don’t leave trays exposed — always store them in their case when not in use
Pro Tips from Dr. Ronak Joshi, Invisalign Expert in Ahmedabad
At Anant Dental Clinic in Ahmedabad, we help patients of all ages with their Invisalign journey. Here are a few bonus tips:
- Brush and floss before reinserting your aligners
- Drink only plain water with trays in
- Stick to your aligner schedule and replace trays as advised
- Visit your orthodontist regularly to monitor progress