Expert Tips for Caring for Your Clear Aligners: A Patient’s Guide

In this guide, we share simple, proven steps you can use at home and on the go. You will also learn what to avoid, what to do if something goes wrong, and how our team supports you throughout treatment.

How to clean clear aligners effectively

Daily cleaning prevents plaque, stains, and unwanted smells, and it keeps your aligners invisible.

Rinse whenever you remove them:

Give aligners a quick rinse with cool or lukewarm water before they go in the case and before they go back in your mouth. This reduces saliva build up and odour.

Brush gently twice a day:

Use a soft toothbrush and clear, mild liquid soap. Brush inside and out for 20 to 30 seconds, then rinse well. Avoid toothpaste on aligners, many pastes are abrasive and can create tiny scratches that collect stain.

Soak several times a week:

Use non-coloured retainer or denture cleaning tablets as directed, or a solution of white vinegar diluted with water. Rinse thoroughly after soaking. Do not soak in mouthwash that contains alcohol, as it can dry or damage the plastic.

Keep them cool:

Heat can warp trays. Avoid hot water, car dashboards, pockets near body heat, and dishwashers.

Clean your case too:

Rinse and air dry your case daily, and give it a soap and water clean a few times a week. A clean case helps keep clean aligners clean.

Consistency matters. A quick rinse plus a gentle brush twice daily is enough for most patients, with a deeper soak a few times a week.

What foods and drinks to avoid with aligners

One of the biggest perks of aligners is the freedom to eat normally, but only when the trays are out.

Do not eat with aligners in:

Chewing can crack or distort them, and food can get trapped.

Water is safe:

Sip plain, cool or room temperature water while wearing aligners. Everything else should wait until you remove them.

Remove for coloured or hot drinks:

Coffee, tea, red wine, juices, sports drinks, and soft drinks can stain trays and teeth. Hot drinks can warp plastic.

Minimise sugary and acidic snacks:

If you eat or drink something sweet or acidic, rinse or brush before putting aligners back in. Trapping sugar under a tray increases your risk of decay.

Avoid smoking or vaping with trays in:

Nicotine and oils can stain and smell, and heat can affect the plastic.

Keep your aligners and teeth fresh throughout the day

A simple routine keeps your breath fresh and aligners comfortable during busy days at school, work, or travel.

Carry a small kit:

Include a vented aligner case, travel toothbrush, small toothpaste or non abrasive soap, interdental brushes, and a refillable water bottle.

Rinse before reinsertion:

After meals or snacks, rinse your mouth and aligners. If brushing is not possible, rinse thoroughly with water, then brush as soon as you can.

Brush after lunch:

A quick brush removes food debris and reduces plaque build up, which also keeps aligners clear.

Use aligner mints or chewies as advised:

Some products help seat trays fully. Choose sugar free options only.

Stay hydrated:

Dry mouth increases plaque and odour. Regular sips of water help.

What to do if you lose or damage your aligners

Things happen. Here is how to protect your progress if a tray goes missing or gets damaged.

Check the previous and next aligner:

If the current tray is lost, step back to your last set to hold your progress. If instructed previously by your Specialist Orthodontist and only a day or two remain in the current week, you may be told to move to the next set. If a tray cracks but still fits snugly without sharp edges, keep wearing it until you receive guidance.

Contact us promptly:

Call us as soon as you can for tailored advice. We may ask for photos and will guide you on whether to continue, step back, or come in.

Do not skip ahead without advice:

Jumping too far forward can cause poor fit, discomfort, or tracking issues.

Store all old aligners:

Keep each finished set in a labelled bag or the original pouch. Old sets are often useful as a temporary backup.

For sharp edges:

If a small rough spot is irritating your cheek, a tiny piece of orthodontic wax can help. Do not file the aligner unless we have shown you how.

How long should aligners be worn each day?

Most patients need to wear aligners 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and oral hygiene. Sticking to the schedule is essential for predictable tooth movement. Set reminders on your phone if you struggle to remember to put them back in after meals.

Aligner do’s and don’ts at a glance

Do:

• Brush and floss your teeth morning and night, and clean aligners at the same time.
• Change trays on schedule, usually weekly, unless your Specialist Orthodontist sets a different pace.
• Seat each new tray fully, gently biting on chewies if advised.

Don’t:

• Wrap aligners in a napkin, they are easy to throw out. Use your case every time.
• Use boiling water, bleach, or abrasive toothpaste on aligners.
• Delay calling if a tray cracks, does not fit, or is lost. Early advice prevents setbacks.

How Bachmayer Orthodontic Clinic supports your clear aligner care

We make aligner care simple and personalised. At your start appointment, we demonstrate cleaning, safe removal and insertion, and how to seat new trays. You receive written instructions and our everyday tips for travel, sport, and school or work. If you choose Invisalign^®, you also benefit from digital planning with our iTero scanner, which lets us simulate your smile and track fit.

Support you can expect throughout treatment:

• Easy access to advice: Call the clinic or message us for quick answers on cleaning, wear time, or fit. We offer remote guidance and can review photos if needed.
• Emergency triage: Lost or damaged trays are assessed promptly. We can arrange replacement trays or adjust your wear schedule to keep treatment on course.
• Routine check ins: Short, on time visits help us monitor tracking and comfort. If attachments or refinements are required, we plan these with you.
• Flexible care: We offer free in house Invisalign^® consultations with a Treatment Coordinator, and remote SmileSnap assessments for convenient screening.

When to call us

Reach out if you notice:

• Persistent pain or pressure that does not settle after a few days with a new tray
• A tray that will not seat fully despite chewies and careful insertion
• Cracks, warping, or sharp edges that irritate your cheeks or tongue
• Lost trays, or if you have worn a previous set for more than a few days while waiting for advice

Prompt contact helps us protect your progress and comfort.

Final thoughts

Clear aligners work best when you keep them clean, wear them consistently, and follow a simple daily routine. Rinse and brush your trays, drink only water with them in, and always use your case. If something goes off track, call us early. At Bachmayer Orthodontic Clinic, we are here to guide you at every step with practical advice, timely appointments, and a patient first approach.

Ready to get started or need help with your current trays? Book a consultation with our friendly team in Norwest or Tallawong. If you live in the Hills District and are looking for a trusted Specialist Orthodontist, you can learn more about our clinic and treatment options on our website.