Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jim Meletiou, DDS on September 22, 2026
You clean Invisalign retainers and trays by rinsing them daily, gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and soaking them periodically in a cleaning solution designed for clear aligners. Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners offer several advantages, and simple at-home care is one of the best, since there is no wire or bracket work involved.
Our team recommends Invisalign clear aligners to patients for a number of reasons, and proper cleaning is a simple part of getting the most out of treatment. Below, we walk through how to keep your Invisalign aligner or retainer clean so it stays comfortable, fresh, and pleasant to wear.
Helpful Ways to Keep Your Invisalign Retainer and Tray Clean
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. One of the simplest ways to clean an Invisalign aligner is to treat it much like your own teeth. Gently brush both the inside and the outside surfaces for a quick, effective clean, and use a light touch so the plastic does not become scratched or etched.
- Rinse with water on a regular basis. Rinse your retainer in cool water every time you take it out, at least once a day. Doing so clears away saliva and any loose debris before it has a chance to build up.
- Soak periodically in a proper cleaning solution. Aligner-specific cleaning crystals or tablets, available from Invisalign or your dentist, dissolve in water and help clear away buildup that brushing alone can miss.
- Avoid hot water. Hot water can warp the plastic material aligners and retainers are made from, so always use cool or lukewarm water instead.
A short daily routine goes a long way toward keeping your aligners clear, odor-free, and comfortable throughout treatment.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Aligners
Certain products that feel like reasonable options can actually damage your aligners over time. Toothpaste, particularly whitening varieties, contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch the plastic and leave it looking cloudy. Colored or scented soaps can also stain clear aligners, and mouthwash, especially colored varieties, can discolor the plastic if used as a soak. Sticking to plain water, a soft toothbrush, and an aligner-specific cleaning solution keeps your trays looking clear rather than dull.
Why Clean Aligners Matter for Your Oral Health
According to the American Dental Association, clear aligners can change the environment inside your mouth by limiting the natural flow of saliva across your teeth, which otherwise helps rinse away bacteria throughout the day. Because aligners cover your teeth for most of the day, keeping both your teeth and your trays clean matters more than it might with removable retainers worn only at night.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Invisalign Retainers and Trays?
The right cleaning frequency for your Invisalign aligner or retainer can depend on which stage of the teeth-straightening process you are in. Since aligners are designed to gradually shift your teeth into a better position, they typically need to be swapped out for a new set every one to two weeks. Because a fresh aligner is always on the way, deep cleaning is rarely necessary at this stage beyond your daily rinse and brush.
Retainers work differently, since their purpose is to hold your teeth in place once they have reached a good position. You will typically not need a replacement retainer very often, which is why we suggest giving it a deep clean at least once every week or two. If you notice buildup or a lingering odor sooner than that, it is a good idea to clean it right away.
No matter whether you are wearing a retainer or an aligner, we recommend washing your Invisalign trays at least once or twice daily. A cool water rinse significantly cuts down on plaque buildup caused by the saliva left behind after removal, and it can also help your trays look clearer, so try washing them each time you brush your teeth. If you are just starting treatment and want to know more about how Invisalign addresses specific bite issues, our related article on whether Invisalign can fix an overbite covers that topic directly.
Storing Your Aligners When They Are Not in Your Mouth
Always store your aligners in their case when you are not wearing them, rather than wrapping them in a napkin or setting them on a tray, since both are easy to accidentally throw away. Keeping the case with you when you eat out helps avoid this common and costly mistake. A clean, dry case also protects your aligners from picking up bacteria from other surfaces between wears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Invisalign Aligners
Can I use toothpaste to clean my Invisalign aligners?
Regular toothpaste is generally too abrasive for aligners and can leave the plastic looking scratched or cloudy over time. Plain water and a soft toothbrush, along with an aligner-specific cleaning solution, are the better choice.
Why do my aligners smell or taste bad?
An odor usually means bacteria and dried saliva have built up on the plastic. Rinsing your aligners every time you remove them and soaking them periodically in a proper cleaning solution typically resolves this.
Can I clean my aligners with mouthwash?
Colored mouthwash can stain clear aligners if used as a soak, so it is best avoided. A clear, alcohol-free mouthwash used briefly is less risky, but a dedicated aligner cleaning solution is still the safer option.
What should I do if I lose or damage an aligner?
Contact our office as soon as possible rather than skipping a set entirely. Depending on where you are in treatment, we may have you move to the next aligner early or have a replacement made to keep your progress on track.
Schedule Your Invisalign Treatment at The Smile Architects
The Smile Architects has been helping patients achieve a smile they can feel good about since 1982. Over these past decades, our team has focused on delivering quality care in an office that is friendly, comfortable, and welcoming for every patient. We are proud to serve as a Gold+ Invisalign provider in Huntersville, NC. If Invisalign treatment sounds like a good fit for you, or if you are curious about other ways to improve your smile, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with The Smile Architects.
About the Author
Dentist, The Smile Architects
Dr. Jim Meletiou is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, where he later taught Oral Diagnosis and Radiology. He brings advanced training in Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry to patients at The Smile Architects in Huntersville, NC.