How to Clean Clear Aligners Without Clouding Them

Aligner Care Notes is a plain-English guide to how to clean clear aligners, written for adults who wear aligners, braces, crowns, fillings or other dental work. It covers everyday cleaning, cloudiness, drinks, the case and wear time. Each page ends with something you can do or ask at your next appointment.

What cleaning clear aligners involves, and what people often get wrong

Clear aligners sit against your teeth for most of the day, so anything that builds up on them stays in contact with your mouth. Cleaning means removing the soft film that forms, rinsing away saliva and keeping the plastic undamaged. Most people do not need anything elaborate, but the details of the method matter more than the product you choose.

The usual mistakes are using hot water, scrubbing with a toothpaste that has gritty particles, drinking sweet or coloured drinks with the aligners in, and leaving them loose in a pocket. Many people also clean the aligners but never the case that holds them.

Readers who want the product basics in one place can start with probiotic chewables alongside aligners.

Practical first steps and when to see a dentist

Start with a routine you can keep: rinse the aligners when you take them out, brush them gently with a soft brush and cool water, and clean your teeth before putting them back in. Follow any written instructions from your orthodontist, because materials and brands differ. Keep a clean, ventilated case with you.

See a dentist or orthodontist if an aligner cracks, no longer fits, or you notice pain, bleeding gums, swelling, a loose tooth, a sore that does not heal, or a bad taste or breath that persists. Do not wait for the next scheduled visit if something feels wrong.

Guides in this series

Guide / Oct 30, 2026 / 2 min read

A Gentle Method for Cleaning Aligners

A sound aligner cleaning method is short and gentle: rinse in cool water, brush softly with a clean brush, rinse again and keep the aligners moist or in their case.

Guide / Oct 21, 2026 / 2 min read

Why Aligners Turn Cloudy

Aligner cloudiness usually comes from a soft film of saliva and bacteria, tiny surface scratches, mineral deposits from water, or heat and staining from drinks.

Guide / Oct 15, 2026 / 2 min read

Aligners and Drinks

On the question of aligners and drinks, the common advice is plain water only while the aligners are in, and to take them out for everything else.

Guide / Oct 9, 2026 / 2 min read

Keeping the Aligner Case Clean

A clean aligner case is part of looking after the aligners themselves, because anything left growing in the case goes straight back onto your teeth.

Guide / Sep 28, 2026 / 3 min read

How Many Hours a Day to Wear Aligners

Most aligner plans ask for the aligners to be worn for the large majority of every day and taken out only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning.

Common questions

Can I clean my aligners with ordinary toothpaste?

Many people avoid it, because some toothpastes contain gritty particles that can scratch plastic and leave surfaces easier for film to cling to. Ask your orthodontist which cleaner they would like you to use.

Is it normal for aligners to look slightly cloudy?

Some dulling over time is common, as the plastic is handled and exposed to saliva and drinks. If cloudiness comes with a rough texture, odd smell or discolouration, mention it to your dental team.

Should I drink anything other than water with aligners in?

Dental advice commonly given is to take them out for anything except plain water. Sugary or acidic drinks can sit trapped against the teeth under the plastic.