Clear aligners are a modern miracle of orthodontics, sleek, nearly invisible, and refreshingly wire-free. Whether you’re aligning with OrthoFX’s AirFlex™, FXClear™, FXBright™ aligners, or using another provider, one rule remains universal: your aligners are only as good as how well you take care of them.

Think of them like high-tech contact lenses for your teeth. You wouldn’t wear smudged, foggy lenses all day, right? The same logic applies here. Learning how to clean aligners properly is essential, not just for your health, but for the success of your entire treatment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean teeth aligners at home, what to avoid, and how small steps in your daily routine can lead to a smoother, fresher smile transformation.

Why Cleaning Aligners Is Essential?

Your aligners sit snugly against your teeth for most of the day, up to 22 hours. During that time, they’re exposed to saliva, food particles, and bacteria, which can quickly lead to cloudy trays, unpleasant odors, and even bad breath.

Whether you're on week one or finishing your treatment, skipping proper cleaning routines risks compromising both your comfort and results. Clean aligners aren’t just about looking better, they’re about keeping your mouth healthy and your aligners doing their job.

Rinse After Every Removal

Every time you take your aligners out, for meals, drinks, or brushing, give them a quick rinse under lukewarm water. This simple step helps remove saliva and food residue before they harden or cause buildup.

Bonus tip: Make it a habit to rinse your aligners each time before putting them back in, even if you’ve only had them out for a few minutes. It’s a small act that makes a big difference.

Avoid rinsing with hot water, as high temperatures can warp the plastic and affect the fit of your trays.

Brush Gently With the Right Tools

A quick rinse isn’t enough on its own. Once a day, take a minute to gently brush your aligners using a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth!) and a small amount of clear, unscented antibacterial soap or just plain white soap, if that’s all you have.

Skip the toothpaste. Many contain abrasive particles that can scratch your aligners, creating cloudy patches that are hard to remove. Worse still, scratches invite bacteria to settle in, making hygiene a bigger issue.

This daily brushing helps maintain the transparency of your trays and reduces buildup that could impact both comfort and hygiene.

Soak Your Aligners to Deep Clean

Beyond your daily brush-and-rinse routine, aligners benefit from a deeper clean a few times a week. You don’t need expensive products; a simple cleaning solution you can make at home works just as well.

For most aligners, including FXClear™, FXBright™, and common systems like Invisalign, the following options work well:

• A mix of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water
• A small amount of baking soda dissolved in water
• Cleaning crystals designed for clear aligners
• Denture cleaners (check that they’re aligner-safe)

Let your trays soak for 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before reinserting.

Important Note for AirFlex™ Users: AirFlex™ aligners are made from a unique material that requires a slightly different approach:

• You can brush them with soap and a soft toothbrush
• Invisalign cleaning crystals are safe to use
• Do not use hydrogen peroxide
• Avoid baking soda
• Do not use an ultrasonic cleaning bath

Following these specific guidelines will preserve the flexible integrity of the AirFlex™ material and keep your trays clear and comfortable.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Aligners?

Some well-intentioned habits can actually damage your aligners. Here’s what to avoid:

• Toothpaste: Too abrasive for the plastic
• Colored or scented soaps: Can stain or leave residue
• Mouthwash: Often contains alcohol or dyes that cloud aligners
• Hot water: Can permanently warp aligners
• Leaving aligners exposed to air: Store them in a case to avoid bacteria buildup and loss

These common mistakes can quickly undo your efforts, making proper cleaning essential for every type of aligner.

How to Clean My Clear Aligners on the Go?

Busy day? No problem. A few portable tools can keep your aligners fresh even when you're away from home. Pack a small kit with:

• A travel toothbrush
• A tiny bottle of liquid soap or a white soap bar
• Your aligner case

Even a quick rinse and gentle brush in a café restroom can help maintain hygiene between full cleanings.

Daily Care = Long-Term Results

It’s easy to overlook something as routine as cleaning your aligners, but consistency pays off. Cleaner trays mean:

• Better aesthetics (no fogging or staining)
• Healthier gums and teeth
• Smoother treatment progress
• Reduced risk of bad breath

By making a few smart habits part of your daily routine, you help your aligners — and your smile — stay on track.

In Summary

Clear aligners are a commitment, and learning how to clean dental aligners properly is a simple but crucial part of that journey. With regular rinsing, gentle brushing, and the occasional soak, you can keep your aligners in peak condition from the first tray to the last.

And while this guide applies to all aligners, OrthoFX users benefit from thoughtful design elements, like the compliance-friendly fit of AirFlex™, the crystal-clear, stain-resistant finish of FXClear™, and the dual benefit of alignment and the appearance of a whiter smile with FXBright™, that make clean care even easier to stick with.

Clean aligners = confident smile. Keep it clear, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey.