Here at Frey Orthodontics, Dr. Dwight and the team care about your smile, both in and out of the office! That means that we want you to have everything you need to make treatment as smooth as possible, and a big part of that, if you’re using our custom ULab clear aligner,s is knowing how to keep them clean! So let’s take a look at some best practices to set you up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles!
Why Clean Aligners Matter
Keeping your aligners clean is one of the simplest ways to make your treatment smoother, more comfortable, and more effective. Because uLab aligners fit closely against your teeth, anything that builds up on their surface also sits directly against your enamel. When aligners are kept clean, they stay crystal clear, odor-free, and comfortable to wear throughout the day. But when they’re not cleaned consistently, the trays can take on a cloudy appearance, develop a lingering smell, or feel less fresh each time you put them in. Clean aligners also help protect your gums and prevent irritation, making your overall experience with treatment much more enjoyable. At Frey Orthodontics, Dr Dwight and the team want every patient to get the best results possible, and a simple cleaning routine is one of the easiest ways to make that happen.
How Dirty Aligners Affect Your Teeth and Gums
When aligners aren’t cleaned regularly, plaque and bacteria can begin to accumulate on the trays. Because the aligners sit tightly around your teeth for most of the day, this buildup has nowhere to go. Over time, this can create unwanted odors, leave your aligners looking cloudy, and contribute to gum tenderness or inflammation. If food particles dry on the trays before you rinse or clean them, the buildup can be even harder to remove later. These issues don’t just affect comfort—they also impact the overall hygiene of your mouth. Clean aligners help keep your teeth and gums healthier throughout your treatment.
Cleaning your aligners keeps your treatment on track. When residue collects on the inside of an aligner, it can slightly alter the way the tray fits against your teeth. Even a minor change in fit can affect how efficiently the aligners guide your tooth movement. Staying on top of cleaning ensures your trays seat properly, track as intended, and maintain the snug, precise fit that drives predictable progress. A consistent cleaning routine helps keep things running smoothly so you can reach your smile goals with confidence.
Building a Simple Daily Cleaning Routine
A good cleaning routine does not need to be complicated. In fact, the best approach is one that is quick, easy, and realistic for your everyday life. A few small habits can make a big difference in how your aligners look and feel, especially since you’ll be wearing them for the majority of each day. Establishing a routine early on helps set you up for success, keeps your treatment comfortable, and gives you a clearer sense of progress from one tray to the next. Dr Dwight and the team encourage patients to focus on consistency rather than perfection, since regular care is what keeps aligners fresh.
Rinse Every Time You Remove Them
One of the simplest and most effective habits is rinsing your aligners whenever you take them out. A quick rinse keeps saliva and food particles from drying on the trays, which makes cleaning much easier later. If you’re at work or school, even a brief rinse at the sink helps prevent buildup. This small step keeps your aligners feeling fresher and reduces the chance of odor developing throughout the day. It also makes brushing the trays much easier when it’s time for a deeper clean at home.
Brush Aligners Gently
Your aligners should be brushed regularly, but the key is to use a soft touch. A soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water are usually all you need. Gently brushing the inside and outside surfaces removes the thin layer of buildup that naturally forms as you wear them. Brushing too aggressively or using abrasive toothpaste can scratch the plastic, which makes aligners more likely to trap residue. Keeping your brushing gentle and consistent helps maintain the clarity of the trays and ensures they remain comfortable against your enamel.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are safe for aligners, so choosing the right ones matters. Clear, unscented dish soap works well for daily cleaning because it removes buildup without leaving residue. Toothpaste, whitening agents, or alcohol-based cleaners should be avoided because they can scratch or warp the plastic. For a more thorough clean, aligner cleaning crystals or tablets can be used occasionally to give your trays a deeper refresh. These products dissolve buildup without damaging the material, helping your aligners stay clear and comfortable as you move through each stage of treatment.
Do’s and Don’ts for Keeping Aligners Clear
Learning the basics of aligner care goes a long way, but knowing what to avoid is equally important. Clear aligners stay in good condition when you develop a rhythm of good habits and stay mindful of the small things that can cause problems over time. Because aligners are worn for long stretches every day, even simple choices—like where you set them down, what you drink while wearing them, or how you store them—can impact how clean and effective they remain. Dr Dwight and the team see these patterns often, and they know that a few intentional habits make treatment significantly smoother.
What You Should Always Do
To keep your aligners in great shape, make these simple habits part of your daily routine:
- Rinse your aligners every time you remove them
- Store them in their case when they’re not in your mouth
- Clean them thoroughly morning and night
- Keep a travel-size kit with you for meals on the go
These habits take only a few seconds but help maintain clarity, protect the fit, and keep odors at bay.
What to Avoid
Just as important as what you should do is what you should avoid. Hot water can warp your aligners, so always clean them with cool water. Avoid drinking anything other than water when the aligners are in, since coloured or sugary drinks can stain the trays or increase the risk of cavities. Toothpaste, abrasive cleaners, and scented soaps can scratch or cloud the plastic, reducing the transparency that makes aligners so discreet. Steering clear of these pitfalls keeps your trays looking their best and working as they should.
Protecting Your Aligners When You’re On the Go
Aligners are easy to lose or damage when you’re away from home, so keeping them protected is essential. Wrapping them in a napkin or placing them loosely in a pocket is a quick way to accidentally throw them away or crack the plastic. Instead, keep your case with you at all times. A small travel kit with a case, a soft brush, and a mini bottle of water makes it easy to care for your aligners at school, work, or restaurants. These simple steps prevent the most common aligner accidents and keep your treatment moving forward without interruption.
Ready for a Cleaner, More Confident Aligner Routine?
If you’re ready to make your aligner journey even smoother, the team at Frey Orthodontics is here to help. Whether you’re getting started at our Naperville or Algonquin office, preparing for your first visit, exploring flexible financing and insurance options, or scheduling your free consultation, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. Keeping your aligners clean is just one part of building a healthier, happier smile, and we’re here to make the entire process clear, comfortable, and personalised to you.