How to clean aligners (and keep breath fresh)
11 September 2026 · 4 min read
Cloudy trays and bad breath are almost always a cleaning problem, not an aligner problem.
The daily routine
Rinse aligners under cool water every time they come out, and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear unscented soap twice a day. Hot water warps the plastic and toothpaste scratches it, which makes trays look dull.
Weekly deep clean
Soak aligners in a purpose-made cleaning solution or diluted white vinegar for fifteen to twenty minutes once a week to break down the biofilm that causes odour.
Protecting teeth underneath
Always brush before reinserting. Trapped sugar sits against the enamel under sealed plastic for hours, which is exactly the condition cavities need. Water is the only safe drink with aligners in.
Questions about your child's smile or breathing?
Book an online consultation or visit one of our clinics for a full orthodontic and airway assessment.
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