Overview
"I wear my invisible braces everyday (well done you), so I ought to clean them as I would my teeth, right?" Yes absolutely! We are so glad you're keeping up with your oral hygiene as much as you (probably) are with the Kardashians. If you notice white specs on your invisible braces, do not panic. It is likely a result of wear and tear, as you constantly bite through them.
Spotting yellow stains on your invisible braces? Well, it is most likely due to dark-coloured beverages. While it is perfectly fine to drink with your invisible braces on, the braces actually create caveats for the dark-coloured pigments to reside for longer periods of time. Makes sense? We recommend drinking water every now and then just to flush these out, and to keep your breath fresh. Keeping your invisible braces clean is akin to keeping your teeth clean. given that they are in such close proximity to your teeth for up to 22 hours a day, invisible braces hygiene is crucial!
But before we delve into proper invisible braces care, here are a few things you should absolutely never do (trust us on this one!).
You're right to think that boiling water will kill bacteria lingering on your invisible braces. However, as your invisible braces are made of plastic, prolonged heat exposure can actually cause them to become malleable and eventually lose its shape. Once your invisible braces are warped, they would no longer fit you like a glove and even if it does, it will definitely affect your teeth alignment. So please save the boiling water for sterilising utensils and what have you, your invisible braces can't take the heat!
Maybe you got the idea from seeing QB House hairdressers put their tools into a UV steriliser before and after each haircut. First of all, UV and microwave are on totally different wavelengths, literally. If your invisible braces have moisture in them, putting them in the microwave would essentially... melt your invisible braces, bringing your smile transformation to an abrupt, premature end. If you've already done this, please do not force them down on your pearlie whites. Reach out to our team on the Zenyum app and we will be happy to help!
There is no need to soak your invisible braces for hours at a time or brush them with toothpaste. In fact, some people have actually broken their invisible braces from brushing too hard! All you need to do is drop a tablet of braces cleaner into a glass of cold water and soak your invisible braces for a few minutes. Let effervescence do the work for you. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
In the essence of time, you can actually use toothpaste to clean your invisible braces but you need to ensure they are non-abrasive. Look out for ingredients such as hydrated silica in your toothpaste, and avoid using them for your invisible braces. Abrasive toothpaste and rough brushing can scratch your invisible braces and you wouldn't want that if you want them to remain well... invisible.
Okay, so now that we’ve covered the do’s and don’ts, let’s talk about the easy ways to keep your aligners sparkling clean. The good news? It’s actually much simpler than you might think.
One of the easiest habits to pick up is simply rinsing your aligners whenever you remove them. After meals or drinks, run them under lukewarm water to wash away food particles and prevent buildup. It takes just a few seconds, but it goes a long way in keeping them fresh.
Yes, you heard that right- your aligners need a little brushing too. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild soap or a dedicated aligner cleaner. Brush gently to remove plaque and bacteria.
As for how often to clean them, we recommend gently brushing your aligners at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed.
Just remember: skip the regular toothpaste. Some formulas can be abrasive and may scratch your aligners, making them look cloudy instead of invisible.
For a deeper clean, aligner cleaning tablets are a fantastic option. Simply drop a tablet into a glass of lukewarm water, then place your aligners in the solution. Let them soak for the recommended time (usually around 3 minutes). The cleaning solution will help remove any lingering bacteria and stains. It’s a quick and effective way to keep your aligners looking like new!
If you don’t have aligner cleaning tablets on hand, a mild, non-alcoholic mouthwash can be a good alternative for a quick clean. Just make sure it’s not too harsh and doesn’t contain dyes or alcohol that could affect your aligners.
If you notice any stains or discoloration on your aligners, a soak in cleaning tablets or a mix of water and baking soda can help. Gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. For persistent stains, consult your dentist for advice.
Don’t forget to clean your aligner case regularly too! Wash it with warm water and mild soap, and let it dry completely before placing your aligners back in. A clean case helps prevent bacteria buildup and keeps your aligners safe.
If you’re out and about, a small aligner cleaning kit can be a lifesaver. Many people carry a portable case and cleaning tablets, which makes it easy to keep your aligners fresh wherever you are, whether it’s at work, school, or travelling.
Now you know what are the do's and don't, and what the tips are, let's talk about why cleaning your aligners is important.
Invisible braces are meant to be just that… invisible. But if you’re sipping coffee, tea, or other dark-coloured drinks (no judgement here), pigments can settle onto your aligners and slowly turn them yellow.
Regular cleaning helps keep your aligners clear, fresh, and discreet, so they stay low-key while doing their job.
Aligners that aren’t cleaned regularly can collect bacteria and food particles. And bacteria hanging out in a warm, moist environment for 20+ hours? That’s basically the perfect recipe for bad breath.
A quick rinse and regular cleaning routine can help keep both your aligners and your breath fresh.
Clean aligners fit better and work the way they’re supposed to. When plaque or debris builds up, it can affect how snugly the aligners sit on your teeth.
And if your aligners don’t fit properly, they might not move your teeth as efficiently, which could slow down your progress.
Think of your aligners as an extension of your oral hygiene routine. If plaque builds up on them, it can transfer back onto your teeth and increase the risk of cavities or gum irritation.
Keeping your aligners clean helps reduce plaque build-up and supports healthier teeth and gums throughout your treatment.
Keeping your invisible braces clean might sound like a chore, but as you can see, it’s actually pretty simple. A quick rinse here, a gentle brush there, and the occasional soak with cleaning tablets can go a long way in keeping your aligners clear, fresh, and working exactly the way they should.
After all, your aligners are working hard behind the scenes for 20+ hours a day to straighten your teeth- the least we can do is give them a little TLC in return.
Stick to these simple cleaning habits, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier mouth, fresher breath, and a smile transformation that stays right on track.
Yes, you can have a Hollywood smile too with Zenyum. Take the first step with our Free Smile Check and discover how clear aligners can help you unlock your most confident smile.
Answer a few questions, and take four teeth pictures. It only takes a few minutes!
Receive a call from us to schedule your dentist appointment
You’ll have 3D scans and X-rays taken of your teeth by your dentist
Give the green light for your Zenyum aligners to go into production after approved by your dentist.
