How to care for your clear aligners
Clean trays and steady wear keep your treatment on track and your teeth healthy while they move.
Wear your aligners about 20 to 22 hours a day and take them out only to eat, drink anything other than plain water, and clean your teeth. Rinse and gently brush the trays each morning and night with cool water and a soft brush. Brush and floss before putting them back in, and always store them in their case.
Wear time
Aligners move teeth by applying gentle, steady pressure. Each tray is designed to be worn for a set period before you switch to the next one. Leaving them out for long stretches slows progress and can make the next tray feel tight or fit poorly.
A simple routine helps: put them back in as soon as you finish eating, and keep the case in your pocket or bag.
Treatment length depends on your bite, but most plans involve changing trays every one to two weeks. Keep your previous set in its case after you switch. If a new tray goes missing, the old one can hold your teeth in place until you call us.
Cleaning the trays
- Rinse each tray with cool or lukewarm water whenever you remove it
- Brush the trays gently with a soft brush and clear, unscented soap
- Skip toothpaste on the trays, as it can scratch and cloud the plastic
- Never use hot water, which can warp the shape
- Soak in an aligner cleaner if your provider recommends one
Eating and drinking
Remove your aligners for all meals and snacks. Food caught under the plastic sits against the teeth and can lead to decay. Plain water is fine with the trays in.
Coffee, tea, wine and coloured drinks can stain the trays, and sugary or acidic drinks trapped under them can harm enamel. If you do drink them, take the trays out, then rinse your mouth before putting them back.
Travelling, dinners out and long workdays are the times trays most often get left out or lost. Pack a small kit with your case, a travel toothbrush, a mini toothpaste and floss so you can clean up and get the trays back in quickly.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy
Brush after eating and floss once a day before you put your aligners back in. Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to some teeth; brush around them carefully. Keep up your regular cleanings and checkups during treatment.
At our office, Invisalign treatment is planned using an iTero digital scan, and progress is checked at regular visits. Your plan may differ, so follow the schedule you were given.
If something goes wrong
- Lost tray: call us; you may be told to move to the next tray or go back to the previous one
- Cracked tray: keep wearing it if it's comfortable and call for advice
- Sore spot: a little tenderness for a day or two after a new tray is normal
- Sharp edge rubbing your cheek: call us so it can be smoothed
- A loose attachment: save it if you can and let us know
Frequently asked questions
Can I sleep with my aligners in?
Yes. Night-time is an important part of your daily wear. Brush and floss before bed so the trays sit on clean teeth.
Can I chew gum with aligners?
No. Gum sticks to the plastic and can damage the trays. Take them out first if you want to chew gum.
Why do my aligners smell?
Bacteria build up when trays aren't rinsed and brushed daily, or when they're stored damp. Clean them morning and night and let them dry in a ventilated case.
Do I still need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Teeth tend to shift back over time, so a retainer is usually needed to hold the result. Your dentist will explain how often to wear it.
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Trusted health information
General information only; not a substitute for an exam. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-03.
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