{"id":13042,"date":"2026-06-21T13:12:38","date_gmt":"2026-06-21T12:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thames-dental.co.uk\/mk_staging\/clean-invisalign-32co-aligners\/"},"modified":"2026-08-15T13:19:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T12:19:01","slug":"clean-invisalign-32co-aligners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thames-dental.co.uk\/mk_staging\/clean-invisalign-32co-aligners\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean Invisalign and 32Co Aligners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you are wondering how to clean Invisalign aligners<\/a>, 32Co aligners<\/a> or other clear aligners, the safest routine is simple: rinse them when you remove them, gently clean them every day, keep your teeth clean before reinserting them, and follow any instructions given by your dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide is written for Thames Street Dental patients and other clear aligner wearers in Kingston upon Thames. It gives general aligner hygiene advice, not a substitute for the instructions supplied with your Invisalign or 32Co treatment plan.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The short answer: how to clean clear aligners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For most Invisalign, 32Co and clear aligner wearers, a sensible daily routine is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Wash your hands before handling aligners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Remove the aligners and rinse them with cool or lukewarm water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth where advised.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Gently brush the aligners with a soft toothbrush kept for aligner cleaning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Use aligner cleaning crystals or tablets only as instructed by your dentist or the product directions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Rinse the aligners well before putting them back in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Store aligners in their case whenever they are not being worn.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The NHS advises brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about 2 minutes and cleaning between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes where appropriate. That matters during aligner treatment because the aligner sits closely over the teeth and can trap plaque, food debris or sugar against the enamel if your teeth are not clean.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Why aligner cleaning matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Clear aligners are designed to be discreet, but they only stay clear if they are looked after. Saliva, plaque, food particles and drinks can leave a film on the plastic. If aligners are not cleaned well, they may start to look cloudy, smell unpleasant, feel rough or irritate the gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cleaning is also part of protecting your teeth. If you put aligners back over teeth that have food or sugary drink residue on them, the plastic can hold that residue against the tooth surface. Over time, that can increase the risk of staining, bad breath, gum irritation and decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Good aligner hygiene is especially important if you have attachments, small spaces where food catches, gum inflammation, a history of decay or a busy routine where aligners are removed and replaced several times a day.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    How to clean Invisalign and 32Co aligners each day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Morning clean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    When you wake up, remove your aligners, rinse them and clean them before putting them back in. Brush your teeth carefully first, including around attachments if you have them. A soft brush can then be used to clean the aligners gently. Do not scrub aggressively, because scratched plastic can look cloudy and may collect more deposits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After meals and snacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Remove aligners before eating. After eating, brush your teeth if you can, or at least rinse your mouth with water until you can brush properly. Rinse the aligners before replacing them. If you regularly put aligners back in after food without cleaning your teeth, you may notice odour, staining or a higher risk of plaque build-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Evening clean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Night-time brushing is particularly important. Brush for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth as advised, and clean the aligners before reinserting them. If your dentist has recommended cleaning crystals or tablets, evening can be a convenient time to use them because you are less likely to rush.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    What not to use on clear aligners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Clear aligners are strong enough to move teeth, but the plastic can still stain, scratch or distort if it is treated harshly. Unless your dentist has given different instructions, avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n