The care products you need for clear aligner treatment really come down to a few simple supplies: a soft brush and cleaning tablets or foam to clean the aligners, a storage case to protect them, an aligner seater (chewie) to help them fit, and dental floss and an interdental brush for your teeth. As a product guide, this page explains what each item does, how it is used and which products you should avoid. For a step-by-step daily cleaning routine, see our how to clean clear aligners page.
This page contains no brand recommendations; products are described by their generic names. Because every mouth and every treatment plan is different, it is advisable to ask your orthodontist before starting to use a new product.
What products do you need to care for clear aligners?
Aligner care does not require an expensive or complicated kit. Most patients get along comfortably with the basic supplies below. Some are provided at the clinic at the start of treatment; others you can get from a pharmacy or supermarket.
| Product | What does it do? | How often? | Is it necessary? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft toothbrush (just for the aligners) | Gently cleans saliva and food residue from the aligner surface | Every time you take them out, or at least twice a day | Essential |
| Storage case | Prevents breakage, loss and contamination when the aligners are not in your mouth | Every time the aligners are taken out | Essential |
| Cleaning tablets or foam | Reduce fine residue that a brush cannot reach, and odor | Usually once a day | Helpful |
| Aligner seater (chewie) | Helps the aligner fit fully onto the teeth | When switching to a new aligner and when putting them in | As your orthodontist recommends |
| Aligner removal tool | Makes it easier to remove the aligners without using your fingernails | When needed | Optional |
| Dental floss and interdental brush | Clean between the teeth; prevent residue from being trapped under the aligners | At least once a day | Essential |
| Fluoride toothpaste | Protects the teeth against decay (for the teeth, not the aligners) | Twice a day | Essential |
What do clear aligner cleaning tablets do, and how are they used?
A clear aligner cleaning tablet is a product that fizzes as it dissolves in water and loosens the fine buildup on the aligner surface. It does not replace brushing; it complements it. An aligner that is brushed daily stays clear and odor-free longer when it is also soaked with a tablet a few times a week or once a day.
How are they used?
- Take out the aligners and first brush them gently with a soft brush under lukewarm (not hot) water.
- Put lukewarm or room-temperature water in a clean glass or container and add the tablet.
- Place the aligners so they are fully submerged, and soak them for the time stated on the package.
- Take the aligners out and rinse them thoroughly with plenty of water so that no foam residue remains.
- Pour out the used solution every time; do not reuse the same water.
The soaking time varies by product. Soaking longer than the package instructions provides no extra benefit and can make the material cloudy with some products. You can use this soaking time to eat; however, remember to keep the total time the aligners are out of your mouth short. More information about the goal of wearing them 20–22 hours a day is on our how to wear clear aligners page.
Cleaning foams and sprays
Cleaners in foam or spray form are especially practical when you are out during the day. When you take out your aligners, they can be applied and rinsed off in a short time. These also complement brushing; they do not replace cleaning your teeth after eating before putting the aligners back in.
Why is a clear aligner case important?
A clear aligner case is the simplest safeguard against losing and breaking your aligners. Most aligner losses happen when the aligners are wrapped in a napkin during a meal and forgotten on the table. A clear aligner inside a napkin can easily end up in the trash. Pets may also mistake the aligners for a toy and chew them.
Look for the following in a good storage case:
- Ventilation holes: Reduce odor from damp aligners sitting in a closed space.
- A secure lid: A clip-on lid that does not open inside a bag is preferable.
- An eye-catching color: A color that is easy to spot on a table or in a bag reduces the risk of forgetting it.
- Easy cleaning: The case also needs to be washed with lukewarm soapy water and dried a few times a week.
Many patients use two cases, one at home and one in their bag. It is also advisable to keep your previous aligners in their case; if a new aligner is lost or broken, your orthodontist may ask you to go back to the previous one temporarily. What to do in case of loss or breakage is explained on our clear aligner problems page.
What does an aligner seater (chewie) do?
A chewie, also known as an aligner seater, is a soft, flexible cylinder. After putting in your aligners, you place it between your teeth and bite down gently on it in different areas for a few minutes. The aim is to make sure the aligner fits fully over the teeth and the attachments (small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to the teeth).
If an air gap remains between the aligner and the tooth, the force the aligner applies may not be transmitted as planned. That is why using a chewie can be helpful, especially in the first days after switching to a new aligner. A common method is to start at the front teeth, work toward the back teeth and bite a few times in each area. Your orthodontist will tell you how long and how often to use it.
A chewie is also an oral product: wash it with water and dry it after use, and replace it when it becomes deformed over time.
Which brush should you choose for cleaning aligners?
It is recommended that you use a separate, soft-bristled toothbrush for your aligners. Hard-bristled brushes can create fine scratches on the aligner surface; scratches both make the aligners more visible and make it easier for residue to cling. Keeping a separate brush instead of using the one you use for your teeth also prevents toothpaste residue from being carried onto the aligners.
For your teeth, keep brushing as normal with fluoride toothpaste. Cleaning between the teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush is much more important while wearing aligners, because the aligner holds residue against an uncleaned tooth for hours. For choosing the right size, take a look at our interdental brush guide on the blog.
What should you not use when cleaning clear aligners?
Some home methods and products can damage the aligner material. An aligner is a thin thermoplastic material; if it loses its shape, it will not fit the teeth properly and the treatment plan may be disrupted.
- Hot or boiling water: The aligner may lose its shape. Always use lukewarm or cold water. A dishwasher is not suitable for the same reason.
- Alcohol-based mouthwashes: Can make the aligner surface cloudy and discolor it. Do not soak your aligners in mouthwash.
- Colored or abrasive toothpastes: Toothpastes with whitening particles or color can scratch and stain the aligners. There is no need to brush your aligners with toothpaste.
- Bleach and harsh chemicals: Damage the material and can cause irritation in the mouth.
- Hard brushes and scouring sponges: Cause scratches.
- Napkins: Not a cleaning product, but a risk of loss. Always put your aligners in their case.
There are differing recommendations about using products such as vinegar, baking soda or denture cleaners on aligners. If you want to use such a product, ask your orthodontist first; some mixtures can affect the aligner surface.
Which care products should you have with you when out and traveling?
If you are away from home during the day, a small care kit makes things easier. It is enough for it to contain the following:
- Storage case
- A folding or travel-size toothbrush and a small tube of fluoride toothpaste
- Dental floss or a few interdental brushes
- A small bottle of water (for rinsing your mouth after eating and rinsing the aligners)
- Cleaning foam or a few tablets
- A chewie (if you use one)
On long trips, it is advisable to take your previous aligners with you as well. Details about wearing aligners while traveling are on our clear aligners while traveling page. For practical information on when to put your aligners back in after eating, you can read the eating and drinking rules article on our blog.
Are the care products also used during the retainer period?
Yes. The clear retainer used after treatment ends is made of a similar material and needs the same care. A storage case, a soft brush and cleaning tablets are useful during this period too. Because a retainer is usually used for a long time, often at night, regular cleaning also extends its life. For details, see our retainers after clear aligners page.
What should you pay attention to when choosing products?
There are many products sold for clear aligners. When choosing, it is enough to ask these questions:
- Does the product clearly state that it is suitable for orthodontic aligners or clear appliances?
- Are the instructions for use and the soaking time clearly written on the package?
- Does it contain alcohol, colorants or abrasive particles?
- Have you noticed sensitivity, burning or an allergic reaction in your mouth? In that case, stop using it and consult your orthodontist.
Care products make aligner hygiene easier; however, the main factor that determines the success of treatment is wearing the aligners for the time your orthodontist has planned and sticking to the change schedule. For the change routine, take a look at our aligner change schedule page.
How can you get information about care products at our clinic?
Funda Sarıkaya Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic uses the Invisalign system. When your aligners are handed over, Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.), shows you hands-on which care supplies to use and how; at check-ups, if there is buildup or discoloration on the aligner surface, your care routine is reviewed together. The clinic is located at Park Oran Ofis in Oran, Çankaya, and is open Monday–Saturday, 09:00–20:00. You can bring your questions about care products to your examination or ask them by phone.