The NewSmile Guide to Dental Aligner Care

1. Always Remove Aligners to Eat or Drink (Except Water)

Never eat with your aligners in. Food can warp trays, trap particles, and cause unpleasant odors — and colored drinks like coffee, tea, wine, or soda can stain them. Remove your aligners before eating, and store them in their case so they don’t get lost or contaminated.

Tip: carry a compact aligner case and a travel toothbrush (or disposable brush) so you can clean your teeth before putting trays back in. Aim to wear aligners about 22 hours a day so treatment stays on track.

2. Brush & Floss Before You Reinsert Aligners

Putting aligners over teeth with food residue is a quick route to bacteria buildup and bad breath. Make it a habit: after each meal or snack, brush and floss before reinserting your trays. This prevents trapped food and keeps your aligner interior pristine.

• ✅ Brush for two full minutes with fluoride toothpaste
• ✅ Floss daily to remove debris from between teeth
• ✅ Rinse your mouth with water if you can’t brush immediately

3. Rinse & Gently Brush Your Aligners Daily

Daily rinsing is the quickest way to prevent buildup. Rinse your aligners under lukewarm water every time you remove them. For a deeper clean, gently brush each tray with a soft toothbrush — use water or a mild, unscented liquid soap. Important: do not use regular toothpaste on aligners — many formulas are mildly abrasive and can scratch the plastic, causing cloudiness.

Keep water temperature moderate — hot water can warp clear trays and spoil the fit.

4. Use Safe Soaks to Remove Buildup & Odors

When your aligners need a deeper clean, soak them in gentle, safe solutions. Recommended options include:

• ✅ Distilled water + baking soda (1:1) — neutralizes odors
• ✅ Distilled water + mild castile soap — light cleansing
• ✅ White vinegar + warm water (1:1) — gentle disinfectant (short soak)
• ✅ Over-the-counter denture/aligner soak per package directions

Soak times vary by method: 5–20 minutes is usually enough. Always rinse thoroughly with cool water before putting trays back in. Avoid mouthwash, chlorine, bleach, or harsh household cleaners — these can discolor or damage trays.

5. Never Use Toothpaste or Hot Water on Trays

Toothpaste and abrasive powders will scratch the surface of your aligners and make them look foggy. Hot water can deform them. Stick to soft brushes, lukewarm water, and gentle cleansers designed for aligners, retainers, or dentures.

6. Store Aligners Properly When Not in Use

Always use your aligner case. Leaving trays exposed on a napkin, table, or sink risks loss, damage, or pet attraction (yes — curious dogs love aligners). A hard-shell case protects trays from bending, sunlight, and accidental crushing.

• ✅ Use the provided case when eating
• ✅ Keep a second case in your bag or desk for convenience
• ✅ Avoid paper napkins — they look disposable and may be thrown out

7. Replace Lost or Damaged Aligners Promptly

If an aligner cracks, warps, or gets lost, contact your care team right away. Continuing to wear a damaged or misfitting tray can slow progress or harm treatment outcomes. Most providers can send a replacement tray quickly or advise the best temporary step (e.g., wearing the previous tray) until a replacement arrives.

8. Keep Your Mouth Healthy During Treatment

Aligner care is only part of the picture — keep up with regular oral hygiene and a tooth-friendly diet. Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and avoid excessive sugary or acidic snacks. If you smoke, consider quitting (smoking stains trays and teeth and impairs oral health).