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Invisalign is a popular and effective option for straightening teeth—especially for responsible kids and teens who want a more discreet alternative to braces. But with great freedom comes great responsibility, and one of the most important habits your child can develop during treatment is keeping their aligners clean.
At Artemis Smiles Orthodontics in Sandy Springs, GA, we guide families through every step of the Invisalign journey, including how to care for aligners properly. If your child is wearing Invisalign, here’s how they can keep their trays clean, clear, and odor-free throughout treatment.
1. Rinse Aligners Every Time They’re Removed
Each time your child takes out their aligners—to eat, drink, or brush—they should rinse them with lukewarm water. This helps:
- Prevent bacteria buildup
- Wash away food particles and saliva
- Keep trays smelling fresh
Avoid rinsing with hot water, as it can warp the aligner’s shape.
2. Brush Aligners Gently, But Not with Toothpaste
Many kids (and adults!) think brushing aligners with toothpaste is helpful—but toothpaste can actually be too abrasive and may cause the aligners to become cloudy.
Instead:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Clean with clear, unscented antibacterial soap or a gentle aligner cleaner
- Brush and rinse aligners at least once per day—ideally at night before bed
This keeps the trays clear and prevents plaque from transferring back to the teeth.
3. Soak Aligners Daily for a Deeper Clean
In addition to brushing, we recommend soaking aligners daily for a deeper clean. Your child can use:
- Invisalign cleaning crystals
- Denture or retainer cleaning tablets
- A mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water (as a gentle DIY solution)
Let aligners soak for 15–20 minutes, then rinse and brush gently before placing them back in the mouth.
4. Keep Aligners in Their Case When Not in Use
One of the easiest ways to keep aligners clean—and prevent them from getting lost—is to store them in their case when not being worn.
- No napkins or pockets!
- Always use the provided Invisalign case
- This helps avoid contamination, bacteria, and accidental damage
Kids are often on the go, so make sure their case travels with them in backpacks, lunchboxes, or sports bags.
5. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene
Even the cleanest aligners won’t stay that way if your child isn’t brushing and flossing properly. Before putting aligners back in, they should always:
- Brush for two minutes
- Floss thoroughly
- Rinse their mouth to remove food particles
This prevents food and plaque from being trapped inside the trays—keeping both the aligners and your child’s teeth healthy throughout treatment.
6. Avoid Eating or Drinking with Aligners In
Aligners should be removed any time your child eats or drinks anything other than plain water. Eating with aligners in can lead to:
- Staining or discoloration
- Cracking or warping
- Bacteria buildup from food particles
Encourage your child to remove aligners before meals and rinse before placing them back in.
7. Stay Consistent with Check-Ups
Keeping aligners clean is important—but so is keeping up with scheduled check-ups! At Artemis Smiles, we monitor your child’s progress and ensure their trays are in good condition. We’ll also provide extra tips and tools if cleaning becomes a challenge.
Support for Sandy Springs Families Every Step of the Way
Caring for Invisalign aligners might take some getting used to, but with the right habits and a little support, it becomes second nature. At Artemis Smiles Orthodontics, we make sure every child and parent feels confident managing aligner care—at home, at school, and on the go.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about Invisalign for kids in Sandy Springs and get expert guidance on treatment, cleaning, and smile success.
