Clean Invisalign aligners as directed by your orthodontist. The manufacturer’s patient instructions describe gently brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, water and a small amount of toothpaste, then rinsing thoroughly. Remove aligners before meals and all drinks except tap water, keep them in their case when out, and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
How to clean Invisalign aligners day to day
Use the routine provided by your treating orthodontist if it differs from general manufacturer guidance. Invisalign’s patient instructions describe brushing the aligners gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, water and a small amount of toothpaste, then rinsing them thoroughly. The instructions are available in the Invisalign patient instructions; because that document is an older revision, follow your clinician’s current advice if it differs.
If you do not have a toothbrush or cleaning system with you, the instructions say to rinse the aligners under warm running water. Rinse them again before putting them back in. Avoid hot water: heat can damage aligners, and Invisalign’s Cleaning Crystals+ instructions specifically caution against it.
Eating, drinking and putting aligners back in
Take aligners out before eating or drinking anything other than tap water. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) gives this advice in its food and drink FAQ; Invisalign’s patient instructions also direct wearers to remove them for meals and drinks, while allowing cool or tepid water. Follow any more specific instructions from your orthodontist.
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- Get Your Invisalign Cleaner in 15 Minutes: With 50 packets included, these special cleaning crystals for Invisalign retainers work in 15 minutes to remove plaque from your aligners or retainers to keep them odor-free, hygienic and clear
- Easy to Use: Weekly, remove aligners and rinse; Place them in a container; Fill with warm water to immerse; Add a packet of Invisalign crystals; Agitate for 20 seconds to dissolve; Let stand for 15 minutes; Agitate for 20 seconds; Rinse thoroughly
- Best Storage Practices for Your Invisalign Cleaner Crystals: Keep these packets of clear aligner cleaner in a cool, dry place to ensure optimal usability
- Ingredients: Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Dichlorosocyanurate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Invisalign Value: From cases to retainer cleaners, Invisalign offers all the tools and Invisalign accessories you need to maximize the experience of achieving your best smile; Aligners not included
- Remove the aligners before a meal or a non-water drink.
- Put them in their case while they are out, rather than wrapping them in a napkin or leaving them loose.
- After eating or drinking, brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners. If you cannot brush immediately, ask your orthodontist what to do for your treatment plan.
Carrying the case with you makes it easier to store trays safely when you eat away from home. The AAO also advises keeping removed aligners in their case and brushing teeth before reinsertion in its aligner-care FAQ.
Are Invisalign Cleaning Crystals+ necessary?
No. Cleaning Crystals+ are an optional branded cleaning method, not a requirement for every wearer. Invisalign describes the product as a no-brush soak. Its US product page directs users to add one capful to 100 ml of warm water, submerge the aligners fully, stir for 20 seconds, soak for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. The instructions say: “Soak – Soak aligners or retainers in the mixture for 15 minutes.” Use the crystals according to their directions and your orthodontist’s advice; they are not a substitute for either.
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- ALIGNER AND RETAINER CLEANER: Keep your aligners or retainer's odor-free, hygienic, and clean with our Invisalign aligner and retainer Cleaning Crystals+
- EASY TO USE: Just pour one capful of Cleaning Crystals+ into a container of water, add aligners, let soak for 15 minutes. No need to brush, just rinse
- SIMPLIFY CLEANING: Use daily to keep aligners clean and clear. 60-day supply
- INNOVATIVE FORMULATION WITH MINT: Oxygen-based cleaning powder that helps clean aligners and remove stuck-on stains. Leaves aligners clean and clearer with each use as well as minty fresh
- DEEPER CLEAN: For an even deeper clean, use the Cleaning Crystals+ with our Invisalign Ultrasonic Cleaner
The same page reports a 99.99% reduction in five named odor-causing bacterial strains after a 15-minute exposure. Align Technology attributes this manufacturer-reported result to third-party testing, with data on file as of December 12, 2023. It is a product test on five strains, not a clinical outcome or evidence that the product eliminates all bacteria. No direct head-to-head evidence establishes that crystals clean better than gentle brushing and rinsing.
Cleaning methods and accessories at a glance
| Method or accessory | What the instructions say | Useful consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-bristled toothbrush, water and a little toothpaste | Gently brush, then rinse thoroughly; described in Invisalign patient instructions. | Use the specific approach your clinician recommends. |
| Rinse with warm running water | Invisalign patient instructions describe this when a toothbrush or cleaning system is unavailable. | A practical fallback; avoid hot water. |
| Cleaning Crystals+ | One capful in 100 ml warm water; stir 20 seconds, soak 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly, per the product page. | Optional; the product is described as a no-brush soak. |
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Invisalign’s US store lists an ultrasonic cleaner for clear aligners and Vivera retainers; cleaning time and additional method details are not stated on the listing. | Check the current listing and your clinician’s advice before use. |
| Case | AAO advises storing removed aligners in their case. | Carry it for meals and other times the trays are out. |
The ultrasonic cleaner is listed by the Invisalign US accessory store. Availability and product instructions can change, so consult the current listing and the guidance for your specific aligners.
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- Dentist-Developed Formula: Our M3 Extra Strength Retainer Cleaning Tablets feature a dentist-developed, laboratory-tested deep cleaning formula that helps restore clarity by removing tough stains, buildup, and unwanted odors from retainers, dentures, and other removable dental appliances.*
- 120 Tablets of Optimal Results: Our denture cleaning tablets provide the most complete cleansing solution on the market. Each tablet is individually sealed for convenient storage and use, helping remove discoloration, stains, plaque, stubborn odors, and tartar!* Eligible for purchase with qualifying FSA and HSA funds for added convenience!
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- About Our Brand: M3 is a brand that contains products that contain natural ingredients and other ingredients. However, all M3 items are quality tested in the USA with the highest standards.
When your orthodontist’s instructions take precedence
Aligner and cleaning-product directions can vary. The AAO advises patients to get specific cleaning instructions from their own provider. If generic guidance, product directions or this routine conflicts with your treatment plan, ask your orthodontist which method to follow.
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- ✅ FSA & HSA APPROVED, WORKS WITH ULTRASONIC CLEANERS – Take advantage of FSA/HSA benefits on your oral care routine. Our premium retainer cleaning tablets are approved for use as dental pod tablets, ultrasonic cleaner tablets, and dental pod ultrasonic cleaner for retainers. Compatible with zima dental pod ultrasonic cleaner, these premium tablets offer professional-level cleaning you can trust.
- 🦷 DENTIST RECOMMENDED, SAFE FOR ALL DENTAL APPLIANCES – Our premium dental appliance cleaner tablets is trusted by professionals and safe for aligners, invisalign, night guards, mouthguards, dentures, veneers, flippers, and more. Use confidently with mouthguard cleaners, night guard cleaner tablets, and even ultrasonic denture cleaner systems.
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- 🧪 KILLS 99.9% OF ODOR-CAUSING BACTERIA – Eliminate bacteria that causes bad breath, buildup, and cloudiness. These premium retainer cleaning tablets function as night guard cleaner, mouth guard cleaner tablets, and invisalign cleaner tablet, perfect for daily cleaning or deep soaking in dental pod ultrasonic cleaners.
- 🌱 MINT FRESHNESS WITH CRYSTAL-CLEAR RESULTS – Our premium dental cleaning tablets deliver a refreshing mint scent while restoring appliance clarity. Works great as aligner cleaner tablets, invisalign cleaner, and even cleaning crystals for Invisalign retainers—leaving your appliance fresh, bright, and residue-free.
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- Get Your Invisalign Cleaner in 15 Minutes: With 50 packets and a cleaning tub included, these cleaning crystals for Invisalign retainers work in 15 minutes to remove plaque from your aligners or retainers to keep them odor-free, hygienic and clear
- Easy to Use: Weekly, remove aligners and rinse; Place them in a tub; Fill with warm water to immerse; Add a packet of Invisalign crystals; Agitate for 20 seconds to dissolve; Let stand for 15 minutes; Agitate for 20 seconds; Rinse thoroughly
- Best Storage Practices for Your Invisalign Cleaner Crystals: Keep these packets of clear aligner cleaner in a cool, dry place to ensure optimal usability
- Ingredients: Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Dichlorosocyanurate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Invisalign Value: From cases to retainer cleaners, Invisalign offers all the tools and Invisalign accessories you need to maximize the experience of achieving your best smile; Aligners not included
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
