Invisalign has transformed orthodontic treatment with clear, comfortable, removable aligners that fit seamlessly into everyday life. While Invisalign is designed to be convenient, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential for keeping your treatment on track. That includes properly cleaning and disinfecting your aligners and continuing routine hygiene appointments — even deep teeth cleaning — during your Invisalign journey.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your aligners, preventing stains and odours, disinfecting safely, and understanding how deep cleaning works with Invisalign treatment.

Your Invisalign aligners sit directly against your teeth for most of the day. Without proper care, bacteria, plaque and food particles can build up, leading to:

• Bad breath and unpleasant odours

• Staining and cloudiness

• Gum inflammation or gum disease

• Tooth decay

• Discomfort or irritation

• Delays in treatment progress

Good care keeps your aligners clear, fresh, and functioning properly — and protects your overall oral health.

Rinsing (Quick Maintenance)

Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water whenever you remove them. This clears saliva and surface debris, makes deeper cleaning easier, and reduces staining.

Cleaning (Daily Hygiene)

Daily cleaning removes plaque, bacteria, and trapped food:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, a small amount of toothpaste, and warm (not hot) water.

• Brush inside and outside your aligners gently.

• Rinse thoroughly.

Disinfecting (Deep Hygiene)

Disinfecting eliminates bacteria and germs that regular cleaning may miss. This is especially important if:

• You’ve been sick

• You dropped your aligners

• You notice odours

• You see buildup developing

Both cleaning and disinfecting should be part of your regular routine throughout treatment.

Follow these daily steps:

• Use a soft toothbrush with warm water and a small amount of toothpaste

• Brush gently to avoid scratching

• Focus on areas where food or bacteria may accumulate

• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water

• Rinse before reinserting aligners after eating or drinking

Avoid Staining Foods & Drinks

To keep your aligners clear:

• Remove aligners before drinking tea, coffee, red wine, sports drinks or coloured juices

• Rinse your mouth and aligners before putting them back in

Hydrogen Peroxide Soak (Recommended)

A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is gentle and effective:

• Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water

• Soak aligners for 10–15 minutes

• Rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water

• Optionally brush with a soft toothbrush afterwards

This helps eliminate bacteria without damaging the aligner plastic.

Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

Specifically formulated for aligners:

• Dissolve in water

• Soak aligners as directed

• Rinse thoroughly

They remove odours, bacteria, and light staining.

Denture Cleaning Tablets (e.g., Polident)

Another safe disinfecting option:

• Dissolve a tablet in warm water

• Soak aligners

• Rinse well afterward

What NOT to Use on Invisalign

Avoid products that can damage aligners or irritate your mouth:

• Hot or boiling water

• Bleach or harsh chemicals

• Alcohol-based cleaners

• Strong mouthwashes

• Scented soaps

• Abrasive scrubbing

These can warp, crack, discolour, or weaken the plastic.

If your aligners develop staining or look cloudy:

Baking Soda Soak

• Dissolve a small amount of baking soda in water

• Soak aligners for 1–2 hours

• Rinse well

Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

Maintain clarity and freshness.

Review Your Care Routine

Cloudiness may come from:

• Plaque buildup

• Using harsh cleaning products

• Exposure to hot water

Yes — and it’s highly recommended.

Deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a more thorough clean than routine hygiene appointments. It removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, helping prevent gum disease and improving overall oral health. Many Invisalign patients benefit from deep cleaning because healthy gums support more predictable tooth movement.

What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?

A deep clean:

• Removes plaque and tartar below the gum line

• Cleans along the roots of teeth

• Reduces gum inflammation

• Helps treat and prevent gum disease

• Improves breath and reduces sensitivity

It goes beyond a standard hygiene clean, which only focuses on plaque and tartar above the gum line.

Is Deep Cleaning Compatible with Invisalign?

Absolutely.

Deep cleaning:

• Does not interfere with aligner wear

• Does not delay treatment

• Helps maintain gum health essential during aligner movement

• Supports cleaner, smoother treatment progress

How It Works at Your Appointment

• You’ll simply remove your aligners before the cleaning

• Store them in your protective case

• After your appointment, you can put them straight back in

Benefits of Deep Cleaning During Invisalign

• Prevents gum disease by removing bacteria below the gum line

• Freshens breath by eliminating odour-causing plaque

• Reduces tooth sensitivity by addressing underlying gum issues

• Improves oral health, supporting successful Invisalign results

• Clean aligners daily with a soft toothbrush, warm water, and toothpaste

• Rinse aligners often, especially after meals

• Brush twice daily for two minutes

• Floss once a day

• Avoid staining and acidic foods while wearing aligners

These habits help maintain both oral health and aligner clarity.

Can I get my teeth deep cleaned if I have Invisalign?

Yes — simply remove your aligners before the appointment.

Can I get other dental work during Invisalign treatment?

Yes. Most routine treatments (fillings, crowns, hygiene appointments) can be done during Invisalign. Whitening is usually best left until after treatment.

Does deep teeth cleaning hurt?

You may experience minor discomfort or sensitivity, especially if gum disease is present. This usually settles within a day or two.

What can I expect after a deep clean?

Mild sensitivity and tenderness, but also fresher breath and a cleaner mouth.

Why do my aligners sometimes smell?

Odours come from plaque and bacteria buildup. Regular cleaning and disinfection prevent this.

How often should I disinfect my aligners?

Regularly — at least several times per week, and always after illness.

As New Zealand’s largest dental group, Lumino offers:

• Invisalign dentists nationwide

• Diamond Invisalign Providers (our most experienced clinicians)

• Personalised guidance on aligner care and oral hygiene

• Support throughout every step of your Invisalign journey

Enquire at your local Lumino practice to see if they offer the service you require.