How to Prevent Aligners from Smelling?

Have you ever wondered why your aligners smell? Despite their aesthetic appeal and convenience, aligners require some responsibility, particularly in hygiene. Among their common problems, and most embarrassing for aligner users, is odor. However, you are not alone.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into how to prevent aligners from smelling, understand the root causes of odor, and learn effective clear aligner cleaning tips. We'll also discuss best practices for aligner care, outline a proper aligner hygiene routine, and give you expert-backed advice on how to clean aligners properly to keep them fresh throughout your treatment.

Why Do Aligners Smell?

Before we get into prevention, it’s important to understand why your aligners may begin to smell. Similar to natural teeth and gums, aligners can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cleaned.

The following factors contribute to the development of odor:

Bacterial Buildup

Just like plaque on your teeth, bacteria can collect on your aligners and release a foul smell, causing unpleasant breath.

Food Residue

If you don’t brush or floss before reinserting your aligners, leftover food particles can become trapped between your teeth and the trays, resulting in odor.

Dry Mouth

Aligners can reduce saliva flow, which diminishes the mouth’s natural ability to cleanse itself, making it easier for bacteria to thrive.

Improper Cleaning

Simply rinsing aligners under water is not enough to remove biofilm and invisible residue.

How to Prevent Aligners from Smelling: 10 Practical Tips

Here’s a complete roadmap for keeping aligners clean and odor-free:

Rinse Aligners Every Time You Remove Them

Always rinse your aligners with lukewarm water (avoid hot water) immediately after removing them. This helps wash away saliva and plaque before they dry and stick.

Brush and Floss before Reinserting Aligners

Before putting your aligners back in, ensure your teeth are free from food particles by brushing and flossing. This minimizes the chances of odor-causing residue transferring to your trays.

Clean Aligners Twice Daily

Use a soft toothbrush (dedicated to aligner cleaning) with clear, fragrance-free soap or an aligner-safe cleaning solution . Avoid regular toothpaste as it can be abrasive and cause scratches.

Soak Aligners Daily in a Cleaning Solution

Soaking your aligners once daily in a solution made for clear aligners—such as cleaning crystals or tablets—removes bacteria, plaque, and invisible grime that brushing might miss.

Avoid Eating or Drinking with Aligners On

Never eat or drink anything other than water with your aligners on. Food can get trapped, cause discoloration, and lead to odor.

Keep Aligners in Their Case When Not in Use

Exposing your aligners to open air allows bacteria to collect. Always store them in an aligner case to reduce contamination.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Mouthwash

Mouthwashes containing alcohol, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide can damage your aligners. Only use cleaning products that are labeled safe for aligners.

Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth is a common contributor to bad breath. Drinking plenty of water promotes saliva production and helps keep both your mouth and aligners clean.

Wash Your Aligner Case Weekly

Don’t overlook your storage case—it can accumulate bacteria too. Wash it weekly using soap and water, and let it dry completely before use.

Replace Aligners According to Schedule

Over time, aligners can wear down and become harder to clean. Adhering to your dentist or orthodontist’s replacement timeline helps maintain both hygiene and treatment effectiveness.

Aligner Hygiene Routine: A Sample Daily Schedule

To keep things organized, here’s what a typical daily cleaning schedule might look like:

Clear Aligner Cleaning Tips: Dos and Don’ts

DO

• Clean aligners every day
• Use a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap
• Rinse aligners every time you remove them
• Use a professional cleaner like ALIGNERCO Cleaner + Whitener

DON’T

• Use toothpaste or colored soaps
• Soak aligners in hot water
• Eat or drink (except water) while wearing them
• Skip brushing or flossing

Best Practices for Aligner Care

Caring for your aligners isn’t just about odor control—it supports oral health and enhances your treatment results. Keep your trays clear, hygienic, and functional with these extra strategies:

• Set phone alarms as reminders to clean your aligners.
• Carry a mini hygiene kit with you while traveling or at work.
• Regularly inspect your trays for signs of buildup or damage.
• Consult your dentist or orthodontist if odors persist despite good hygiene.

Keep Your Smile Fresh and Clean

Dealing with smelly aligners can be annoying, but the good news is—it’s preventable. With just a few simple habits, like brushing before popping your aligners back in, rinsing them regularly, and giving them a proper clean, you can easily keep odor at bay and enjoy a fresh, healthy smile. Taking care of your aligners not only keeps your breath fresh, but it also plays a big part in making your treatment successful.

Want to make the whole process even easier? Try ALIGNERCO Aligner Cleaner + Whitener. It’s a quick and powerful way to get rid of bacteria, freshen your breath, and keep your trays crystal clear.