How to Clean Your Clear Aligners (The Right Way)

Reviewed by Dr. Mindy Streem, DMD, MS, ABO, Director of Orthodontic Support at Aspen Dental

Clean your Motto® clear aligners once a day using cool water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a gentle liquid soap — that's it. Unlike Invisalign® trays that often require special cleaning crystals or soaking tablets, Motto aligners feature built-in antimicrobial protection that resists bacteria and staining with minimal effort. [1]

Why Cleaning Your Clear Aligners Matters for Your Oral Health

Skipping aligner cleaning allows bacteria and plaque to accumulate on the tray surface, which then transfers directly back onto your teeth every time you put them in. Research confirms that proper oral hygiene during clear aligner therapy maintains or improves periodontal health. [E1]

Your aligners sit against your teeth for up to 22 hours a day. Any bacteria that colonize the tray surface have direct, prolonged contact with your enamel and gums. Keeping your trays clean protects your teeth throughout treatment — not just your smile at the end of it.

How to Clean Clear Aligners: Step-by-Step

The Motto cleaning routine takes under two minutes and requires nothing you don't already have at home.

1. Remove your aligners — Start at the back molars on one side, gently pulling the tray away from your teeth. Repeat on the other side, then work toward the front.

2. Rinse with cool water — Run cool or lukewarm water over both sides of the tray immediately after removal to loosen any saliva or debris. Never use hot water — it warps the custom-molded plastic.

3. Apply a small amount of clear, gentle liquid soap — A drop of unscented dish soap or hand soap works well. Avoid colored soaps that can stain the tray.

4. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush — Use light circular motions on the inside and outside of the tray. Do not scrub hard.

5. Rinse thoroughly — Make sure all soap residue is removed before placing the aligners back in your mouth.

6. Brush and floss your teeth — Always clean your teeth before reinserting your aligners to avoid trapping food particles against your enamel.

Do this once a day — morning or night, whichever fits your routine. [2]

What Makes Motto Aligners Easier to Clean Than Invisalign®

Motto aligners are built with next-generation antimicrobial material that actively resists bacterial growth and staining — no special cleaning systems required. Invisalign® trays lack this built-in protection, which is why their care instructions often recommend proprietary cleaning crystals or soaking solutions.

Motto's material advantages go beyond cleaning convenience:

• Antimicrobial — Built-in germ protection keeps trays fresh between cleanings

• Stain resistant — Virtually invisible throughout treatment, even with daily coffee or tea

• BPA free, latex free, phthalate free — Safe materials from day one

• Laser-cut smooth edges — No rough spots that trap debris or irritate gums

The result: a simpler daily routine that costs nothing extra and takes less than two minutes. [1]

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Clear Aligners

Several common cleaning habits can permanently damage your aligners — making them cloudy, warped, or more prone to bacterial buildup.

Always store your aligners in their protective case when not in your mouth — never wrap them in a napkin or leave them on a countertop. [E2]

How Often Should You Clean Your Clear Aligners?

Clean your aligners at minimum once a day. Rinsing with cool water every time you remove them — before meals, after drinks — keeps buildup from accumulating between full cleanings.

A practical daily schedule:

• Morning: Full clean (soap + brush + rinse) before inserting

• After meals: Quick cool-water rinse before reinserting

• Before bed: Brush teeth, then rinse aligners before overnight wear

Consistent daily cleaning is the single most effective habit for keeping your trays clear and your treatment on track. [E1]

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean clear aligners daily?

Rinse with cool water, apply a small drop of clear gentle soap, brush lightly with a soft toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly. Do this once a day. Motto aligners' built-in antimicrobial material does the rest — no soaking tablets or special solutions needed.

How do you clean Invisalign® aligners vs. Motto aligners?

Invisalign® recommends proprietary cleaning crystals or soaking solutions because their trays lack built-in antimicrobial protection. Motto aligners resist bacteria and staining at the material level, so mild soap and water is all you need.

Can you use toothpaste to clean clear aligners?

No. Toothpaste contains abrasives designed to polish tooth enamel — those same abrasives scratch aligner plastic, creating a cloudy appearance and microscopic grooves where bacteria hide. Use clear liquid soap instead.

How do you remove clear aligners without breaking them?

Start at the back molars on one side, gently pulling the tray away from your teeth with your fingertip. Repeat on the other side, then work toward the front. Never yank from the front teeth — this stresses the plastic and can crack the tray.

What happens if you don't clean your aligners?

Bacteria and plaque accumulate on the tray surface and transfer back onto your teeth every time you reinsert them. This increases the risk of tooth decay, gum irritation, and bad breath during treatment. [E1]

Book a FREE same-day appointment⁵ at your nearest Aspen Dental to find out if Motto® clear aligners are right for you — only at Aspen Dental, at over 1,100 locations nationwide. [3]

Disclaimers: ¹ Based on a 2025 survey of average Invisalign® vs. Motto cost. ² Price for mild to moderate cases. Advanced cases may require additional charges. ³ Average Motto patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary. Data on file. ⁵ Free offer applies to new & existing patients seeking a clear aligner evaluation. Free exam & x-rays have a minimum value of $80; value varies based on doctor recommendation. Offer ends 12/31/26. Not offered in the state of Illinois.

Sources

[1] Motto® Clear Aligners — https://www.aspendental.com/mottoaligners/ [2] Motto® Clear Aligners FAQ — https://www.aspendental.com/mottoaligners/faq/ [3] Book a Motto® Appointment — https://www.aspendental.com/schedule-an-appointment/mottoaligners/ [E1] Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Health During Clear Aligner Therapy, PMC/NIH — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12876197/ ✅ Verified [E2] Aligner Care and Bacterial Contamination, PMC/NIH — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13054053/