How Often Should You Clean Aligners, Night Guards and Dentures?

Anything you wear in your mouth collects film, and the longer you wear it, the faster it builds. Here is a simple schedule for the most common appliances.

Clear aligners

Rinse every time you take them out. Clean them gently at least once a day, and deep-clean them a few times a week with a soak or an ultrasonic cycle. Aligners are changed often, but a cloudy tray is noticeable within days.

Retainers

Rinse after each wear and clean daily. Because a retainer is kept for months or years, a regular deep clean matters more here than with aligners.

Night guards and sports mouthguards

Rinse and clean after every use, and let the guard dry fully before storing it. A closed, damp case is where odors start.

Dentures and partials

Clean daily and follow your dentist’s instructions for soaking. Handle them over a towel or a sink of water so they do not break if dropped.

Signs it is time for a deep clean

• A cloudy or yellow tint.

• White spots or a rough feel.

• A smell that rinsing does not remove.

Two easy ways to deep-clean

Soak the appliance with a retainer cleaner tablet, or run it through an ultrasonic retainer cleaner for a few minutes. Rinse well before wearing it again.

This article is general care information. Follow the instructions from your dentist, orthodontist or the maker of your appliance.