How to Maintain Your Invisible Braces and Aligners?

If you’re someone who always wanted a perfectly aligned smile but didn’t want metal wires flashing every time you spoke or smiled, invisible braces must feel like a blessing. And honestly, they are! Today, a huge number of people—students, working professionals, brides-to-be, actors, corporate employees—are choosing clear aligners and other transparent aligner systems in Chandigarh instead of traditional braces.

But here’s the part most people don’t think about: just like your phone or laptop needs care to work properly, your invisible braces do too. They are convenient, removable, and aesthetic—but only if you maintain them well. Poor care can lead to stains, odour, cracks, bacterial growth, slow results, or even additional dental bills.

So, if you’re planning treatment in Chandigarh or already using clear aligners for teeth, here are the most important and practical tips to keep them clean, odour-free, and working efficiently.

1. Clean Your Aligners Every Morning

You may remove your aligners at night, brush, and sleep. But during the day, aligners collect saliva and bacterial deposits. So the first thing you should do every morning is rinse and gently clean them.

• Rinse with lukewarm (not hot) water
• Use a soft toothbrush to clean the inside and outside
• Avoid harsh soaps or toothpaste (they can scratch the surface)

A little morning care keeps your aligners fresh and prevents bad breath.

2. Never Eat With Aligners On

Invisible braces are not like metal braces. You have to remove them before eating or drinking anything besides plain water.

Eating with aligners on can:

• Damage or crack them
• Cause stains and discoloration
• Trap food particles, leading to cavities
• Create unpleasant smells

If you're having tea, coffee, juice, shakes, cold drinks—take them out first. Many patients forget this and end up with stained aligners, especially if they’re heavy tea/coffee drinkers!

3. Store Them Properly When Not in Use

TOne of the most common tragedies: someone keeps their aligners wrapped in a tissue on a table—and a family member throws them away.

Always store them in the provided case. Not in pockets, not loose in bags, not on tables.

Proper storage also prevents bacterial growth, protecting it from dust and cracking up. And yes—never, ever wash aligners in hot water. Heat can change their shape and ruin the treatment.

4. Brush and Rinse Before Putting Them Back In

This is something many people skip.

Imagine eating a meal, bits of food still stuck in the teeth, and then placing aligners back on. That trapped food becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to cavities and swelling in the gums, which may further lead to bad breath and yellowing of teeth.

A great cosmetic dentist in Chandigarh shall strongly advise patients to maintain oral hygiene while undergoing aligner treatment. If you can’t brush after eating, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly.

5. Avoid Certain Drinks With Aligners On

If you’re wearing clear aligners, keep them away from

• Hot beverages (tea/coffee)
• Sugary drinks
• Coloured juices
• Alcohol

Sugar and color can stain the aligners and increase cavities. Hot beverages can warp the aligner material. Plain water is safe. For everything else, take them off!

6. Don’t Use Toothpaste to Clean Aligners

This sounds surprising, but toothpaste is slightly abrasive. It can create tiny scratches on the surface of aligners, making them appear dull and cloudy.

Better cleaning options include using mild liquid soap with a soft bristled toothbrush. This will help the invisible braces stay… invisible.

7. Keep Your Dental Appointments Regular

Even if aligners feel comfortable, regular check-ups with the best dentist in Chandigarh are important. Don’t forget to book your appointment by calling 918591297780. Your dentist monitors progress, checks for oral issues, and ensures teeth are moving correctly. Many patients who have clear aligners for teeth in Chandigarh have monthly or bi-monthly checkups so that aligner trays are updated at the right time.

Skipping appointments = treatment delay.

8. If You Grind Teeth—Tell Your Dentist

Some people naturally clench or grind while sleeping. That pressure can damage aligners. Ensure that you share the important details with your dentist who will then modify tray design or offer additional protection if they know in advance. So be honest about habits you might not even think matter.

9. Keep Whiteners and Home Remedies Away

Don’t try:

• Salt scrubs
• Vinegar
• Lemon
• Bleach
• Baking soda
• Homemade pastes

These can damage the material, cause irritation, or create micro-scratches that trap bacteria.

Stick to dentist-approved cleaning methods only.

10. Drink More Water

It takes time to adjust to something that is not naturally your own. Similarly, it will take some time to get used to the aligners, especially because they can make your mouth feel dry in the beginning. Pro tip here is to stay hydrated, as it helps you avoid mouth dryness, flush out bacteria hence preventing bad breath for an all-day comfort.

Final Word: Invisible Braces Work Best With Good Care

Invisible braces are one of the smartest advances in orthodontics—comfortable, removable, and almost invisible. They blend perfectly into daily life, whether you’re in college, office, or social gatherings. But they require responsibility.

If you're using or planning to get clear aligners for teeth in Chandigarh, these simple habits will make your treatment faster, cleaner, and smoother.

For best results, remember to wear them consistently, while ensuring hygiene and cleanliness using the smart tips given above. Follow them to not only get a beautiful smile, but to also keep your aligners fresh, clear, and effective throughout your treatment.