August 29, 2026
SureSmile aligners continue to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces because of their many advantages. These ‘invisible’ orthodontics utilize a series of transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your arches to shift them to their ideal places instead of bulky, awkward brackets and wires.
But they must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent potential relapse, which gives the germs trapped between your gums and the aligners plenty of time to thrive. Continue reading to learn more about how to clean your mouth correctly to help avoid common concerns, including gum disease, during your treatment!
Step #1: Remove Your Aligners
The first step is to take your aligners out of your mouth. If they’re slippery or seem resistant, wash and dry your hands, then gently try to remove them, starting with the molars but without yanking one side or the other.
You might even purchase a specially designed tool, such as an OrthoKey, which has a small hook to help gently pry the plastic away from your teeth without harming it.
Step #2: Brush Your Teeth & Trays
Once you have taken the trays out, you can gently scrub all sides with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dish soap that won’t abrade the material. This helps remove plaque and bacteria that can build up and make your aligners look dark or cloudy.
Then, thoroughly brush your teeth to clear away residue and germs from your enamel, freshen your breath, and help prevent cavities.
Step #3: Floss Carefully
Next, it’s time to clean your gumline. If you’re using string floss, you can take an 18 cm section and wrap the ends around your fingers. Then, gently press it between your teeth so it forms a c-shape, and glide it up and down. Continue to the next tooth and repeat until you’ve gone through each of your arches.
If it’s difficult to manipulate the floss for whatever reason, or you don’t like the way it feels in your mouth, you might do better with an oral irrigator, which relies on a stream of pressurized water to rinse your gums, instead.
Step #4: Rinse and Reinsert
Once everything is brushed and flossed, you can rinse your trays under gently running water, as long as it’s cool or room temperature because heat can warp the material so it no longer fits.
You can also use mouthwash to remove any remaining bacteria from your oral cavity, but please avoid exposing your aligners to these solutions, which contain chemicals that can harm them. Then, you can reinsert them and continue with your usual activities.
If you have questions about how to protect your smile and maintain your trays you can learn more by asking your dentist about it at your next routine follow-up appointment!
Meet the Author
Dr. Darrell Osterhoudt, or Dr. “O”, is passionate about helping families and individuals improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Temple University in Philadelphia, and today, he has 20+ years of experience providing a comprehensive menu of services, including SureSmile, to people of all ages. He takes the time to learn about your unique concerns and goals, then uses advanced technology to deliver customized treatment plans to address them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (801) 568-0172.