Invisalign braces come pre-packaged in individual, sealed packets. Whilst they will no doubt be sterile and scrupulously clean when opened by the patient for the first time, they may also have an almost white, dusty look to them. This is a residue from the sterilisation process that Invisalign aligners undergo after manufacture and although it is perfectly safe it can cause a sore throat or coughing in some people.

This is why it is important to wash your aligners before inserting each new set for the first time. Just a simple rinse under the tap will be adequate to remove any traces of chemical residue. This could make all the difference to your comfort in the first few days of wear of each new set.

 Each time that you remove your aligners it is a good idea to get into the habit of running them under the tap. This removes any wet residue and helps to stop the build up of white film that aligners that are inadequately cleaned can get. A quick rinse is all that is required and will also help to ensure that the aligners do not develop an unpleasant odour whilst out of your mouth.

After eating not only is it vital that you clean your teeth thoroughly (yes, that means brush AND floss!) it is also a good idea to give your aligners a quick clean if possible. Running them under water and giving them a gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush is sufficient and will stop them from looking and smelling unpleasant.

It is important to note that whilst a toothbrush should be used, toothpaste should not be as it can result in abrasion, leading to the creation of tiny scratches that may provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

Once a day it is a good idea to give your aligners a more thorough clean. This prevents bacteria from building up on them. Although Invisalign expressly advise against it, many people like to soak their aligners in a denture bath filled with a denture cleaner. When left for about 5-10 minutes this gives them a thorough clean and neutralises any nasty smells. Whilst they are soaking is the perfect time to give your teeth a thorough clean and floss. Upon removal from the denture bath a rinse under running water and a quick scrub with a soft toothbrush renders them as good as new.

Your aligners aren't the only thing you need to keep clean. Always wash your hands, or at the very least use an alcohol hand gel, before inserting and removing your aligners.

Invisalign storage cases need to be kept clean too. When you remove your aligners they often have excess saliva on them that can easily be transferred to the case. After a few days the cases can become slimy and smelly. Giving them a good rinse daily can solve this problem. As with the aligners a gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush can help to keep them hygenic.

It is also a good idea to sterilise your aligners before storing them. As you finish with each set sterilise them using a denture cleaner and place them back in the resealable bag in which they arrived. If you need to reuse them for any reason at a later date they will then be fresh when you return. Aligners that aren't sterilised before storage become discoloured and smelly.