Aligner cleaning
Cleaning crystals, foams, or a soft brush remove plaque and bacteria from trays so they stay clear and do not smell, and so bacteria are not held against the teeth.
Also known as cleaning crystals, retainer cleaner.
The descriptions on this page are InvisibleBraces editorial summaries. The research behind them is counted and linked below, each count opening the search that returns it.
At a glance
Updated monthly · checked 11 d agoAligner cleaning: used or recommended alongside at-home aligners, not the aligner treatment itself. Its research-volume score is ~43/100, from 892 indexed papers. Our verdict: Cheap and worth doing every day. The specialty products are optional over mild soap and a soft brush.
Sold as "keep your aligners invisible and fresh."
Cheap and worth doing every day. The specialty products are optional over mild soap and a soft brush.
What the evidence says
Our summary of the research, then the counts it rests on. Each count opens the search that returns it.
Daily cleaning is standard hygiene advice; dirty trays trap bacteria against teeth and gums. Rinsing plus gentle brushing works well, so the branded crystals are convenience more than necessity.
The score is the one figure here we compute ourselves: a logarithmic blend of the three counts above (every indexed paper, the randomized trials, and the systematic reviews), with a trial or a review counting for more than an ordinary paper. It measures how much research exists on the topic, not whether a product works for you. The same method grades every topic on the accessories index.
Source: Europe PMC · as of Nov 2, 2026
What to watch for
Do not use hot water (it warps trays) or colored or abrasive toothpaste (it scratches and stains). Poor tray hygiene raises the risk of decay and gum irritation.
InvisibleBraces editorial guidance, not a clinical instruction. For the professional-body positions on moving teeth without an exam, see what the ADA and AAO say.
Aligner cleaners and cases on Amazon
Made for aligners and retainers and sold on Amazon. What each one is, and anything worth knowing first, is our own summary.
- Invisalign Aligner Cleaning Foam (2 pack)View on Amazon
Made by Invisalign
Invisalign's own cleaning foam for aligners and retainers. A pump or two goes inside the trays before you put them back in, so it works away from a sink, or the trays can sit in it for a few minutes at home.
- Retainer Brite cleaning tablets (96 count)View on Amazon
Made by Retainer Brite
Fizzing tablets you dissolve in a glass of water and soak aligners or a retainer in. Made for removable orthodontic appliances, not for dentures.
- Polident 3 Minute Antibacterial Retainer Cleaner (2 x 90 tablets)View on Amazon
Made by Polident
Antibacterial soaking tablets from the denture-cleaner brand, sold for retainers, aligners and mouthguards, with a three-minute soak.
- EverSmile AlignerFresh Original Clean foam (2 pack)View on Amazon
Made by EverSmile
A cleaning foam you put inside the trays and wear. It contains hydrogen peroxide, so it whitens teeth as well as cleaning the trays.
Worth knowing: It whitens, so as with any whitening, ask your provider before using it while teeth are moving.
- Invisalign Aligner and Retainer CaseView on Amazon
Made by Invisalign
Invisalign's own hard case with a magnetic catch, made to hold a set of aligners or a retainer between meals.
Worth knowing: Trays come out at every meal: a case keeps them clean and in one piece, where a napkin gets thrown away with the trays inside.
Links open Amazon.com, the US store, which sets the price and availability. We last checked these products there on Oct 24, 2026. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.