What are clear aligners, and what is this page about?
Clear aligners are custom-made thin plastic trays worn over the teeth to move them under a supervised plan. Healthdirect describes them as an alternative to traditional braces — clear but not invisible (healthdirect; healthdirect orthodontic treatments). Better Health Channel notes a series of custom trays puts pressure on certain teeth so they move (Better Health Channel).
This page is about day-to-day care of removable clear aligner trays you already wear — not who should start orthodontics, not a brand comparison, and not a promise of straighter teeth in a set number of weeks. Follow the plan from the dentist supervising your trays.
After active aligner wear finishes, many people use a retainer to help hold tooth positions. That is a different appliance — see looking after orthodontic retainers as a complement, not a retell.
How many hours should you wear the trays?
Follow the daily wear hours your dentist gave you. Better Health Channel notes that people usually wear clear aligners for many hours each day (often around 20–22 hours), taking them out to eat, drink and clean them (Better Health Channel). Healthdirect likewise says aligners stay in other than when eating and drinking (healthdirect).
Your own plan may differ. Missing one short gap is not a reason to panic; if you have missed longer stretches or a tray no longer seats, call the clinic rather than guessing. Put trays back after meals and cleaning as soon as you can.
How should you clean clear aligner trays?
Clean the trays when you brush your teeth, ideally twice a day. The Australian Dental Association advises antibacterial liquid soap, a spare toothbrush, then a warm-water rinse (teeth.org.au). Orthodontics Australia suggests lukewarm-water rinses and soap with a spare brush, or another cleaner your clinician has approved (Orthodontics Australia).
Use lukewarm water — not hot. Heat can warp plastic so the tray no longer fits. Skip boiling water, dishwashers, and household heat to reshape a tray. If your dentist has advised against ordinary toothpaste on the trays, follow that — abrasive pastes can scratch plastic. Ask which cleaner suits your appliance; AMK Dental Clinic does not push particular brands.
What about brushing, snacks and drinks while trays are in?
Take trays out to eat and to clean your teeth, then put them back. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth before trays return when you can (teeth.org.au; how to floss properly).
With trays in, stick to water. Fruit juice or soft drink under trays can trap liquid against the teeth and, if frequent, can damage teeth (teeth.org.au). Orthodontics Australia advises removing trays for heated drinks such as coffee — heat can warp plastic and pigment can stain (Orthodontics Australia).
Where should you store trays when they are out?
Use the rigid case — not a napkin, tissue, pocket or loose bag. Orthodontics Australia recommends casing trays before you eat so they are less likely to be lost or discarded (Orthodontics Australia). Keep them away from pets (dogs often chew plastic) and away from heat such as hot water, strong sun on a car dashboard, and dishwashers.
Cracked, lost, or poorly seating trays — when to call
Call the supervising clinic if a tray cracks, chips, is lost, feels suddenly tight or loose, or will not seat. Do not skip ahead to a later tray to “catch up”, and do not force a tray that will not seat. Bring the damaged tray if you still have it.
Healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association both warn against do-it-yourself or direct-to-consumer orthodontics without in-person assessment and ongoing supervision (healthdirect orthodontic treatments; teeth.org.au). This page does not treat mail-order kits as equal to supervised in-person care.
At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, phone (02) 9739 6525 or book online. See how to book an appointment at AMK.
Keep reviews and ask about fit
Keep the review visits in your plan. A check-up and clean can review teeth and gums while you wear trays — assessment first. Bring current trays (and earlier ones if asked). Better Health Channel notes that aligners can make cleaning harder, which raises the chance of gum problems and decay if cleaning slips (Better Health Channel).
Asking for aligner-care advice at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137, serving Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
For advice about trays you already have, book online or call (02) 9739 6525. Bring the trays and any wear instructions if you have them. Opening hours are on the Contact page.
This page is general information only — not a personal orthodontic plan, not a brand pitch, and not a promise of straighter teeth in a fixed time. Ask the clinician supervising your trays, or the team at AMK Dental Clinic, what suits your mouth.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-made thin plastic trays worn over the teeth to move them under a supervised plan. Healthdirect describes them as an alternative to traditional braces — clear but not invisible. Better Health Channel notes treatment uses a series of trays designed to put pressure on certain teeth. This page is about day-to-day care of trays you already wear, not whether aligners suit you. Ask at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake if you need advice about your own trays.
How should I clean clear aligner trays?
Clean the trays when you brush your teeth, ideally twice a day. The Australian Dental Association advises cleaning clear aligners with antibacterial liquid soap and a spare toothbrush, then rinsing with warm water. Orthodontics Australia also lists lukewarm-water rinses and soap with a spare brush. Use lukewarm water, not hot water, which can warp plastic. Avoid harsh toothpaste on the trays if your dentist has advised against it, because abrasive pastes can scratch plastic. Ask AMK Dental Clinic which cleaner suits your trays — we do not push particular brands.
Can I drink coffee or soft drink with aligners in?
Stick to water while trays are in. Healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association note that aligners come out for eating and for drinks other than water — and that juice or soft drink worn under trays can trap liquid against the teeth. Orthodontics Australia advises removing trays for heated drinks such as coffee, because heat can warp plastic and pigment can stain. Brush and clean between teeth before trays go back in when you can.
What if a tray cracks, is lost, or will not seat?
Call the clinic that is supervising your plan. Do not skip ahead to a later tray in the series, and do not force a tray that will not seat. Bring the cracked tray or what is left of it if you still have it. A missing or poorly fitting tray cannot apply the planned movement. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, phone (02) 9739 6525 or use the contact page for advice.
Are clear aligners the same as retainers?
No. Clear aligners move teeth during active treatment. Retainers are usually worn after braces or aligners finish, to help hold teeth in their new positions. Care routines overlap in places — soft brush, lukewarm water, case storage — but the purpose differs. See our guide on looking after orthodontic retainers for post-treatment retainers. If you are unsure which appliance you have, ask the team at AMK Dental Clinic.