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What you do with your aligners when they are out of your mouth matters more than most people realise. Poor storage habits are one of the most common causes of lost or damaged trays, and they are entirely preventable with a few simple habits.
Always Use Your Case
Every time you remove your aligners, they should go directly into their case. This is the single most important storage habit and the one that prevents the majority of lost and damaged aligner incidents.
Aligners left on a table, bench, or tray are easily knocked onto the floor. Aligners wrapped in a napkin get thrown away. Aligners left in a glass of water get tipped out. All of these situations happen regularly to people who are not in the habit of using their case consistently.
The habit to build is: remove aligners, open case, place aligners in case, close case. This sequence should become automatic, the same way putting a wallet back in a pocket after a transaction becomes automatic.
What Not to Do with Your Aligners
Never wrap aligners in a napkin or tissue. This is the most common cause of aligners being accidentally thrown away, particularly at restaurants and cafes. If a case is not available, hold the aligner until you reach your case rather than wrapping it.
Avoid placing aligners near hot surfaces. Leaving aligners in direct sunlight, near a heater, or in a hot car can warp the plastic significantly, rendering the tray unusable.
Do not leave aligners soaking in mouthwash for extended periods. Coloured mouthwash can stain the plastic and some formulations with strong chemical content can degrade the material over time.
Storing Aligners When Travelling
When travelling, keep your aligner case in a consistent, easy-to-reach spot in your bag rather than packing it deeply. The more accessible it is, the more likely you are to use it instinctively rather than setting the aligner down somewhere.
For overnight travel, pack your aligner cleaning supplies in the same pouch or bag as the case. This keeps everything together and makes it easier to maintain your routine away from home.
If you are a frequent traveller, consider keeping a spare case in your travel bag permanently so you always have one available without needing to remember to pack it.
Should You Keep Old Trays?
Yes. Keep your previous two to three trays rather than throwing them away as you progress through your treatment. If you lose or break your current tray, the previous tray can be used as a holding measure to prevent your teeth from shifting while a replacement is arranged. Previous trays provide a safety net that can prevent a setback from becoming a significant treatment delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my clear aligners in water when not wearing them?
Plain cool water for short periods is fine. Avoid leaving aligners soaking in hot water, which warps the plastic, or in coloured mouthwash, which can stain them. Your case is always the better option for storage.
What happens if I leave my aligners in the sun?
Heat from direct sunlight can warp aligner plastic significantly. A warped tray does not fit correctly and cannot apply the intended force to your teeth. Always store aligners away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Should I throw away old aligner trays?
No, at least not immediately. Keep your previous two or three trays as a safety net in case you lose or break your current one. Old trays can serve as a holding measure while a replacement is arranged, preventing significant tooth movement in the interim.
What is the best way to travel with clear aligners?
Keep your case accessible rather than buried in your bag. Pack cleaning supplies alongside your case. Consider keeping a spare case in your travel bag permanently so you always have one. Maintain your normal routines as closely as possible, including wear time and cleaning habits.
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