Ultrasonic Cleaners vs Cleaning Tablets: Which Is Better for Clear Aligners and Retainers?

Keeping your aligners and retainers clean isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about protecting your oral health. Two of the most common methods patients use are ultrasonic cleaners (like the Sereclean Pod) and cleaning tablets. But which method actually works best? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

Ultrasonic Cleaners: How They Work

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in water. These bubbles collapse rapidly, producing a scrubbing action that removes plaque, bacteria, and debris from hard-to-reach surfaces of aligners and retainers (source)

Pros:

• Deep cleaning at a microscopic level
• Chemical-free (just water, though you can add a mild cleaning solution if desired)
• Consistent, repeatable results
• Time-efficient (most cycles take only a few minutes)
• Portable and reusable, making it eco-friendly

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost compared to tablets
• Requires access to power
• Some models vary in strength and quality

Cleaning Tablets: How They Work

Cleaning tablets are dissolved in water, creating a solution that breaks down stains and kills bacteria on the surface of aligners. Popular with many patients, they’re widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets.

Pros:

• Easy to use - just drop in a tablet and soak
• Convenient for travel
• Helps reduce odours and visible stains
• Lower initial cost

Cons:

• Surface-level cleaning only (does not penetrate microscopic crevices)
• Repeated chemical exposure can discolour aligners over time
• Daily use becomes expensive (£0.30–£0.50 per tablet)
• Wasteful packaging (less eco-friendly)

Tablets Alone vs. Ultrasonic Cleaning

While tablets are effective for occasional stain and odour control, they don’t replace the microscopic cleaning action of an ultrasonic device.

• Tablets alone → Better than just rinsing with water, but limited against biofilm and bacteria buildup.

• Ultrasonic cleaner alone → Excellent at physically removing bacteria and plaque, but doesn’t add chemical disinfection.

• Best practice → Many dentists recommend using both in combination: ultrasonic cleaning daily for maintenance, and a tablet soak once or twice a week for added freshness.

 Cost Comparison

• Cleaning tablets: ~£10–£15 per month with daily use.

• Ultrasonic cleaner: One-time cost (e.g. £49.99 for the Sereclean Pod), with years of use.

Over 12 months, the cost of tablets often surpasses the one-time investment of an ultrasonic cleaner.

 Conclusion

Both ultrasonic cleaners and cleaning tablets play a role in aligner and retainer hygiene. If you’re looking for:

• Quick, deep, daily cleaning → Choose an ultrasonic cleaner.

• Occasional stain and odour boost → Add cleaning tablets a couple of times a week.

For most patients, the most effective routine is a combination of both methods  but if you want to prioritise long-term oral health and eco-friendly aligner care, an ultrasonic cleaner like the Sereclean Pod is the smarter investment.

Download 'The Ultimate Aligner Care Guide' for more hygiene tips for your aligners.