How to Care for Your Clear Aligners: Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Nothing beats the satisfaction of a beautiful smile. If you have issues with alignment or crowding, braces are the most common way to make your teeth look perfect. The average time you will need to wear braces is about two years, but this will vary depending on your specific issues and how well you follow our orthodontist’s instructions.
Clear aligners such as Invisalign have become a popular alternative to traditional braces for correcting crooked teeth and other dental issues. Clear aligners are advantageous because they are removable, which makes eating and brushing easier. However, it is critical to properly care for your aligners for them to stay clean and effective throughout your treatment.
This article will review several cleaning tips and tricks to follow after getting clear aligners Cabo Vista in RSM, CA.
- Rinse Your Aligners With Water
When you remove your aligners to eat or brush your teeth, make sure to rinse them with water thoroughly. This will aid in removing any accumulated food particles or bacteria on the aligners. Avoid using hot water because it can warp or damage the plastic.
- Clean Your Aligners Daily
It is critical to clean your aligners at least once a day to keep them clean and fresh. You can clean your aligners in a variety of ways, including:
Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild or clear antibacterial liquid soap to brush your aligners gently. Avoid using toothpaste because it can scratch the plastic.
Soak your aligners for 15-30 minutes in a solution of equal water, hydrogen peroxide, or white vinegar. This will aid in the removal of any bacteria or plaque buildup. After soaking, thoroughly rinse your aligners with water.
Using aligner cleaners: Over-the-counter aligner cleaning products, such as retainer brite or Invisalign cleaning crystals, are available. To ensure proper use, carefully follow the instructions on the package or recommend cosmetic dentistry near you.
- Keep Your Aligners in A Safe Place
When you are not wearing your aligners, you must store them properly to avoid damage or loss. Your aligners should be kept in their protective case. To prevent bacteria buildup, clean the case regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid Eating or Drinking while Wearing Your Aligners
While clear aligners are intended to be removable, avoiding eating or drinking while wearing them is essential. Food particles and beverages can become trapped between your aligners and teeth, causing decay or staining. Before drinking or eating anything, remove your aligners.
- Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly
While clear aligners can assist in teeth straightening, they will not protect your teeth from decay or gum disease. It’s critical to keep brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily. Before reinserting your aligners, clean your teeth to prevent bacteria from becoming trapped between the aligners and your teeth.
- Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals or Hot Water
To clean your aligners, avoid using harsh chemicals or hot water, which can damage the plastic material. Stick to gentle cleaning methods like brushing, soaking, or using over-the-counter aligner cleaners instead.
Also, avoid using toothpaste on your aligners. Toothpaste is abrasive to plastics so that it can damage your Invisalign aligners. Toothpaste can scratch the aligners’ smooth surface, making them uncomfortable in the mouth. It can also cause tiny scratches within the aligners, which can harbor bacteria. Toothpaste may be a quick and easy way to clean your aligners, but better alternatives exist.
Our orthodontic specialist can recommend a safe mouthwash solution for quick mouth cleaning when getting clear aligners near you.
- Replace Your Aligners as Directed
Clear aligners are intended to be worn for a set period, usually two to one month, before replacing a new set. To achieve the best results, following your dentist’s instructions for wearing and replacing your aligners is critical. Extending the wear time of your aligners will cause your treatment to be delayed and may cause tooth damage.
Following these cleaning tips and tricks, you can keep your clear aligners clean, effective, and comfortable throughout your treatment. If you have any concerns about how to care for your aligners, please contact your dentist or orthodontist at Jordan and Pham Dentistry.