 |
| Tips for a Flawless Smile |
Clear Aligner Care 101: How to Keep Your Smile on Point
So you've decided to get transparent and removable aligners to straighten your teeth and get that beautiful smile. Congratulations! Clear aligners, also known as transparent braces, are a simple and discreet alternative to conventional braces. They are detachable, letting you maintain proper dental hygiene while enjoying your favorite foods.
However, it is critical to properly care for your clear aligners. It helps them to remain clean, comfortable, and effective during your orthodontic treatment. This blog is here with some great tips on how to clean aligners to help you keep those aligners in tip-top shape.
7 Proven Clear Aligners Maintenance Tips
Are you ready to discover the secrets to maintaining a healthy and successful clear aligner journey? Let's dive right in!
Tip #1: Thoroughly Clean Your Clear Aligners
Keeping your transparent braces clean is critical to avoid accumulating germs and odors. Brush them lightly using a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Remember not to use hot water to brush or clean your aligners. This is because hot water might damage the contour of your aligners.
You can also immerse them in a denture cleanser or Invisalign cleaning crystals for a deep clean. A solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide also works. Always thoroughly rinse them before placing them back in your mouth.
Tip #2: Remove Them Before Eating
Clear aligners are the top favorite orthodontic treatments because they may be removed when eating. You can eat whatever you want without worrying about hurting your aligners. One of the primary clear aligner maintenance tips only relates to this outstanding benefit.
That is, you must remember to remove your aligners and place them in their protective case before eating or snacking. This keeps them from being damaged or discolored.
Maximize Your Smile with These Clear Aligner Maintenance Tips
Tip #3: Brush and Floss Your Teeth Before Each Use
When using transparent aligners, it is critical to maintain proper dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before replacing your aligners after eating or drinking (excluding water).
This step is essential to eliminate any accumulated food particles or plaque. Oral hygiene helps in ensuring your aligners and teeth remain clean and healthy throughout treatment.
Tip #4: Never Leave Your Aligner Trays in the Open
Always keep your clear aligners in their protective case while not in use. If left out in the open, they are exposed to germs, filth, and potential injury. Not only does good storage keep them clean, but it also lessens the danger of misplacing or losing them.
Always take care of your clear aligners. Never keep them loosely on a table or wrapped in a tissue or hand towel. This way, your clear aligners can get lost or thrown away before you know it.
Related: Complications of Overbite & Overbite Treatment for Different Age Groups
Tip #5: Always Rinse Your Clear Aligners After Removing Them
Make sure you rinse your clear aligners with water every time you remove them. This straightforward procedure removes residual saliva or residue, keeping your aligners fresh and odor-free.
Furthermore, cleaning them before reintroducing them into your mouth will help eradicate dangerous germs that may cause dental health difficulties.
Tip #6: Keep Them Away From Heat
Clear aligners are constructed of a thermoplastic polymer. They can bend or alter form when exposed to high temperatures. As a result, they must be kept away from heat sources such as hot water, direct sunshine, or hot surfaces.
Therefore, as stated earlier in this blog, hot water must never be used to clean aligners. Keep your aligners in a cold and dry area to ensure optimal fit and efficacy.
Tip #7: Avoid Colored Beverages
It is preferable to avoid drinking colored beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine when wearing clear aligners. These drinks can stain your aligners, making them more visible and perhaps reducing their transparency.
If you do consume colored drinks, make sure you remove your aligners first and carefully clean them afterward to avoid stains.
Related: How Dental Sedation Affects Your Health
In conclusion, taking care of your removable clear aligners is essential to ensure a successful orthodontic treatment. Diligently follow these 7 clear aligner instructions - clean them properly, take them out when you eat, brush and floss before each wear, store them in their case, rinse them regularly, keep them away from heat, and avoid colored drinks.
You can maintain the cleanliness, comfort, and effectiveness of your clear aligners throughout your journey to a straighter smile by keeping these tips in mind. Happy aligning!
Author: Dr. Satish Pai is an orthodontist and Ivy League-trained dentist who has served as a faculty at Columbia University. He believes a perfect smile makes a person look great and feel great. As the founder of Putnam Orthodontics and a Partner at Brite Orthodontics, he is dedicated to providing the best orthodontic treatments to his patients. He also writes to educate people about orthodontics, the importance of correctly aligned teeth, and good oral health. In his free time, you can find him golfing, doing yoga or surfing, and spending time with his family.
Follow us @ Inveiglemagazi1 & on Linkedin.
Inveigle Magazine