With a little maintenance, it’s easy to keep your clear aligners looking like new.
Invisalign and Clear Correct are just a few of the brand names of clear aligners on the market today. Depending on the treatment needed, they can be a great alternative to traditional orthodontics.
Most treatment plans have patients wear one set of trays for several weeks and then move on to the next until the treatment phase is over. But you still need to take proper care of your trays for your treatment to be effective and prevent damage to your teeth and gums.
Here are some tips for keeping your clear aligners looking good and your mouth healthy:
1. Rinse Your Trays – Clear Aligners are designed to be worn for around 22 hours a day, taken out only to clean your teeth and eat. Rinsing out your trays every time you remove them helps keep them wet and prevents plaque and saliva from drying on the trays, which can cause them to become stained and discolored and a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Don’t Scrub with Toothpaste – The abrasive nature of toothpaste can scratch your clear aligners. One of the best ways to clean them is with a soft toothbrush and a small dab of liquid soap. Brush gently and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water before putting the trays back in your mouth.
3. Give Your Trays a Bath – Once a day, ideally while you’re eating, soak your trays in a special rinse designed for clear aligners for about 30 minutes. This will help kill bacteria on your trays. Never wash them in mouthwash or hot water, as they can damage and discolor your trays.
5. Brush and Floss After Each Meal – Brushing after meals, in addition to every morning and night, removes food particles that might otherwise get stuck between your teeth and the aligner and cause tooth decay and unpleasant odors.
6. Water Only While Wearing Clear Aligners – While wearing your trays, the only thing you should drink is water. Food and drink can get trapped between your trays and your teeth. The trays also aren’t built to withstand chewing forces and might crack under pressure.
7. Keep a Kit with You – Who wants to turn down a spontaneous day trip or impromptu lunch out with friends? No one! Put a kit together that includes an extra case for your aligners, a toothbrush, travel size toothpaste, floss, and keep it in your book bag, car, or purse.
By following these simple steps, plus any advice from your dental team, you can keep your mouth healthy and your trays sparkling clean from their first day to their last.