Many patients love how clear aligners straighten the smile in a virtually invisible way. However, clear aligners only remain indiscernible in the mouth when they are clean. This is why learning how to clean clear aligners is essential.
Carry on reading to discover care tips that you should know to avoid using dirty and smelly aligners as you journey towards a straighter and healthier smile.
Aligner Care Tips
Clear aligners such as Invisalign gradually shift the teeth to the perfect alignment. As the teeth move, your aligners will loosen, so you must replace them with a new one every two weeks. And because you are to use the same aligners every day for 14 days, learning how to clean your clear aligners is a must.
After eating, brush your teeth and rinse your aligners
Clear aligners are worn daily for at least 20–22 hours and should only be taken out of the mouth to eat, drink, or clean. After eating, brush your teeth to remove food debris and rinse your aligners before putting them back on. This will prevent food residues from building up and compromising the appearance and function of your aligners.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap for cleaning
It’s best to clean your aligners on a nightly basis. This can be done simultaneously when you brush and floss your teeth. Dispense some mild antibacterial soap and brush it on the aligners to remove stains, plaque, debris, and bacteria that have accumulated throughout the day. You can also do this in the morning to ensure your aligners are clean and ready for use.
Avoid harsh products
Mild soaps or a gentle concentration of vinegar and warm water are ideal solutions to clean aligners. They effectively remove bacteria without causing damage and leaving stains. Abrasive toothpaste, harsh solutions, and hot water should not be used. These can scratch and damage the plastic of your aligners and may eventually cause breakage.
Cleaning accessories may help
If you’re unsure how to clean your clear aligners at home, you may ask your dentist for readily available, easy-to-use solutions. Some aligner cleaning accessories, such as sterilising trays and cleansing crystals, are available online or at your local chemists. Just check with your dentist before making any purchase so they can advise accordingly on how to use these cleaning systems.
Store them in a proper case
When you are not wearing your clear aligners, keep them in a protective container. Leaving them out in the open increases the chances of bacteria lodging in the crevices. Also, it puts the aligners at risk of damage should you accidentally drip them. Proper storage is essential to ensure clear braces stay spotless and intact until a replacement is needed.
When should you see your dentist?
If you spot stubborn stains and small chips or cracks on your clear aligners, it may be time to visit your dentist. These minor issues can worsen without dental intervention.
A dentist can help to professionally clean your aligners and mend broken areas. Otherwise, they will order a replacement aligner so you can be well on your way to smiling comfortably.
Your Trusted Clear Aligner Dentist
Learning how to clean clear aligners is a vital part of your smile journey. At My Local Dentists, we will issue you with care instructions to help prevent stains or cracks on your clear aligners.
To learn more about our clear aligners, such as Invisalign, ClearCorrect, or SureSmile, call us today to book a complimentary orthodontic appointment. From smile consultation to a personalised treatment plan and aligner maintenance, we have a team that is more than ready to help.
References
Invisalign – Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
Healthline – How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-invisalign-take-to-work
Healthline – How to Clean Invisalign: Do’s, Don’ts, and Best Practices
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-invisalign