Straight teeth offer more than just a nice smile. They not only help you chew food better but also simplify your oral hygiene routine. Unlike traditional braces, they work without metal wires or brackets, making them a distinct and comfortable option. They’re particularly effective in addressing various tooth issues, such as gaps or crowded teeth.
Just like any other dental tool, keeping your aligners clean and well-maintained is important. While you wear them, they come into contact with saliva, food particles, and mouth germs. Therefore, regular and thorough cleaning of your aligners prevents plaque from building up and helps keep them clear and free of bad odors.
Learn how to clean and care for clear tooth aligners to keep your smile healthy and bright!
What are Clear Tooth Aligners?
Clear tooth aligners work like regular braces to straighten teeth and improve smiles. But instead of wires, they use custom-made, clear plastic trays that gently push teeth into the right place over time.
Because they’re made of clear plastic, these aligners are less noticeable than braces. You just slide them onto your teeth, and most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
What Leads to Staining of Aligners?
When using aligners, it’s important to remove them before eating or drinking. It’s also better to put them back in once you have brushed and flossed your teeth. You should wear them for about 22 hours daily, except when eating, drinking, or brushing.
But because of the busy schedule, people sometimes put their aligners back in without brushing after eating or drinking. If you don’t care for them properly, bits of food and drinks can stain the clear plastic, making it turn yellow and stand out more when you wear them.
Here are some foods and drinks that can easily stain your aligners–
- Smoking products like cigarettes and vaping devices.
- Berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, and drinks made with them.
- Dark fruit juices like cranberry, cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and colorful fruit-flavored drinks.
- Dark sodas, energy drinks, and drinks with caramel color.
- Tea and coffee.
- Alcoholic drinks like red wine.
- Sauces like spaghetti sauce and curry.
- Hard or sticky candies.
How to Clean Clear Tooth Aligners?
There are different ways to clean your aligners, including soaking them in a water-based solution.
The following are the most common methods of cleaning your aligners—
1. Antibacterial Soap and Water
- Mix a little gentle, antibacterial soap into warm water in a bowl.
- Soak your aligners in this solution for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse them well with cold water afterward.
2. White Vinegar and Water
- Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with warm water in a cup.
- Put your aligners in the mixture and leave them for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse them thoroughly with cold water before letting them dry.
3. Baking Soda and Water
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a cup of water.
- Soak your aligners in this solution for 30 to 60 minutes
- Rinse them well and let them dry before using.
4. Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
- If you’re short on time, use a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Brush them gently to avoid scratching the plastic.
- Use a new toothbrush to prevent any residue from your regular toothpaste.
Remember to rinse them well after cleaning and let them dry before using them again.
Things to Avoid While Cleaning Your Clear Aligners
Here are things you should avoid when cleaning your aligners:
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Abrasive Toothpaste
Aligners are delicate; therefore, regular toothpaste can scratch them. This makes the aligners more visible and less effective.
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Colored Mouthwash
Colored mouthwash can stain your aligners because of the artificial coloring. Try using clear mouthwash instead.
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Using the Dishwasher
Avoid cleaning with dishwashers as they use hot water that can damage or discolor your aligners.
-
Hot Water
Hot water can warp the plastic of your aligners, changing their shape and making them less effective.
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Harsh Chemicals
Bleach, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals can permanently damage your aligners. Instead, use the gentler cleaning options mentioned earlier.
How Often Should I Clean My Clear Aligners?
You should clean your aligners every night, just like you brush and floss your teeth. This helps remove any food, debris, or bacteria that build up during the day.
If your aligners appear dirty, like if you drank something dark in color or quickly put them back on after eating, it’s important to clean them immediately. In addition to thoroughly cleaning them, remember to rinse your aligners every time you take them off.
If you forget to clean them, your aligners could get stained, making your teeth look yellow. You could also end up with bad breath. Plus, your teeth will keep getting exposed to bacteria building up.
Clean Aligners is Equal to a Perfect Smile
When your aligners are busy helping you achieve your dream smile, you must try to keep them clean. The best way to do that is to use a soft toothbrush instead of harsh chemicals.
There are different ways to clean them, but it is extremely important to pick good-quality aligners that will not wear out quickly.
Try Reveal Clear Aligners at Le Sueur Family Dental for the best results. We help individuals get healthy, life-changing smiles by using personalized treatments and advanced technology that make getting your perfect smile quick, easy, and painless.
To know more, contact us today!
FAQs
1. How often should I clean my clear aligners?
You should clean your clear aligners every night, like you brush your teeth, to remove any food or bacteria buildup.
2, Can I clean my aligners with regular toothpaste?
It’s best to avoid regular toothpaste as it can be abrasive. Use gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste if needed.
3. What’s the easiest way to clean my aligners?
Soaking them in water and mild antibacterial soap for 20-30 minutes is one of the simplest and most effective methods.
4. Can I use mouthwash to clean my aligners?
Yes, but use a clear mouthwash to prevent staining. Colored mouthwash may leave stains on your aligners.
5. Do I need to clean my aligners if I change them every two weeks?
Yes, cleaning them regularly is important even if you change them often. Dirty aligners can lead to discoloration and bad breath.
