If you want to straighten your teeth, you no longer need to sport a mouthful of metal brackets and wires when you smile and talk. You don’t even need to deal with eating restrictions throughout the duration of your treatment. Clear aligners have numerous benefits, but it’s crucial that you take excellent care of your trays to get the best possible results. Continue reading for some tips to keep your clear aligners in optimal condition.
Soak Your Aligners Every Day
It’s a good idea to soak your aligners at least once a day. This makes it easier to brush away food or plaque that’s stuck to them. Afterward, thoroughly rinse your trays before placing them back into your mouth.
Rinse Your Aligners
Whenever you remove your aligners, you should give them a rinse to wash away plaque buildup and bacteria. Use an antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them. This will remove the particles that adhere to the trays.
Clean Your Teeth Before Wearing Your Aligners
You should always give your teeth a brush and floss before returning your aligners to your mouth. You don’t want food particles to become trapped against your teeth. If you don’t brush beforehand, your trays can become stained, and you could end up with tooth decay.
Clean Your Aligners Each Morning
Bacteria builds up on your aligners as you sleep. When you wake up in the morning, thoroughly brush both your teeth and trays. It’s best to do this before bed as well. Not only does this freshen up your trays, but it’s an essential step for good oral health.
Don’t Eat While Wearing Your Aligners
The only thing that you should be consuming when you wear your aligners is water. If you want anything else, you need to take out your aligners first. If you don’t, food can become lodged and increase your risk of cavities. The trays can also become stained and damaged. Your aligners were not made to be able to handle the pressure of chewing.
Don’t Use Colored or Scented Soaps
Both colored and scented soaps can leave a residue behind on your aligners. Ultimately, this can cause discoloration and give your trays an unpleasant taste. Choose soaps carefully when you are using them to clean your aligners.
Clear aligners are a great option for straightening your smile. By caring for them properly, you’ll be showing off a beautifully aligned smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Blair Struble is an experienced orthodontist serving patients in the Bend community. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland before pursuing her Master of Science in dentistry and certification in orthodontics at the University of Washington. To learn more about clear aligners or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (541) 848-6642.