If you’re in the middle of clear aligner orthodontic treatment, then we bet you’re pretty excited for the day you can take off the trays for good and just enjoy your beautifully straight smile. We’re excited for that day for you too! But until that time comes, it’s important that you take good care of your aligners so your treatment can finish up without a hitch.
Tips to Care for Your Aligners
Regularly Brush & Floss
Any time you’re about to put your aligners in, you need to brush and floss your teeth first. Your aligners are designed to fit snugly over all of your teeth, and if you forget to brush, you could be trapping a whole bunch of food and debris in there. That won’t look so great, and it could increase your chance of developing cavities.
Rinse After Removal
Whenever you take out your aligners, remember to rinse them with water. You may not have food stuck in them because you’re not eating with them on, but your saliva actually has bacteria that could leave not-so-pleasant odors and stains.
Keep It Cool
When you rinse or brush your aligners, you should use cool or lukewarm water. Since the trays are made out of plastic, they could warp and become damaged from hot water. Don’t even think about throwing them in the dishwasher to give them a good clean! When you’re storing your aligners, it’s also a good idea to keep them somewhere that’s cool and dry… and never in a paper towel, napkin, or tissue that could be easily thrown away.
Safer with Soap
While it is possible to clean your aligners with a small bit of non-abrasive toothpaste, it’s better if you use antibacterial soap so you don’t accidentally scratch or cloud up the aligners. The benefit of clear aligners is the fact that they’re clear after all, and you want to keep it that way!
Consult with Us for More Tips!
If you need more help taking care of your clear aligners, don’t hesitate to give our Milltown Family Dentistry team a call. Or, if you know someone that is interested in getting clear orthodontics, invite them to schedule an appointment with us. We provide ClearCorrect orthodontic treatment at our Carrboro dental office.
Contact Us