Clear aligners or clear aligner trays are some of the most sought-after orthodontic treatments for straightening teeth. They are ideal for treating crooked teeth, underbites, crossbites, open bites, gap teeth and other dental issues requiring straightening teeth. Clear aligner trays are popular options for many reasons. First, they are clear, making them virtually unnoticeable, ideal if you want to treat your dental issues discreetly. This can also be handy when you have to meet clients like front office jobs. Besides being clear, the aligners are also removable, allowing you to take them off whenever you sleep, drink, eat, or wash. They are also comfortable, among several other benefits. However, like all orthodontic treatments, your clear aligners require proper care. And here are the guidelines to follow.
Clean Them Regularly
Like brushing your teeth in the mornings and evenings, clean your aligners the same way. However, remember to do it gently and avoid abrasive materials. For instance, denture cleaners, alcohol-containing mouthwashes, and soap can be quite abrasive on your aligners, making them appear dull over time. Therefore, a soft toothbrush and effervescent tablets should do the trick.
Rinse Them
Rinsing your aligners every time you remove them is another crucial approach to caring for them. Usually, rinsing works to remove any plaque or saliva lingering in them. Consequently, it keeps the trays from being a breeding ground for bacteria that may cause other oral or dental problems.
Avoid Eating with Your Aligners In
It's also critical that you remove your aligners before eating. That's because eating with your aligners increases the risk of damaging or staining them. In addition, food particles can easily get stuck in your aligner trays, accumulating over time and providing the bacteria that eventually create plaque. You should also avoid taking all drinks (except water) when your aligners are in your mouth.
Soak Them
Soaking your clear aligner trays is also crucial, and you should do it daily. That's because soaking keeps the aligners hygienic and odour-free. You can soak them in lukewarm water, and remember to drop in some aligner cleaning crystals. Do this for a few minutes before brushing them off with a soft toothbrush.
Keep Them in The Case
Always keep your aligners in their case after removing and cleaning them. Leaving them in the open exposes them to bacteria that can be harmful or detrimental to your oral hygiene. In addition, it keeps them safe and prevents the risks of accidental damages.
For more information on aligners, look into aligners like Invisalign.
A visit to the dentist doesn't always fill people with joy, which is why we have created this blog. On this blog, we hope we can provide you with info which will help you to understand the different treatments your dentist can offer you. We will look at subjects such as teeth whitening, braces, teeth implants, and basic dental hygiene. Although the authors of the articles posted here are not dental professionals, they are researched by people who have a keen interest in dentistry. We hope that by finding out a little bit more about dentistry, you will make your next trip to the dental surgery easier.