How To Take Care Of Your Clear Aligners

Posted on September 4, 2024

One in every three Americans feels inadequate about their smile. Orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners can help realign the teeth to their correct position. Correcting the malocclusion gives you a beautiful smile that you dream about. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates there are over 4.5 million Americans using orthodontics currently.

Braces Do Not Stop at the Beautiful Smile

81% of participants in a mass survey agree that the benefits of orthodontic treatment extend beyond having the desired looks. Clear aligners and metal braces can improve your facial structure, better your oral health, and solve other oral issues such as TMJ disorder.

Taking care of your clear braces can help protect the aligners as well as the teeth beneath. Clear aligner trays demand a higher level of care for them to work effectively. Learning the basics of orthodontic care and following your orthodontists’ instructions is the first step to straightened teeth.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential in protecting your teeth and the clear aligners. Ensure that you or your child brushes their teeth after every meal to prevent tiny bits of food from getting stuck between the teeth and braces. Plaque and tartar accumulation can cause tooth discoloration and decay. Brush your teeth before placing the clear aligners back.

Rinse the Clear Plates After Removing Them

Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal. In some situations, it may not be possible. As such, you may need to rinse your aligners after placing them aside. Running water helps wash away the bacteria, food particles, and saliva that may harden on the surface. Ensure to brush and floss at the earliest chance possible.

Soak Your Aligners

The best orthodontists usually provide a cleaning solution to soak your clear trays for deeper cleaning. You may need to wear the braces for a period of 20 to 22 hours each day for the treatment to work. However, engaging in a two-hour break to soak your braces in teh aligner crystals can help keep your mouth healthier. Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with water in a 1:1 ratio can also do the trick. However, consult your orthodontist on the best method for a deep clean.

Avoid Toothpaste and Colored/Scented Soaps to Clean Your Trays

While toothpaste is perfect for your teeth, it may not be the best option for cleaning your clear aligner braces. Toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can make the aligners duller. Colored and scented soaps, on the other hand, can discolor the braces and leave a bad taste while putting your aligners back in.

A trip to the orthodontists is vital to bettering your oral health. The benefits hang on your ability to look after your clear aligners and your teeth during the treatment period. For more information on how to take care of your braces, contact Crawford Orthodontics today.