Clear aligners have changed the way people straighten their teeth. Instead of metal brackets and wires, you wear custom plastic trays that gradually move your teeth into place. These aligners are nearly invisible, removable, and much more convenient than traditional braces. But keeping them clean benefits your oral health and the success of your treatment.
At Cove Family Dentistry in Owens Cross Roads, AL, Dr. Elizabeth Duling helps patients understand how to properly care for their clear aligners. Clean aligners mean a healthier mouth and better results. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your aligners fresh and clear.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Dr. Duling recommends that you follow these aligner cleaning tips after you get your aligners in her Owens Cross Roads office. She welcomes you to call with questions as you wear your aligners.
Deep Clean Your Aligners Weekly
In addition to daily cleaning, Dr. Duling suggests doing a deeper clean once or twice a week. This helps remove stubborn buildup and keeps your aligners crystal clear.
First, soak in a cleaning solution. You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals, retainer cleaning tablets, or denture cleaner. Follow the directions on the package. Usually, you soak the aligners for about 15 to 30 minutes, then brush and rinse them.
You can also try a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water. Soak your aligners for 15 to 20 minutes, then brush and rinse well. This helps remove mineral buildup and bacteria.
What NOT to Use on Your Aligners
Just as important as knowing what to use is knowing what to avoid. Some products can damage your aligners or make them unsafe to wear.
- Don’t use toothpaste. Many toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch your aligners. These tiny scratches make the plastic cloudy and create places for bacteria to hide.
- Don’t use mouthwash. Most mouthwashes contain alcohol and artificial colors that can stain your aligners and damage the plastic.
- Don’t use hot water. Hot water will warp your aligners and change their shape. This means they won’t fit properly anymore and can’t move your teeth correctly.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals. Bleach and other strong cleaners are too harsh for clear aligners and can damage them.
Rinse Your Mouth After Eating
Every time you eat or drink anything other than water, you should remove your aligners. Food particles and sugary drinks can get trapped between your aligners and teeth, increasing your risk of cavities.
After eating, rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in. This removes food particles and helps keep your aligners cleaner. If possible, brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners. Patients at Cove Family Dentistry who follow this habit have fewer problems with staining and tooth decay.
If you’re somewhere you can’t brush, at least rinse your mouth well with water and rinse your aligners before putting them back in.
Store Your Aligners Properly
When you remove your aligners to eat, always store them in their case. Never wrap them in a napkin or leave them sitting out. Dr. Duling has treated many patients in Owens Cross Roads who accidentally threw away their aligners because they were wrapped in a napkin at a restaurant. Keep your aligner case clean too. Wash it regularly with soap and water and let it air dry. A dirty case can transfer bacteria back to your clean aligners.
Fix Common Aligner Problems
You can clean your aligners in different ways depending on the problems you notice:
- Cloudy or stained aligners: This usually means you need to clean them more often or switch to a better cleaning method. Try soaking them in a cleaning solution or vinegar mixture.
- Bad smell or taste: This is a sign of bacteria buildup. Clean your aligners more thoroughly and make sure you’re brushing and flossing your teeth before putting aligners back in.
- White buildup: This is usually mineral deposits from saliva. Soak your aligners in a vinegar solution to dissolve the buildup.
Keep Up with Your Dental Visits
Regular checkups at Cove Family Dentistry help Dr. Duling monitor your progress and catch any problems early. She can check your aligners to make sure they’re still in good condition and give you tips for keeping them clean.
Most clear aligner patients visit the office every six to eight weeks. These appointments are quick and help ensure your treatment stays on track.
Get More Aligner Cleaning Tips
If you’re interested in straightening your teeth with clear aligners or have questions about caring for your current aligners, contact Cove Family Dentistry today. Dr. Duling serves patients throughout Owens Cross Roads, Huntsville, Madison, and the surrounding areas. Call 256-534-1475 or schedule a consultation and learn more about how clear aligners can transform your smile.