Cleaning Your Clear Aligners
As more and more people make the choice of clear aligners, it's important they are aware of proper care! Learn about some common complaints and why cleaning your clear aligners is a must.
Common Complaints
If you have clear aligners, perhaps you are familiar with these issues. The good part is these are easily fixed and preventable problems!
- Bad Breath– If there is lingering food and bacteria in your mouth, clear aligners can retain that bacteria, causing a foul smell.
- Buildup– Build up can be the culprit of dirty looking aligners! Build up is also known to cause cavities.
- Discoloration– Aligners are prone to staining. Thus it is recommended to remove the trays while eating and drinking anything except water.
Helpful Cleaning Tips
Learn how you can keep your aligners clean and avoid all of the issues we just discussed!
- Clean Your Teeth Before You Wear Aligners: Brushing and flossing prior to wearing your aligners will aid in avoiding bacteria transmission.
- Run Cold Water over Aligners Upon Removal: When you take out your aligners for any reason, always give them a rinse!
For daily cleansing:
- Use Antibacterial Soap and Water: Just as soap and water are excellent for keeping our hands clean, the same is true for aligners! Gently scrub this mixture on your aligners with a toothbrush.
- Soak in White Vinegar: A 15 minute soak in a mix of water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar will effectively clean aligners.
- According to Laster Orthodontics, you can, “Soak in Clear Mouthwash, Denture Cleaner, or Other Cleaning Tablets– You can also soak your aligners in a clear mouthwash to clean them. Avoid blue or green mouthwash products, since they may discolor aligners. Denture cleaner and retainer cleaning tablets, like Retainer Brite, will also effectively disinfect and clean your clear aligners.”
Love Your Smile!
Is it time for you to schedule your next check up and cleaning? Please do so and give us a call! 760-233-2260