6 Tips to Care for Your Clear Aligners

Here at Charles Ashley Mann and Associates, we use Invisalign clear aligners and SureSmile® clear aligners.

These are specialized orthodontic treatments for helping correct different issues with your teeth and mouth. It is important to remember these customized clear braces need looking after the same as your teeth.

Regardless of the brand, there are similar requirements for using and cleaning them.

Let’s take a closer look at clear aligners and how to care for them.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth without metal braces. They are custom-made, clear braces that cover your teeth and gently pull them into the proper position. This process can take up to twelve months but depends on the individual patient.

What are clear aligners made from?

Clear aligners are made from plastic that does not contain BPA and are far more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

Six Tips on How to look after Your Clear Aligners

Even though you’ll only wear a set of trays for a few weeks before moving on to the next set, you still must take care of them.

1: Rinse your trays whenever you take them out

Keeping your aligners wet prevents plaque and saliva from drying on the trays, which can cause them to become stained and discolored. Additionally, rinsing helps to clean off debris that may accumulate throughout the day.

2: Don’t brush your aligners with toothpaste

While soft-bristle toothbrushes are great for cleaning aligners, toothpaste is not!

Using toothpaste can scratch the resin of your clear aligners, causing discoloration. Instead, use a clear, liquid anti-bacterial soap. Once you’re done, rinse your aligners thoroughly.

3: Brush your trays whenever you brush and floss

Brushing your aligners (without toothpaste) when you brush your teeth helps prevent bacteria and plaque buildup by removing leftover food particles.

4: Soak your aligners once a day

Soak for about 30 minutes once a day (typically while eating) and be sure to rinse them well before putting them back in your mouth!

5: Brush and floss after each meal

Besides your morning and bedtime brushing routine, you should also brush and floss each time you eat. This should remove any food particles stuck between your teeth and the aligner, preventing the buildup of bacteria.

6: Don’t eat or drink while your aligners are in

Water is the only thing you should consume while you are actually wearing your aligners. Clear aligners aren’t made for chewing and could crack under the pressure, and non-water drinks can stain or corrode the material.

Any cleaners to avoid?

Some cleaners are simply too strong to use on your Invisalign aligners. Examples of these include:

• Denture cleaners
• Mouthwashes
• Scented soaps
• Toothpaste

By following these simple steps, plus any advice from your dental team here at Charles Ashley Mann DDS and Associates, you can keep your mouth, teeth, and trays beautiful and clean. Get in touch with us to learn more!

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