Oral Hygiene Tips To Follow While Using Clear Aligners

Brush & Floss First

If you wear your aligners for 18-20 hours per day, we recommend that you remove them whenever you eat or drink anything except water.

You should also brush and floss after each meal to maintain good oral health -just make sure your teeth are clean when you put your aligners back in! 

Tip:

Travel-size toothbrushes and small tubes of toothpaste are the perfect way to brush your teeth when you're on the go! 

Avoid Beverages That Cause Stains

There are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink during Clear Aligners treatment, but it's a good idea to limit stain-causing drinks such as black coffee and wine.

Remember that all foods have the potential to stain aligners by causing bacteria to build upon them. So it's important to consistently monitor what you consume before you put your aligners in. Additionally, reducing sugary items also helps fight off bacteria that could cause gum disease.

How To Maintain Your Clear Aligners Properly

Keep a small brush handy for your aligners to keep them squeaky clean and free of bacteria. This will also help you between visits to your dentist to avoid forming any harmful oral diseases.

You can only imagine what kinds of harmful bacteria can accumulate if your aligners aren't maintained properly!

Tip:

Whitening toothpaste can be harsh on your aligners. This is because it contains ingredients like silica and aluminum oxide, which are not just abrasive but also contain other compounds. It's best if you don't use whiteners at all. You might want to try using some mild detergent/soap instead for cleaning purposes only.

Did you know?

Aligners should be cleaned twice daily, usually the same time that you brush your teeth for best use of time.

Tips For Cleaning Your Clear Aligners: Use an Clear Aligner Cleaning Kit

Clear Aligners cleaning kits make sure you have clean aligners ready for any busy day 

These handy Clear Aligners Cleaning kits include special crystals that remove plaque from your aligners in just 15 minutes, keeping them clear, clean, and free of odors!

Tip:

Put your aligners in a glass of water with some denture tablets, and make sure they get fully covered by the solution.

Or, soak the aligners in a 50-50 mixture of warm water and hydrogen peroxide for a few hours and then rinse them off  well before using them again. An option for stains or discoloration is to use a little baking soda on a toothbrush and gently brush the aligners until clean.

Store Your Aligners Inside a Case

To keep your dental hygiene in top shape, don't leave the aligners on a surface where they can pick up germs and bacteria. Instead, store them inside of a case! But remember to wash your case as well so that you avoid any build-up from occurring.

Tip:

If you're going to be wearing your aligners for an extended period of time, it's important that they stay in pristine condition. So make sure and use one of these cases provided by the orthodontist when carrying them around or keeping them at home so no damage can happen!

Conclusion

It's important to take care of your Clear aligners in order to avoid any gum disease or tooth decay. Be sure to brush, floss, and use a cleaning kit regularly. Also, don't forget to store your aligners in a case when not in use! By following these simple practices, you'll be on your way to having a healthy, beautiful smile!

If you need orthodontic treatment, you don’t need to settle for discomfort and lifestyle changes, thanks to Clear Aligners. Dr. Jeffrey Alvarado and the team at The Lakes Family Dental are more than happy to create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve the straight, beautiful smile you deserve.

Don’t wait, give us a call today at 956-329-2957 to schedule your FREE Clear Aligners Consultation!

Ask about our Free Teeth Whitening Brush!