How To Clean Clear Aligners
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is that you can remove them to eat or drink, which means no food restrictions. However, it’s important to be careful about food particles, sugars, and bacteria that are left behind. Putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking traps this debris on the inside of your aligners, causing unpleasant smells and wearing down the enamel. When left unchecked, this can even increase the risk of tooth decay.
Fortunately, cleaning your clear aligners is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. When you brush your teeth twice daily, you should also clean your aligners. You don’t even need a toothbrush. You can use Listerine or a cleaning solution to clean your aligners. If you don’t have these, you can use warm water and soap.
Rinse your aligners in lukewarm water (avoiding using hot water, which can warp your aligners). Using the solution and tiny circular motions, gently brush all surfaces of your aligners. Rinse again with lukewarm water. Then you’re done!
How To Take Care Of Clear Aligners
It’s also important to understand the necessary day-to-day care of your clear aligners. While clear aligners are stain-resistant, you should always remove them when eating or drinking anything (other than water). Once you’ve finished your drink or meal, you should brush your teeth and give your aligners a rinse. This prevents your aligners from discoloring and growing bacteria that may increase your risk of tooth decay.
When you remove your clear aligners, remember to put them back in their case. We see many patients who put their aligners in a napkin, only to realize they threw them in the garbage later on! Putting them back in their case helps keep your aligners clean and prevents you from misplacing them.
