Many patients desire a beautiful, straight smile. However, getting braces is not always an option for everyone. Traditional metal braces are not aesthetically pleasing for all patients. Depending on the severity of your bite problem, you may be a candidate for clear aligners. Clear aligners are see-through trays that slowly adjust your teeth to your desired smile.
Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are nearly invisible on your teeth. Many patients like the clear aspect of these aligners. It allows for more flexibility in their day-to-day life. Patients say they love how clear aligners don’t appear in photos. So, you can capture milestone moments without metal braces interrupting your smile. Additionally, you can remove clear aligners for brief periods—to eat, drink non-clear liquids, etc. Meanwhile, metal braces must stay on your teeth for years at a time.
If you can get clear aligners, you need to follow specific care instructions. This will allow you to keep your mouth healthy and get the most out of your clear aligners.
Cleaning Tips
One of the essential care rules for clear aligners is to take them out of your mouth when you eat. If you eat with your aligners, you can damage the trays, making them inefficient. Also, you can get food particles stuck between your teeth and the plastic trays. This can cause bad breath and increase your chances of developing cavities.
Instead, you should rinse your aligners with cool water every night. This will remove food particles, keeping your mouth healthy.
When you do brush your aligners, you should use a soft toothbrush. Using stiff bristles can scratch the plastic. In addition, if you scratch the aligners, bacteria can build the scratches. Not only can this increase bacteria, but you will also ruin the clear nature of the aligners. As a result, you may find your aligners yellowing over time.
Also, you shouldn’t use toothpaste to clean your aligners. There are tiny abrasives in most toothpaste. Instead, you should use mild, unscented soap. Scented soaps can leave a bitter taste in your mouth. You should also rinse your aligners well before placing them back in your mouth.
You should clean your aligners nightly or when you drink something that is not clear. Drinking dark liquids can stain your aligners. Additionally, you can clean your aligners any time they feel dirty.
When your aligners are not in your mouth, you should leave them in a protective case.
Keeping your aligners clean will minimize bacteria and bad breath. This will also help your aligners stay fresher for longer.
Oral Care
Keeping up with your oral health care is a great way to get the most out of your aligners.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day or after meals. If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, you can rinse your mouth with water before replacing your aligners. Also, you should floss at least once daily to remove the plaque between your teeth.