Clear aligners offer a blend of comfort, aesthetics, and convenience that suits the more dynamic lifestyles of our patients. Champlain Orthodontics is here to give you the tips and tricks to keep your clear aligners from being a chore. From daily care routines to how to keep optimal results, let’s dive into the tips to maintain a bright smile with clear aligners.
Clear Aligner 101
Taking care of your clear aligners is a different game than taking care of braces. Clear aligners are the modern approach to transforming your smile, using custom-made, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. These trays help gently guide your teeth to their correct spots to create a healthy, happy smile.
Clear aligners are designed to be both effective and convenient, fitting into your lifestyle without the hassle of traditional braces. They require a commitment to proper care to ensure they work as intended.
One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners? Their ability to be removed! When you’re eating, drinking, or cleaning, you can pop out your aligner trays to make things a little easier on your smile. But with new freedoms come new responsibilities, and you may need a little help to keep your smile and your treatment in top shape.
Daily Care & Maintenance
The most important part of your treatment is keeping your aligners in working order. Keeping your aligners clean and protected takes your smile to the next level. Let’s look into a few tips to remember during your clear aligner treatment.
Keeping Them Clean
It’s super important to clean your aligners regularly to prevent bacteria and plaque from building up, which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. Our advice? Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an antibacterial soap to gently brush away inside and outside the surface of your aligners.
Be careful! Avoid using hot water while cleaning them as it can warp the plastic and make your aligners not fit your smile. Rinse them under lukewarm water every time you remove them to wash off any loose particles and to keep your aligners in working order.
Eating & Drinking
Whenever you’re eating or drinking anything other than water, remove those aligners! Not only is it one of the best features of clear aligners, but it’s also imperative to keep your treatment on track.
If you don’t remove your aligners when eating, food particles can become trapped between your aligners and your teeth. This increases your chance of cavities.
If you’re a coffee or tea enthusiast, you’ll have to remove your aligners before sipping away, as these can stain your aligners. After each meal, drink, or snack, make sure you brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in to keep your smile healthy.
Keeping your aligners out while eating or drinking protects them from unnecessary exposure to foods and liquids that could harm them. This simple action is crucial for keeping your aligners clear and your treatment on track.
Proper Storage
When your aligners are out and taking a break during meal time or cleaning time, make sure to store them in a protective case to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Avoid leaving them out in the open, as open air or direct sunlight can warp or discolor your aligners.
Using the protective case for your aligners isn’t just about avoiding damage – it’s also about hygiene. Keeping your aligners in their case when not in use helps ensure they stay clean and safe for your teeth.
Following The Rules
One of the key factors to creating your bright smile is keeping to your scheduled wear time. During your aligner treatment, you should typically have your trays in 20-22 hours a day. Consistent wear makes sure that your teeth keep shifting along their path.
Following your schedule closely is essential for the aligners to move your teeth effectively. It’s a commitment that pays off with a straighter smile. Not wearing your aligners for the necessary time can lead to delays in your treatment progress and may even require future adjustments.
Handling Aligners With Care
When putting in or taking out your aligners, do so with care to avoid damaging them. While they may be around your teeth, don’t use bite force to secure them. Instead, use your fingertips to gently push the aligners over your teeth.
Avoid sharp objects that could puncture or tear your trays, as well as harsh chemicals such as abrasive toothpaste that could leave scratches. Proper handling extends the life of your aligners and makes sure they remain effective throughout your treatment. Gentle care is key to avoiding unnecessary wear or damage.
Visiting Us For Check-Ups
Not only are your check-ups necessary to receive your next set of aligner trays, but they also let us check in on your smile. These visits let us look at your oral health, make any adjustments to your plan, and provide cleanings to remove any build-up that at-home care can’t take care of alone. These pit-stops keep you smiling without your treatment breaking down.
Making It Clear At Champlain Orthodontics
Knowing the ins and outs of your clear aligners makes your treatment easier and more effective. At Champlain Orthodontics, we believe in setting you up with the tools you need to smile brightly. Do you have any more questions about clear aligners? Give us a call! We’re always here to help in Williston and St. Albans.