Clear aligners offer a convenient and subtle way to straighten your teeth, and they make oral hygiene easier than ever.
Unlike traditional braces, aligners can be removed, allowing you to brush and floss as usual without working around wires and brackets.
With just a few simple habits, you can keep both your aligners and your teeth in excellent condition throughout your treatment.
Here’s a straightforward guide to maintaining a bright, healthy smile with clear aligners.
Brush & floss your teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night, is essential for removing plaque and food particles, which helps to prevent build-up on both your teeth and aligners. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your teeth without eroding enamel, while also keeping your gums healthy.
Flossing daily is equally important, especially if you wear clear aligners, as it reaches areas your toothbrush cannot access. By removing trapped food and plaque from between teeth, flossing helps maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of cavities and gum issues.
Only drink water when wearing aligners
When you’re wearing your aligners, it’s important to only drink water and avoid eating any food.
Sugary and acidic drinks like soda and juices can seep under your aligners and coat your teeth, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. This build-up increases the risk of cavities, enamel erosion, and staining.
Eating with aligners in place can lead to food particles getting trapped between your aligners and teeth. It can also damage them, as chewing can place pressure on the aligners. This leads to cracks, warping or breakage.
Rinse aligners every time you remove them
Each time you take out your aligners, it’s useful to give them a rinse under water. This simple step removes saliva, food particles, and plaque that may build up during wear.
Avoid using hot water when cleaning your aligners as this can warp the material and affect their fit.
Clean your aligners regularly
To keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from bacteria, be sure to clean them at least twice a day. Toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch your aligners. Instead, rinse and brush them gently with a soft brush and clear, unscented soap.
For a deeper clean, disinfect your aligners twice a week with disinfectant tablets. These help eliminate bacteria and keep your aligners odour-free. A sonic spa is also effective at giving you aligners a deep clean.
On busy days when you’re on the go, a quick spritz with a cleaning spray is the perfect way to freshen up your aligners.
Start your Smilelign journey
If you haven’t begun your journey towards a straighter smile yet, don’t let concerns about inconvenience hold you back.
Clear aligners make it incredibly easy to maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment.
So why wait? Get in touch with your nearest Smilelign provider today to start your Smilelign journey – a straighter, confident smile awaits you!
