Clear aligners are an effective and discreet way to straighten the teeth of teens and adults. Their transparent and subtle design makes improving teeth alignment seem almost like magic, but fortunately for patients and orthodontists alike, the proper way to take care of your aligners is not a magician’s secret. Keep reading to learn how to clean, store, and handle aligners—an important part of achieving the confident smile you’re working toward—from the experts at Goings Orthodontics.
How To Clean Your Aligners
Dirty aligners can get smelly and have a foul taste—neither of which are very inviting or encouraging traits to have from something you have to wear for 22 hours a day. Keeping your aligners clean is an easy and quick way to ensure you have a comfortable, pleasant treatment experience.
Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse Your Aligners: Always rinse your aligners with lukewarm water whenever you take them out. This helps wash away saliva and prevent bacteria from building up. Let them air dry before wearing them again.
- How To Clean Your Aligners: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, non-abrasive soap to gently clean your aligners each day. Avoid toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and cause uncomfortable scratches on the aligners where bacteria can hide.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Really hot or really cold water can warp your aligners, making them less effective and uncomfortable to wear. Always clean and rinse your aligners with lukewarm or cold water.
- Soak Your Aligners Regularly: Use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to soak your aligners a few times a week. This helps keep them clear, odor-free, and free of bacteria buildup. Do not soak them in denture cleaners or mouthwash.
How To Store Your Aligners Properly
Proper storage is the key to keeping your aligners clean, safe, and free from damage when you’re not wearing them. Never forget the golden rule of aligner treatment: always store your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them.
Your aligner case is designed to protect them from germs, accidental damage, and disappearing into thin air! The last thing you want when your smile is making excellent progress is to catch yourself saying, “I swear they were right here!”
Accidents can happen to even the most careful of orthodontic patients. For example, aligners can be…
- left behind in restaurants
- thrown away in the school cafeteria
- stranded in a hotel after a vacation or work trip, never to be seen again
- stepped on in the locker room if it is dropped when switching it out for a mouthguard
- kicked under lockers in the gym
- knocked off a public bathroom counter (How clean do you think that floor is?)
- chewed up by pets
- buried in the backyard by pets
- crushed in a suitcase or purse if the aligner is not stored properly
- warped if left in a hot car
- in a napkin wad in a trashcan at a sports venue
- squished by the tracks that move the front seats in your car
- thrown away by your Uber driver
- unable to be identified if multiple teens remove their aligners to eat pizza at a sleepover or party
- starting a ragtag team of lost aligners to avenge the broken aligners
- & MORE!
So, to protect your mental and physical well-being, please, please, please, store your aligners in their protective case.
How To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene With Clear Aligners
Good oral hygiene is absolutely essential when you’re wearing clear aligners because this removable treatment method sits snugly over your teeth, creating a seal. While this is great for straightening your smile, it also means any food particles, plaque, or bacteria on your teeth get trapped underneath. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and even discoloration of your aligners. Taking the time to care for your teeth ensures your smile stays healthy while your aligners work their “magic.”
- Brush after every meal: Any leftover food under your aligners can feed bacteria and lead to cavities. Brushing removes this buildup before you put your aligners back in.
- Floss daily: Flossing prevents plaque from settling between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Pack a travel kit: Keep a portable toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you when you’re on the go.
- Rinse regularly: If you don’t have time to brush after lunch, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to wash away debris.
- Keep aligners clean, too: Dirty aligners can transfer bacteria to your teeth (and vice versa), undoing your efforts.
The Do’s & Don’ts Of Eating & Drinking With Aligners
Unlike braces, which require you to modify your diet to protect the brackets and wires of your braces and maintain good oral health, aligners allow you to eat whatever you want. Since they are removable, you just need to pop them out at mealtime (and put them in their case until you’re done, of course). Removing the aligners is not hard to remember for most patients since trying to eat with the aligners can be challenging, ineffective, and annoying.
As for drinking, water is the only safe drink to consume while wearing these removable orthodontic appliances. It keeps your mouth hydrated, which makes wearing aligners more comfortable, and does not pose a risk for potential stains or odors that other beverages might leave behind. Drinking water regularly throughout the day also washes away bacteria, helps maintain their transparent aesthetic, and prevents bad breath for better oral hygiene and higher confidence all day long.
What To Do If You Have Lost Or Damaged Aligners
Losing or damaging aligners can feel stressful, but staying calm and taking quick action will help you minimize the hassle and avoid delays in your treatment.
- Contact Goings Orthodontics Immediately: We will guide you on the best course of action, such as wearing a previous set of aligners or ordering a replacement.
- Avoid Wearing Damaged Aligners: Cracks or warps in aligners can prevent them from fitting correctly and may disrupt your progress. Always consult your orthodontist before continuing to wear them.
- Learn From This Experience: Instead of getting mad at yourself or feeling frustrated over a lost or broken aligner, we encourage you to learn from this experience. Ask yourself: What happened to your aligner? Was it avoidable? What should you do with your new aligners to prevent it from happening again?
As we said earlier, accidents can happen to even the most responsible patients. It’s how you respond and move forward that matters!
Trust Your Smile to a Leading Clear Aligner Provider
At Goings Orthodontics, we understand how vital a good support system is when transforming your smile. That’s why we are here to help every step of the way. If you have questions about aligner care or need assistance with lost or damaged trays, don’t hesitate to contact either of our locations in Fort Collins and Windsor, Colorado. Call or text us today to schedule an appointment or get personalized support for your treatment from our dedicated, compassionate, and knowledgeable team.
Not a patient of Goings Orthodontics? Call or click here to schedule a free consultation today. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
