When you think about traditional braces, you don’t think about having to clean them. Why? Because they get cleaned when you brush and floss your teeth. But what about if you have Invisalign or clear aligner trays? Keep reading to learn the best tips to keep your trays clean!
Why You Have to Clean Aligner Trays
Think about all the gunk that can accumulate between your teeth in a day. Now think about that stuff building up in your aligner trays. Not only is it gross, but it’s also unhealthy. That gross stuff is full of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath. If you don’t properly clean your aligner trays, it can cause them to lose shape. When that happens, it’s possible that your teeth won’t move in the way that they’re supposed to. Which means, that it could lengthen your treatment times. And no one wants that!
How to Clean
The first thing you should do to clean your aligners is rinse them with water once a day. In addition to this, you should use a soft bristled toothbrush to gently scrub your trays. Use a different toothbrush than the one you use in your mouth. Because guess what you’ll use to clean your trays – clear liquid soap. That’s right. You DON’T use toothpaste to clean your trays. (We’ll get into why more a little later.) Brush any debris or food particles out of your trays and then rinse thoroughly. Make sure to do this everyday. The easiest way to remember to clean them everyday is to plan on cleaning them at the same time you brush your teeth. Since you’re already in the habit of that, it will come naturally!
What NOT to use to Clean Aligner Trays
Many people think that toothpaste is the best thing to clean their trays, but it’s not true. Think about how hard your teeth are and how delicate your trays are. Toothpaste is too harsh and can damage your trays. Here are other things that you should stay away from:
- Denture cleaners
- Mouthwash – especially if they contain alcohol
- Scented soaps
- Toothpaste (We know we’ve already mentioned it a couple times, but a reminder never hurt anyone.)
Here are a few other things that will help you take the best care of your clear aligner trays:
- Avoid hot water to make sure you don’t melt or mess up the shape of your trays.
- Always store your aligners in their case in a cool area.
- Brush your teeth every time before you put your trays in your mouth to help cut down on bacteria and other gunk.
Clear Aligners for a Reason
Remember that you chose CLEAR aligners for a reason. It’s important to keep them that way to make sure they move your teeth the right way. Properly cleaned trays keep you on the right track for your treatment. And bonus, they’ll give you a brighter smile at the same time!
If you have any questions, or want to learn more about clear aligner treatments, contact us today!
