Keeping your clear aligners clean and well-maintained is essential to keep the orthodontic treatment on track. If you search on Google, you’ll find many aligner cleaning options, and it can be confusing to choose the right one. That’s why we created this detailed guide to help you. Keep reading to learn how to clean your clear aligners and trays without any stress.
Understand Clear Aligner and their material usability
Clear aligners are transparent trays made from special see-through materials like polyurethane (PU) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). These materials are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth and are virtually invisible, providing a more comfortable yet aesthetically pleasing option for teeth straightening.
Importance of Daily Cleaning Routine of Clear Aligner Trays
A daily cleaning routine for clear aligner trays is important for maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing bad breath, and ensuring the trays’ longevity. Here are some key points highlighting the importance of daily cleaning:
- Removes saliva buildup: Rinsing your tray aligners every time you remove them for eating or drinking helps remove saliva buildup, which can cause bad breath and affect the trays’ fit.
- Prevents stains and discoloration: Clear aligners can be prone to stains and discoloration, especially from colored or heavily scented soaps. Using clear antibacterial soap and avoiding colored soaps helps keep the trays invisible and free of stains.
- Maintains good oral hygiene: Proper cleaning methods, such as using recommended cleaning solutions or creating your own solutions like hydrogen peroxide, help maintain good oral hygiene and prevent bad breath.
- Prolong tray life: Proper cleaning and maintenance of clear aligner trays ensure their longevity and effectiveness in teeth straightening.
Best Ways To Clean The Clear Aligners
Keeping your clear aligners sparkling clean doesn’t have to be a hassle. We’ve got seven best ways to clean aligners. Let’s explore these methods together!
- Aligner Experts Cleaning Foam: We provide a special hygiene kit with aligners that contain an effective aligner cleaning foam. When you clean the aligners with the cleaning foam, it leaves the aligners sparkling clean without damaging them.
- Denture Cleaners: Soaking your aligners in a denture cleaner, such as Efferdent or Polident, during meals can help keep them fresh and clean. After soaking for 15 minutes, use a toothbrush to brush off any residual buildup. While some dentists caution against this method, many patients find it effective despite potential cloudiness.
- Retainer Brite: Similar to denture cleaners, Retainer Brite is designed to maintain the cleanliness of your aligners. It shares the same soaking method as denture cleaners but is formulated with the proper pH to protect the plastic material.
- Antibacterial Liquid Soap: Brushing your aligners with antibacterial soap offers a simple way to eliminate bacteria accumulation. After brushing, rinse the trays thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth.
- Mouthwash: Some patients prefer soaking their trays in mouthwash for cleaning purposes. However, it’s important to note that colored mouthwashes may leave a tint on your aligners. To avoid discoloration, consider using a clear whitening mouthwash.
- Vinegar: Make a solution with half vinegar and half warm water, soak your aligners while enjoying a meal, and then brush and rinse them off afterward. Remember to let them dry thoroughly before reinserting them.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is known for its bacteria-fighting properties, making it a useful cleaning agent. Create a solution using half hydrogen peroxide and half water, and let your trays soak for approximately 20 minutes. This method is comparable to using denture cleaners but is significantly more affordable.
Do’s and Don’ts for cleaning clear aligner and Aligner trays
Keeping your aligner trays clean isn’t tough! Just follow these easy dos and don’ts recommended by Aligner Experts, and you’ll keep those aligners sparkling without any worry of accidental damage.
DO’s
- Use gentle aligner cleaner: Use our special aligner foam to clean your aligners to keep them free of odor and bacteria. Plus, this foam is white in color and cleans the retainer without staining them.
- Clean up in the morning: Start your day by rinsing aligner trays and brushing your teeth. It clears out overnight buildup, leaving your teeth and trays fresh and your breath minty!
- Rinse aligners whenever you put them out: Every time you take aligners out, give them a warm water rinse. It stops the bacteria from forming a dried film on them.
- Post-meal brush or rinse: Keep your teeth clean by brushing after eating. If you can’t brush, a good mouthwash rinse does wonders!
- Regular Soaking: Give your aligners a spa day every few days with a special cleaning solution. It’s like a detox for bacteria buildup, keeping them looking brand new.
DON’Ts
- Skip abrasive toothpaste for cleaning: Toothpaste sounds good, but it’s not good for your aligners. It can scratch and cloud them up, ruining that clear look.
- Say no to colored and scented soap: Colored or scented soap might make your aligners taste bad. Stick to Aligner Experts’ cleaning foam to avoid altered taste and staining.
- Keep the aligners safe: Don’t leave your aligners out in the open. Always put them into their case to prevent bacterial buildup and potential damage.
- Avoid Hot Water Rinse: Use lukewarm water to clean the aligners. Hot water can warp up your aligners and can hinder your treatment progress!
Conclusion
Keeping your clear aligner trays clean is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and achieving desired results during your orthodontic treatment.
Aligner Experts is always here to guide you on the best cleaning methods. Want personalized advice on how to clean invisible aligners? Schedule an appointment with our experts to get detailed information on aligner cleaning and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my clear aligners?
It is recommended to rinse your aligners each time you remove them from your mouth and before putting them back in. You can also clean your aligners using Aligner Experts cleaning foam to remove plaque and harmful bacteria.
What is the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using Aligner Experts’ special cleaning foam. You can also soak your aligners in a warm bowl of water with 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide or use a solution of distilled white vinegar and warm water to clean them. After cleaning, rinse your aligners thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
Can I use toothpaste to clean my aligners?
It is not recommended to use toothpaste to clean your aligners, as it can be abrasive and may damage the aligners. Instead, use Aligner Experts cleaning foam to clean your aligners.
