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4 Different Ways to Clean Aligners

  • January 15, 2024
  • 309 Views

Clear aligners are meant to be worn throughout the day, which means it’s easy for the bacteria to cling to its surface, putting your teeth at risk of decay. This is why you should clean your aligners as often as you can, especially since your saliva also contains harmful bacteria. Not to mention, cleaning your aligners gets rid of the foul taste and smell in your mouth. But the question is, how are you supposed to clean it in the right way?

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    What Are Clear Aligners?

    Clear aligners are thin trays that are meant to fit on your teeth and straighten them. Despite being thin, aligners are made out of strong, clear plastic, which applies pressure on the teeth to move them. Plus, after every week or two, the aligner trays are swapped and changed. This is to make sure that your teeth keep moving and the trays can still fit their changing shape.

    However, to get the best results, clear aligners need to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. The only time you can take them out is when you have to eat or drink something besides water.

    Questions About 4 Different Ways to Clean Aligners ?

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    How to Clean Aligners

    There are numerous techniques you can follow to clean your aligners at home. One of the most common methods is soaking your aligners in a special solution for a few minutes before gently brushing it and rinsing it off. Mentioned below are a handful of methods you can use to clean your aligners, let’s take a look:

    1. Soap and Water
      The easiest way to wash your aligners is by pouring a small amount of antibacterial soap in warm water and letting the aligner trays soak in it for 15 to 30 minutes. Once done, simply give them a rinse, and you’re good to go.
    2. Baking Soda and Water
      Baking soda is known for its antibacterial properties, which is what makes it a wonderful ingredient when cleaning aligners. All you have to do is stir baking soda into a glass of water and let the aligner soak in the mixture.
    3. Vinegar and Water
      Vinegar and lukewarm water together create the perfect cleaning solution for aligners. Simply allow the trays to sit in the mixture for a few minutes before washing it away with cold water when done.
    4. Cleaning Tablets
      The best way to clean aligners is by using cleaning tablets. These little pills are made specifically to clean aligner trays. Just drop one or two tablets into a glass of water, let them dissolve, and soak the trays inside the mixture. Take them out after half an hour, give them a rinse, and let them dry before using them.

    How Often Should You Clean Your Aligners?

    In order to avoid getting a cavity, it is crucial to clean your aligners on a daily basis. Every night, when you brush your teeth before bed, make it a habit to also clean your clear aligners. Just like your teeth, the aligner trays need to be cleared of the food remains and bacteria stuck to them.

    If you don’t clean the trays, the bacteria stuck to them can affect your teeth, eating away the enamel layer and causing tooth decay. Nevertheless, it’s best to consult your dentist and visit them for a routine check-up every six months or so.

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    Final Takeaway

    Cleaning aligners is a daily task. It’s important to thoroughly wash and sanitize your aligners every day since you have to wear them all the time. However, when it comes to which cleaning method to use, you can either use a toothbrush and toothpaste or get special cleaning tablets to deep clean the aligner trays.

    But before you opt for any specific method, it is important to consult with your dentist for proper cleaning instructions and guidelines. Nevertheless, you can also reach out to the dental experts at Lifeline Dental by giving us a call at (281) 409-3777 for more information.