Top Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Clear Aligners
Now more than ever, people are choosing clear aligners over traditional braces – and for good reason!
One of the main benefits of wearing clear aligners (along with the obvious invisibility of aligners) is the ease of cleaning and maintaining them. You can remove your clear aligners as needed, which means you won’t have to work around any brackets or wires to get a thorough cleaning.
That said, maintaining proper oral hygiene with any orthodontic treatment is crucial to achieving the best results.
How to Keep Teeth Clean with Clear Aligners
Whether you’re new to wearing ClearCorrect® clear aligners or have been using them for a while, here are some essential tips to keep your aligners clean and your smile sparkling:
1.Brush regularly and thoroughly
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristle manual toothbrush or soft-bristle electric toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums and enamel.
In an extensive 11-year study by the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, using an electric toothbrush resulted in 22% less gum recession and 18% less tooth decay in subjects, as compared to using a manual toothbrush! If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, this could be a good investment for you.
If you really want to keep that smile sparkling throughout treatment, we recommend brushing your teeth an additional time in the afternoon! Less food debris stuck in your teeth means less bacteria, less plaque, and better oral hygiene.
2. Don’t neglect floss!
Flossing should be used alongside brushing to remove plaque and food particles from places where your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps keep your teeth and gums clean, prevent cavities and gum disease, and prevent bad breath!
Floss at least once each night for a thorough cleaning.
3. Do a quick mouthwash rinse each day.
Flossing and brushing are absolutely essential, whether you’re in clear aligner treatment or not, but using an antibacterial mouthwash can really boost your oral hygiene routine and safeguard you from bacteria buildup.
Antibacterial mouthwash kills bacteria and freshens your breath. Since bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of your mouth, rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing is an easy way to further disinfect your smile with minimal effort.
4. Stay hydrated!
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated, reducing the risk of dry mouth and bad breath. Plus, when your body is hydrated, it has a better chance of fighting off harmful bacteria and preventing gum disease.
5. Be consistent.
Consistency is key! If you’re committed to achieving that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of, you have to commit to consistent cleaning. Don’t go to bed without cleaning your teeth, and make a practical routine of caring for your smile throughout the day.
Cleaning Clear Aligners
The same way you commit to cleaning your teeth, it’s important that you commit to cleaning your clear aligners too. After all, clear aligners are hanging out in your mouth day and night, which means they’re susceptible to the same bacteria buildup that occurs in your teeth and gums.
- Gently brush your clear aligner with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive, non-whitening toothpaste or mild soap and lukewarm water after every meal.
- Soak your clear aligners regularly too! You can use lukewarm soapy water, or you can use a retainer cleaning solution, like Retainer Brite, to eliminate odors, calcium and mineral deposits that can lead to yellowing retainers and bacteria growth.
Commit to your oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment for the best results!
Maintaining oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is non-negotiable. Along with cleaning your teeth and clear aligners daily, here’s what you can do:
- Be sure not to miss any of your regular dental check-ups/cleanings. Your dentist is here to monitor your oral health and catch any issues before they progress.
- Eat a balanced diet. Overloading on sugary and acidic foods can cause yellowing or discoloration in teeth, tooth decay and gum disease. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support not only your oral health but your overall health and wellbeing too.
- Wear your aligners as directed. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how long to wear your aligners each day. Consistent wear is crucial for the success of your treatment.
- Store your aligners properly. When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in their protective case to prevent damage and contamination.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene while using clear aligners doesn’t have to be a chore. With daily care, you’ll be well on your way to a perfect smile that lasts a lifetime.
If you haven’t started your transformation journey yet, getting started is easy! Get started from home or on-the-go with a quick virtual consultation.
We’re proud to provide top-quality clear aligner treatment at Secure Dental, with conveniently located dentist offices in Portage, IN, Lake Station, IN, Hammond, IN, Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL, Foster Ave., Chicago, IL, Schaumburg, IL, East Peoria, IL, Moline, IL, and Davenport, IA!
