When you compare clear aligners to traditional ones, clear aligners sound like a dream come true. However, there are some dos and don’ts to wearing and taking care of your aligners. In this post, we’ll go through everything from keeping your new adult braces clean to help look after your changing teeth. Of course, if […]
When you compare clear aligners to traditional ones, clear aligners sound like a dream come true. However, there are some dos and don’ts to wearing and taking care of your aligners. In this post, we’ll go through everything from keeping your new adult braces clean to help look after your changing teeth. Of course, if you need more tips and tricks, we’d be happy to help – simply book into our practice here in Manchester.
Cleaning your clear aligners
You should clean your aligners if you don’t, they start to build up with bacteria and the smell can become bad. When cleaning your adult braces, you shouldn’t use your everyday toothpaste, soap or anything with strong chemicals. As clear braces are associated with teeth, many people think that cleaning them with toothpaste is a good idea – however, toothpaste often contains harmful abrasives that can scratch them, affecting their transparent appearance. Even putting your aligners in hot water isn’t the best for them as it can weaken their structure. Instead, when you remove your aligners to brush, place them in a glass of water with a denture cleanser to sanitise them as you brush. These products allow your adult braces to stay transparent and clean.
Eating and drinking
Don’t eat or drink with your clear braces in, this can damage, weaken and stain your aligners. They weren’t made to withstand constant chewing or exposure to liquids that aren’t water. Chewing food or gum while wearing clear aligners can cause them to break, meaning you’ll need to get a replacement, which will delay the straightening process. It was important to take them out when eating and drinking anything else but water, as this will preserve the structure and durability of your new adult braces. While you’re eating or drinking, it’s important to place your clear aligners back in their given case as letting them air dry will allow bacteria from the air and existing bacteria from your mouth to cling onto the aligners. Once taken out of the mouth, rinse them off with cold water to remove any saliva.
When to wear clear aligners
To get the most out of your aligners and to speed up the process, the most important thing to do is wear them as often as possible. Repeatedly not wearing them could cause your teeth to shift back in their original positions. You’ll save a lot of time by wearing them for the about of time your dentist recommends.
Get Started with clear aligners today! Get in touch
Want more advice before you start your journey to a straighter smile? Schedule a consultation at Heaton Mersey Stockport, Manchester today.
