Caring for Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a great way to achieve straighter teeth and an overall better smile in a manner that is not visible to others. While they work well to fix misaligned teeth, it is important to fully understand how to care for clear aligners to avoid having to replace or repair them before it is time to do so.

How to care for clear aligners

If clear aligners become damaged, it may lead to ineffective results or the need to replace them sooner than necessary, which results in additional costs for the procedure. The following are four care techniques for clear aligners to help patients keep them in good condition.

Store the aligners in a case

First and foremost, it is important to keep your clear aligners properly stored in a protective case while they are not being worn. When clear aligners are left out of the case, they are at risk of becoming damaged, lost or exposed to harmful bacteria.

In order to ensure that they are properly stored, it is important for patients to carry the case with them when they know they will need to remove the clear aligners. The most common time for every patient is while they are eating, although more specific times to remove the aligners may include during sports activity or while giving a presentation at work. Patients should have a reliable case to place the aligners in and they can talk to their cosmetic dentist if they need of a case.

Rinse the aligners often

It is also important to rinse the clear aligners several times a day to ensure that they do not accumulate harmful bacteria, which can not only damage the aligners themselves but can also lead to enamel erosion. The best times to rinse the aligners is when waking up in the morning, before going to sleep and after each meal.

In addition, while rinsing the aligners check them for any damage or complications that they may have. In the event that any damage exists, contact a cosmetic dentist and schedule a time to visit them to address the issue.

Clean the aligners daily

One of the most common mistakes patients make when taking care of their clear aligners is thinking that simply rinsing them off several times a day is enough. However, rinsing them off and cleaning them are two separate things.

In addition to rinsing the clear aligners several times a day, it is important to also clean them as well, either in the morning or at night. This helps to ensure that they remain in good condition and sanitary at all times. The best way to clean the clear aligners is to use a solution specifically designed for that exact purpose, which a patient's cosmetic dentist can likely provide.

How well you care for your clear aligners plays a large factor in how effective and efficient they are at straightening your teeth. Be sure to ensure a proper care plan is in place and visit the cosmetic dentist if any issues with your clear aligners arise.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistrywalnutcreek.com or call Advanced Dentistry Of Walnut Creek at (925) 937-2273 for an appointment in our Walnut Creek office.

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