How Should I Clean My Clear Aligners? 4 Easy Ways

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A girl applying clear aligners

Clear Aligners are known for providing effective teeth straightening. They are invisible and can be removed at any time easily. However, while undergoing an orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, patients should ensure the cleanliness of aligners. In this blog, we will provide our readers with easy strategies to keep aligners clean for optimal results.

Benefits of cleaning Clear Aligners

Keeping your aligners clean throughout the treatment process is highly essential. It helps keep your oral health intact and ensures clear aligners' effectiveness. The following are some of the reasons to keep your clear aligners clean:

  • Daily cleaning aligners help prevent plaque buildup
  • It eliminates the chances of bad breath
  • Reduces the chances of staining
  • Avoid bacterial growth
  • Ensure effective treatment

4 Easy ways to clean Aligners

To ensure orthodontic treatments are effective patients must follow the prescribed duration for wearing aligners. Moreover, another essential way to ensure the effectiveness of aligners is to keep them clean and dirt-free. Here are some simple and quick ways to keep your aligners clean.

1. Using a Toothpaste (Non-whitening)

The easiest most known way to clean aligners is with a non-whitening toothpaste. Orthodontic patients can take their aligners off and rinse them with water. After rinsing, brush them gently in circular motions to clean thoroughly. It should be noted that you use a soft-bristled brush as hard bristles can damage your aligners.

2. Rinsing with Clear Crystals

Fill a container with lukewarm water and add clear crystals. Stir the mixture gently and soak your aligners for fifteen minutes. This mixture helps to clean aligners by maintaining their quality and appearance. After 15 minutes, gently wash aligners with clean water and wear as prescribed.

3. Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide Solution and Soda

Another easy yet effective way to clean your aligners is with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This mixture is known for its antibacterial properties that help in cleaning bacteria. Take a bowl, add equal amounts of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and form a paste. Soak your aligners in the bowl for at least 15 minutes to ensure stains and bacteria are eliminated. After the soak, rinse the aligners with clean water.

4. White Distilled Vinegar with Water

Vinegar is known for household cleaning due to its properties. Orthodontic patients can clean their aligners with vinegar but it must be white distilled vinegar. You can mix one part of vinegar with three portions of water. Soak your aligners in the mixture for at least 15 minutes. Moreover, after soaking in water, you must rinse your aligners with clear water.

To conclude, orthodontic patients must maintain their clear aligners. It is essential to sustain your oral health throughout the orthodontic treatment. Moreover, it also ensures optimal treatment results. Patients can easily clean their aligners at home with simple tips and avoid discoloration, bad breath, and plaque buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it essential to clean aligners?

Yes, patients must maintain their clear aligners for effective treatment results and good oral hygiene.

2. What are the effective ways to clean my clear aligners?

Clear aligners can be simply cleaned at home with toothpaste, a solution of vinegar and water, or with a mixture of soda and hydrogen peroxide.

3. What is the benefit of cleaning aligners?

By maintaining clear aligners, you keep your aligners odor-free, avoid discoloration, and escape the unnecessary need for changing them.