Clear aligners are a fantastic tool for discreetly and comfortably achieving a straighter smile. However, proper care is essential to ensure your aligners work effectively and stay in great shape. Without regular maintenance, aligners can become stained, damaged, or even ineffective in helping you reach your smile goals.
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we can provide simple tips and best practices for keeping your clear aligners clean, intact, and performing at their best throughout your treatment. By following these steps, you’ll protect your investment and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Please reach out to us to learn more about how we can help with your smile goals.
How to Take Care of Your Clear Aligners
To keep your clear aligners clean and functional, you will need to care for them properly. The following are some of our top recommendations related to clear aligner care:
- Remove the clear aligner trays when eating or drinking anything other than water
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Rinse your aligners every time you remove them
- Brush and floss your teeth following any drink, meal, or snack
- Soak your aligners once every few days to minimize bacteria build-up
- Consider switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Ask your dentist for recommendations, such as for non-abrasive toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwash
- Pay attention to all the surfaces between your teeth when flossing
- Use a gentle and circular motion when brushing your teeth
- Keep your aligners in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day to reduce the risk of losing or breaking your trays
If you need additional guidance about caring for your clear aligners, please speak with your dental provider at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics. We can provide excellent care while prioritizing excellent results and comfort while you visit our office.
Benefits of Taking Care of Your Clear Aligners
Taking care of your clear aligners keeps them looking and functioning their best, but what does that mean for your life as a patient? The following are some key benefits that may motivate you to take better care of your aligners:
- Preventing stains
- Reducing the risk of odors
- Mitigating breakage risks
- Keeping your aligners durable to minimize delays
- Fewer scratches or abrasions
- Faster treatment
- Lowered chances of loss
- Maintaining or lowering projected costs and copays
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your dental provider for clarification or additional guidance.
How Should You Store Your Clear Aligners?
When your clear aligners are not in use, they should be kept in their provided travel case. Your trays should be in their case whenever you are eating, and they should be placed back into your mouth once you have finished eating and cleaning both your teeth and the trays.
If you have received more than one set of trays at once, we recommend keeping sets to be used later in a safe place. Your trays should be kept high off the ground, away from pets or young children. If you need additional guidance about storing any trays that have yet to be used, please speak with your dental provider.
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we monitor patient well-being throughout your treatment.
Interested in Clear Aligners? Take Care of Your Smile with Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics
Proper care for your clear aligners is crucial for achieving the best results in your orthodontic journey. At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we are committed to ensuring that every step of your treatment is smooth and effective. With over 30 years of experience in designing custom smiles, we offer patient-focused care that keeps your comfort and smile goals as our top priority. Our advanced techniques ensure you’ll receive personalized guidance for taking care of your aligners and teeth during treatment.
Ready to get started on your path to a flawless smile? Schedule a consultation with us today! We’ll help you maintain your aligners and provide expert care throughout your treatment. Call us at (866) 272-9271 or visit our contact form to connect with us.
