If you're using clear aligners such as Invisalign, Smile Direct Club, or Byte to straighten your teeth, it's essential to keep them clean and free from bacteria, bad breath, and unsightly stains. But how do you keep your aligners sparkling clean, and what's the best way to sanitize them in-between each wear?
Here are some tips and tricks to help you maintain your aligners' cleanliness and ensure that your teeth straightening treatment is a success:
Rinse with water:
To begin, remove your clear aligners from your mouth and rinse them with cool or lukewarm water to remove any loose debris or saliva. It's important to avoid using hot water, as high temperatures can cause the plastic material to warp or lose its shape, making it difficult to fit back into your teeth.
Brush without toothpaste
While a toothbrush can be used to clean your aligners, it's important to avoid using toothpaste, as most brands contain abrasive particles that can scratch or damage the plastic material. These scratches can create small crevices where bacteria can thrive, leading to a buildup of germs and odors. Be sure to brush every small corner of the aligners, as bacteria can easily accumulate there.
Soak in cleaning solution
There are many different denture cleaning solutions available, including over-the-counter products and home remedies. It's important to choose a solution that's specifically designed for clear aligners and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some cleaning solutions require soaking for a specific amount of time, while others are designed for quick and easy cleaning on-the-go..
Don't use mouthwash to clean your aligners!
Some mouthwashes contain colorants that can stain your aligners. To avoid this, use a clear mouthwash or a product specifically designed for aligner cleaning. It's best to avoid mouthwash with colors if you don't want your aligners to be blue or pink.
Use Fizzy 3-in-1 mouthwash foam and aligner cleaner!
For a more convenient solution, consider trying Fizzy Oral, a 3-in-1 aligner cleaner and mouthwash foam that's easy to use and effective. Apply the foaming solution to your aligners before eating to clean them, and then use it as a mouthwash to rinse your mouth after eating. Follow us at fizzyoral.com for updates on our upcoming launch!
Bottom Line
Clear aligners are a popular and convenient option for straightening teeth, but it's important to keep them clean to prevent bacteria buildup, bad breath, and unsightly stains. Rinse your aligners with water, brush them without toothpaste, soak them in a cleaning solution, and avoid using mouthwash with colorants. For a more convenient solution, consider trying Fizzy Oral, a 3-in-1 aligner cleaner and mouthwash.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7018490/
https://www.forbes.com/health/dental/how-to-clean-your-retainer/
