How to Properly Clean Clear Aligners

A lot of people opt for clear aligners in Houston because of their discrete nature. But, this very fact makes clear aligners maintenance crucial. Because they are virtually transparent, every stain or discoloration becomes immediately visible. Not to mention, not taking proper care of your aligners will not leave you with just a stained set of trays, but it can spell bad news for your oral health too. 

So, here's why it's important to take good care of your aligners and how to do it properly. 

‍Why Cleaning Your Aligners Matters?

You will get a new set of clear aligners about every two weeks, so why bother cleaning them? 

Food particles and bacteria can get trapped inside your aligners. Not cleaning them every night means that your teeth are coated in cavities producing bacteria for 22 hours every day. If the bacteria is trapped in there long enough, it will eventually attack your teeth's enamel and lead to decay. 

The aligners can also prevent your saliva from effectively washing away bacteria and food particles. If these particles are not cleaned every day, you may start experiencing bad breath. 

‍

Here's how to properly clean your clear aligners to avoid discoloration or potential oral health issues: 

• Brush Them with a Soft-bristled Toothbrush 

Perhaps the best and easiest way to clean your aligners is to rinse and brush them every night. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to not scratch them. Stay away from whitening toothpaste too as it can have abrasive ingredients that can scratch your aligners, making it easier for bacteria to find a way inside the trays. 

• Wash Them with Antibacterial Soap

Another simple and effective way of cleaning your aligners is by soaking them in a solution made out of a gentle antibacterial soap mixed with water. Let them sit in the mixture for about 30 minutes and then rinse them thoroughly with cold water. 

• Use Baking Soda and Water to Clean Your Aligners 

You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water to thoroughly clean your aligners. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water and soak the aligners for about half an hour. Rinse them very well with cold water and dry them. 

Some solutions or techniques are simply too aggressive and can do more harm than good. So, try to avoid:

• Cleaning your aligners with a hard, abrasive toothpaste
• Soaking them in colored mouthwash (it can stain them) 
• Cleaning them with a dishwasher (it can damage and stain the aligners) 
• Using hot water can damage the plastic.