Taking good care of your clear aligners keeps them clear, comfortable, and odor-free, and it protects the progress of your treatment. The good news is that a simple daily routine is all it takes. At Valley Dental Turlock, we want your trays to stay invisible and your smile to stay healthy.
Here are our best tips for keeping your aligners and your teeth in great shape.
Your simple daily routine
A consistent rhythm makes aligner care almost automatic. Many patients find this five-step routine easy to follow.
- Rinse your trays with lukewarm water each time you remove them.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting the trays back in.
- Gently clean the trays with a soft brush and clear, unscented soap once a day.
- Store the trays in their case whenever they are not in your mouth.
- Drink only water while wearing them, and save other drinks for mealtimes.
Clean your aligners daily
Rinse your aligners every time you take them out, and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid colored or scented soaps and abrasive toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic and trap bacteria. Use lukewarm water, never hot water, since heat can warp the trays and ruin their fit. You can also use the cleaning crystals or tablets your dentist recommends for an occasional deeper clean. Clean trays stay invisible and help prevent unwanted odor.
Protect your teeth, too
Always brush and floss before putting your aligners back in. Trapping food and sugar against your teeth under the trays can lead to cavities and gum problems. Drink only water while wearing your aligners, and take them out for anything else, especially coffee, tea, and soda, which can stain both your trays and your teeth. Sugary and acidic drinks are particularly risky under trays because the liquid sits against the enamel. Keep up with routine cleanings and exams so we can monitor your oral health throughout treatment.
Avoid common mistakes
- Hot water: Never rinse or soak aligners in hot water, as it warps them.
- Eating with them in: Remove aligners before eating to prevent cracks and staining.
- Wrapping in napkins: Always store aligners in their case so they are not lost or thrown away.
- Skipping cleaning: A buildup of bacteria causes odor and cloudiness.
- Forgetting to wear them: Trays only work when worn 20 to 22 hours a day.
Storing and replacing aligners
When your aligners are not in your mouth, keep them in their protective case. This prevents them from being damaged, lost, or accidentally thrown out, one of the most common reasons patients need a replacement set. Wrapping a tray in a napkin at a restaurant is how many trays end up in the trash, so the case is your best friend. If a tray cracks or goes missing, contact us right away so we can keep your treatment on track; depending on your stage, we may have you move to your next tray or order a replacement. Once treatment is complete, you can explore cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening to finish your smile, or book an appointment to discuss next steps.