The Importance of Proper Aligner Care: Dos and Don’ts

December 26, 2023

Proper care of your aligners is essential to ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment and maintain good oral health. In this blog, we’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of aligner care to help you make the most of your journey to a beautifully aligned smile.

The Dos of Aligner Care:

1. Do Remove Your Clear Aligners Before Eating: Taking out your aligners before meals prevents staining and food debris from getting trapped between your teeth and aligners.

2. Do Clean Your Aligners Daily: Use a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap or specialized cleaning products to keep your aligners clean.

3. Do Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth after eating, before putting your aligners back in. This ensures your teeth remain healthy throughout your treatment.

4. Do Store Your Aligners Properly: When not in use, store your aligners in their case to prevent damage or loss.

5. Do Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions: Adhere to the recommended wear schedule and follow any additional instructions provided by your orthodontist.

The Don’ts of Aligner Care:

1. Don’t Eat or Drink with Aligner-on Consuming anything other than plain water while wearing aligners can lead to staining and damage.

2. Don’t Use Hot Water to Clean Aligners: Hot water can cause aligners to warp, so use cool or lukewarm water for cleaning.

3. Don’t Neglect Regular Dental Check-Ups: Continue to see your dentist for routine check-ups to monitor your oral health.

4. Don’t Skip Cleaning Your Aligners: Failing to clean your aligners can lead to a buildup of harmful bacteria and odors.

Following these dos and don’ts allow you to maintain your aligners effectively and enjoy a successful treatment journey.