Clear aligners are a discreet and effective way to straighten teeth, but caring for your aligners properly plays a huge part in making sure everything stays on track.
Without appropriate hygiene practices, aligners can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to bad breath, oral health issues such as gum disease.
Your aligners can also become cloudy, collect bacteria, or even stop fitting as they should.
By understanding how to properly clean, handle, and store your clear aligners, you can make your treatment experience as smooth as possible and achieve the best possible results.
This is the ultimate guide to clear aligner care, packed with everything you need to keep your aligners clean, comfortable, and working as they should.
How to clean your clear aligners
Clear aligners (or clear braces) are in constant contact with your teeth and gums, making them susceptible to bacteria and plaque build-up.
Because of this, aligners need to be cleaned properly every single day.
It might sound like overkill, but think about it: they sit snugly against your teeth for most of the day, creating a perfect space for plaque and bacteria to gather.
If left uncleaned, this build-up can cause bad breath, stained aligners, or even damage to your teeth and gums.
Here’s what your daily routine should look like:
1) Rinsing aligners: Each time you take them out, rinse your aligners under cool or lukewarm water. It’s a simple step, but it helps clear away saliva and any food particles that might have sneaked in.
2) Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap: Brush them gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a clear, unscented soap. Avoid toothpaste. Even though it works wonders on your teeth, it can be too abrasive for aligners and leave scratches that trap bacteria.
3) Cleaning spray: Consider using a specialised cleaning spray, such as Puradent, to give your aligners an extra boost of freshness.
Why disinfecting is just as important
Cleaning every day removes surface debris, but a deeper clean a couple of times a week helps deal with lingering bacteria.
Soaking your aligners in a solution made for dental appliances helps keep them feeling fresh and hygienic.
Use disinfectant tablets, such as Dentipur or Nitradine, twice a week to thoroughly remove harmful bacteria from your clear aligners.
Hot water is a definite no, as it can change the shape of your aligners and affect the way they fit.
When should aligners be taken out?
Wearing your Smilelign aligners for 22 hours a day is key to a successful outcome, but there are times when they need to come out.
Here’s when:
1) Before meals or snacks: Even soft food can get trapped inside your aligners and cause problems. Always remove them before eating and drinking anything other than plain water.
2) When drinking hot drinks: Hot drinks such as tea or coffee can warp the plastic, so it is safest to remove your aligners before having anything warm.
3) When brushing and flossing: Your aligners should never get in the way of your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss as normal, then pop your aligners back in afterwards.
How to store your aligners safely
Storing your aligners correctly is just as important as cleaning and wearing them correctly.
It’s surprisingly easy to lose or damage your aligners if you don’t have a set place for them.
When you’re not wearing your them, always store your aligners in their case. This prevents them from getting lost or broken, as well as protecting them from bacteria, dust, and other contaminants.
Aligners that are left out or placed in random locations are more likely to be stepped on, chewed by pets, or crushed in bags or pockets.
Avoid wrapping your aligners in tissues or napkins, as they can easily be misplaced or thrown away.
When you start Smilelign treatment, you’ll receive a free aligner case, making it easier to keep aligners safe and hygienic wherever you are.
It’s compact enough to pop in your bag or pocket and stylish enough that you’ll actually want to use it.
Going away? Here’s what to pack
Being away from home doesn’t mean you you should stop caring for your Smilelign clear aligners. With a bit of planning, aligner care is easy to manage wherever you are.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep your routine on track:
- Your aligner case
- A travel toothbrush
- A small bottle of clear soap or cleaning spray
- A few disinfectant tablets
- A bottle of water (handy if you’re not near a sink)
It’s worth carrying a little pouch with these essentials in your bag, so you’re never caught out.
Reminder: What to avoid
A few small mistakes can make a big difference to the condition of your aligners.
Here’s a reminder of some of the things to steer clear of:
These might not seem like a big deal, but over time they can affect the way your aligners look, feel, and fit.
What to do if aligners get lost or damaged
Accidents happen, even if you’re caring for your clear aligners correctly.
If you’ve lost an aligner or spotted a crack, the first thing to do is contact your dentist.
It might be tempting to move on to the next set early, but this can disrupt your treatment and cause more harm than good.
Your dentist will be able to advise on the next steps.
For minor cracks or splits, ThermoGlue can be used as a temporary fix to hold things together until you can get a replacement aligner from your dentist.
It’s a dental-safe, quick-setting material designed for exactly this type of situation — but it should only be used as a short-term solution.
Invest in your smile
The time and effort you invest in caring for your clear aligners will pay off with a smoother treatment experience.
By following the recommended cleaning, handling, and storage tips, you ensure that your aligners remain hygienic and effective throughout the course of your treatment.
If you haven’t started your Smilelign journey yet, find your nearest Smilelign provider and contact them today to take the first step towards a confident, healthy smile!
