Dos and Don’ts of Clear Aligners

Dos and Don’ts of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are ideal solutions for people who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. Biltmore Dental Center is on the cutting edge of this innovative technique, and we are happy to help our clients in Phoenix discreetly enhance their smiles. But as with any oral health tools, clear aligners require routine care and maintenance for optimal results. That is where our team of oral health professionals can help. We will walk you through all the dos and don’ts of clear aligners so that you can achieve the stunning smile you’ve always wanted. This blog has tips for current orthodontic patients or anyone considering clear aligners in the future, but feel free to call us with any questions of your own.

Biltmore Dental Center Can Straighten Your Smile

Biltmore Dental Center understands the importance of a healthy, attractive smile. So, we have been industry leaders in using clear aligners to produce such an outcome. This method of teeth alignment requires fitting your mouth with clear plastic trays that will gradually shift your teeth into place. Every couple of weeks, you will need to change your aligners to continue the process until your smile looks the way you want. Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces, cost-effective, and require less treatment time than other orthodontic options. However, once you start your treatment, knowing what you can and can’t do while wearing clear aligners is critical.

What You Can Do with Clear Aligners

The best feature of clear aligners is they are designed to be convenient and discreet. Therefore, you don’t need to significantly alter your daily routine. Keep doing everything like you would normally. They won’t get in your way when you’re working, exercising, or socializing. In addition to maintaining your routine, here are some other suggestions for what you should do to optimize clear aligners:

• Eat Your Favorite Foods – Clear aligners are removable, so you can take them out whenever you eat. This allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without damaging your orthodontic appliances. But remember to brush your teeth before putting your clear aligners back in your mouth.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – It is easy to clean your teeth when you have clear aligners. Simply remove your aligners to brush and floss as usual. This will prevent plaque buildup so that your teeth stay healthy during treatment.
• Clean Your Aligner Trays – In addition to brushing your teeth, brush your aligner trays to remove harmful bacteria. We suggest doing so with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Rinse Your Aligners – Any time you remove your clear aligners, rinse them to clear any plaque or saliva.
• Wear Your Aligners at Least 20 Hours Per Day – We recommend wearing clear aligners 20-22 hours per day for best results. This means you should sleep in them every night.
• Soak Your Aligners Daily – During meals or other times when you aren’t wearing your aligners, soak them to keep them looking and smelling their best.
• Store Aligners Safely – Keep your aligners out of reach of children and in places without direct sunlight.
• Make Scheduled Dental Visits – Stay up to date with your dental cleanings and check-ups even while you use clear aligners.

What You Shouldn’t Do with Clear Aligners

Clear aligners offer many benefits, but it is critical to use them properly for best results. This includes avoiding certain practices to keep your treatment on track. They include:

• Avoid Inconsistency – Never skip wearing your clear aligners for an extended period. That would delay progress and lengthen the time you’ll need for full alignment.
• Don’t Eat or Drink with Clear Aligners – Any time you eat or drink anything other than water, remove your clear aligners. This includes small snacks. Food particles can get stuck in or stain your clear aligners.
• Don’t Use Toothpaste on Clear Aligners – Avoid toothpaste and scented soaps when cleaning your clear aligners because they will leave a residue and potentially discolor your trays. Additionally, never soak your clear aligners in mouthwash.
• Don’t Use Hot Water – Clean your clear aligners with cool or room temperature water to avoid altering their shapes.
• Don’t Wrap Clear Aligners in Napkins – Always store your clear aligners in their intended cases
• Don’t Bite Your Aligners – Considerable force from your teeth can damage your aligners. Wear them gently.

Schedule a Clear Aligner Appointment Today

If you are ready for a movie-star smile and think clear aligners may be right for you, rely on the professionals at Biltmore Dental Center. We can help you start your smile straightening journey and ensure you wear your clear aligners safely and efficiently. Contact us today to get started.