Have you begun a straightening treatment and want to benefit as much as you can? Most of us do! The best part about the orthodontic treatments that we offer is that both ClearCorrect and Invisalign in Ann Arbor are practically invisible! Well, as long as you keep them clean. Here are the best ways to keep your aligners sterilized so you can get the best results and optimize your straightening treatment.

It’s possible to stain your clear aligners if you’re not careful!

It is important to remember that you can stain your aligners, making the items look unattractive inside your mouth, and ultimately, noticeable to your peers. You can prevent discolorations on the plastic aligners by following these guidelines:

• Remove your aligners while chewing food
• Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting the aligners
• Avoid drinking beverages that have artificial dyes
• Use the correct types of toothpaste and mouth rinses
• Don’t put foreign objects such as ink pens inside your mouth
• Don’t use denture tablets to clean your teeth or aligners
• Avoid placing aligners on colorful surfaces that can stain the devices
• Keep aligners in protective trays to prevent damage
• Drink water frequently to rinse your mouth and aligners

Keep Your Aligners Clean with These Steps

By following these guidelines, you probably won’t have stained aligners, but if you don’t clean your aligners you could still have other side effects like a foul odor or dental issues. Use these methods to keep your Invisalign aligners looking spotless and smelling fresh.

1.     Use a soft brush to clean your aligners.

Your aligners can develop a growth of bacteria, so make sure to have a soft-bristled toothbrush (just like you would use on your teeth) to clean the aligners at least once a day.

2.     Use antibacterial soap to wash aligners.

Find a clear, soft antibacterial soap at your local drugstore to wash your aligners occasionally. To eliminate bacteria from the plastic, use only a tiny drop of soap combined with cool water to wash the aligners gently. Don’t ever boil or heat up your aligners too much as they may become deformed.

3.     Rinse your clear braces frequently.

Keep your orthodontic aligners as clean as your teeth by rinsing the items as often as possible. Try to avoid taking them out too much, since you need to wear them at least 22 hours out of the day. The times that you do remove them to eat, make sure to rinse them thoroughly.

4.     Use a special cleaning system.

The companies that provide the computer software to create your customized aligners also make specialized crystals. These crystals will keep the devices and trays sanitized. Be sure to use the cleanser according to the directions on the package. Soaking your orthodontic aligners for 15 minutes once a week in the crystal solution will keep the devices cleaner. Ask your dentist about how to find the right cleansing system for you.

With these handy tips, your teeth with look great both during and after treatment!

Meet the Doctor

Dr. James Olsen has both seen the growth of the Ann Arbor community and also grown alongside it with his own private practice. Over the years, his practice has developed into a beautiful state-of-the-art facility with the loyalty of his patients. Our patients return to our office because we not only provide the highest quality of dental service, but we educate patients so that they get the most out of any of their treatments—even orthodontics. Want more information? Contact Dr. Olsen by calling (734)-996-0200.