Clear aligners, such as Eon and Invisalign, offer a fantastic way to straighten your teeth discreetly. They are removable, which means you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and enjoy your favorite food without restrictions.
This combination of aesthetics, comfort, and convenience makes clear aligners a popular and effective solution for a wide range of orthodontic issues. To ensure you achieve the best possible results and maintain the integrity of your aligners, proper care is essential. We've put together some practical tips to help you along the way.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Cleaning your aligners daily is crucial to prevent bacteria buildup, discoloration, and unpleasant odors. The best way to do this is by gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and may scratch the surface of the aligners, potentially leading to staining. If you’re on the go, you can also rinse them with water throughout the day to prevent debris from accumulating.
There are commercially available cleaning tablets designed specifically for the purpose of keeping aligners fresh. These solutions are a great way to disinfect the aligners and remove stubborn buildup without damaging them.
Remove Your Aligners When Eating or Drinking (Except Water)
You should always remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. Food and drinks, especially those with coloring agents, sugars, and acids, can stain and damage your aligners. Additionally, food particles can get trapped inside the aligners, making them difficult to clean and contributing to plaque buildup. Exerting undue force on the aligners can also cause them to break, which can interrupt the progress of your treatment.
Store Your Aligners Safely
Whenever you are not wearing your aligners, always store them in their protective case. This will protect them from damage, contamination, and from being misplaced. Avoid wrapping your aligners in tissues or napkins, as they may be accidentally thrown away. The protective case will keep your aligners clean, safe, and easy to find.
Keep Your Aligners Away from Heat
Clear aligners are made of high-quality plastic materials. However, they can get warped or deformed if exposed to high temperatures. Avoid leaving your aligners in hot environments, such as inside a car on a sunny day or near hot beverages. Never soak them in hot or boling water. Always remove them before drinking anything hot to prevent any potential warping or distortion.
Check for Any Wear and Tear
Regularly check your aligners for any sign of damage and inform your orthodontist if you notice any issues. If you lose or break an aligner, contact your orthodontist immediately to get a replacement and avoid delays in your treatment.
For more information on how to care for your Eon or Invisalign aligners, or if you are looking to restart your orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers. We’re here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
