Just a few simple habits can keep your aligners crystal clear, prevent any unwanted funky odours, and ensure your teeth stay healthy throughout your smile journey.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials for cleaning, storing, and caring for your aligners, with some handy tips to make it all easy and effective. Because, after all, great aligner care = a greater smile journey! Let’s dive in!
How Do I Safely Insert and Remove My Clear Aligners?
Before removing or inserting your clear aligners, always wash your hands!
Inserting Your Clear Aligners
To put them in, gently press them using your fingers until they click into place. Start with your front teeth and working your way backwards for a snug fit.
Once they’re in position, use your Chewie to remove any air space between your teeth and the aligner. To do this, firmly squeeze the Chewie between your teeth for about 5-10 seconds, repeating the process until you’ve done this for each tooth. Do this each time you insert your aligners to help you get the best result.
Chewies are reusable so once you’re done, rinse your Chewie off and store it safely in your aligner case for the next time you need it.
Removing Your Clear Aligners
To remove your aligners, use your fingers to gently loosen the aligner from the inside (tongue side) and back teeth, then carefully pull it away without bending or twisting and place it safely in its case.
How to Clean Your Clear Aligners
Regularly cleaning your aligners will help keep your mouth nice and healthy as you work towards your Dream Smile!
Here are 4 tips for keeping your Urban Smile clear aligners sparkling clean:
- Rinse with water: Every time you take out your clear aligners, rinse them under cold water to remove any saliva and food particles. Stay away from hot water, as it can distort the aligners.
- Use a clear aligner cleaner: There are several types of clear aligner cleaning products available, such as specially formulated cleaning crystals, foaming cleansers, or clear aligner cleaning tablets. Follow the instructions of the product for usage and if you run out, just pop into one of our studios to purchase a replacement!
- Gentle brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your aligners. Avoid using toothpaste, as it may be abrasive and can scratch the aligner surface, leading to cloudiness or discoloration. For a good clean, we recommend using a mild soap such as hand soap or dish soap.
- Soak in a cleaning solution: If your aligners require deeper cleaning, you can soak them in a cleaning solution recommended by your oral health therapist. Common options include a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Don’t forget to rinse them thoroughly with water afterward!
What Can I Eat and Drink with Clear Aligners?
No food is off limits with clear aligners! All you need to do is remove your aligners before consuming anything other than cool water.
Storing Your Clear Aligners Safely
While your aligners should be in your mouth most of the time (22 hours a day), when you do need to take them out it’s important to keep them safe. Please don’t place them in a napkin or in your pocket, where they can easily get broken or thrown out.
Pets can often mistake clear aligners for exciting new chew toys, so we recommend keeping the case out of reach from your furry friend.
Travelling with Clear Aligners
Travelling during your clear aligner orthodontic treatment is super easy! Remember to pack your ScanBox Pro so you can keep up with your weekly scans while away. If you won’t have access to the internet where you’re going, just let us know so we can pause your Dental Monitoring scans.
We always recommend storing your clear aligners in your hand luggage, so they’re always accessible. Plus, (touch wood!) checked baggage can go missing, and we’d hate for you to lose your aligners!
When travelling, we recommend taking an extra set of aligners just in case something happens to your existing set. If you do lose your current set of aligners, reach out to our clinical team on Dental Monitoring and we’ll let you know what to do. We also suggest that you keep your old aligners because we may need you to wear them again if one goes missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my aligner has a rough edge?
You can smooth down any rough edges with a nail file.
What happens if an attachment falls off?
Please continue to wear your aligners as normal. Send us a message through the Dental Monitoring app and we’ll advise you if it needs replacing.
Remember, if you have any questions about caring for your clear aligners, you can send a message to our expert Oral Health Therapists through the Dental Monitoring app or contact your nearest studio.