The aligners are without doubt one of the most important parts of your clear aligner treatment. A disciplined patient usually spends 22 hours a day wearing them. They play sport in them, go to work in them and do the shopping in them, so it is essential to look after them carefully to keep them in good condition. At Clínica Peydro we give you 5 tips for looking after your aligners.
Tips for looking after your aligners
Although aligners, together with the doctors’ protocols, can achieve spectacular results in very little time, the truth is that they have to be handled with care. The material is very resistant; however, the time we spend wearing them, taking them in and out and the friction between the upper and lower teeth can cause small cracks. At Clínica Peydro we are leaders in clear aligners in Valencia, which is why we know better than anyone what advice you should follow to look after your aligners properly.
Do not drink with them in
One of the advantages of aligners is that they can be taken in and out with complete ease. Avoid sugary drinks and drinks with coloring while wearing them, since they discolor the aligner and make it lose all of its esthetic qualities. The same goes for food such as sauces or anything else that can not only stain the aligner but also cause cracks. It is also a good idea to brush your teeth after eating or drinking anything with coloring, since it may stain the aligner.
Wash them with soap and cold water
If you are cleaning your aligners with toothpaste, it is time to stop, since it stains them and leaves an unsightly white film. Aligners are made of a transparent thermoplastic material so that they look as discreet as possible. If you do not want them to lose that quality, you should clean your aligners with cold or lukewarm water and soap. Use a toothbrush to scrub them gently and never use hot water, since it can deform them.
Do NOT smoke
Everyone knows the damage nicotine does to our teeth; however, very few people know the problems it causes for aligners. Spending so many hours with the aligners in means many people choose to smoke with them on.
Keep them in their case
Travelling or eating out means many people end up keeping their aligners wrapped in a napkin after leaving the case at home. To stop that happening, get into the habit of always carrying your case with you, whether in a handbag, a rucksack or a briefcase: no excuses! Keeping them in it will not only make them last longer but will also improve their hygiene.
Give your aligner an extra clean
Would you like your aligners to stay like new? Then pay attention to this tip, which very few people know about. If you want them to keep their appearance for as long as the treatment lasts, read on. Pharmacies sell effervescent tablets you can use to give your aligner a thorough clean. After dropping the tablet into a glass of water, wait for it to fizz and then soak the aligner in the glass for a few minutes. We recommend repeating this once a week so that your aligners keep looking good for longer.
