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With the advancements in orthodontics, a more convenient and comfortable procedure has emerged. Clear aligner treatment is easy, less painful, and offers swift results. However, during any dental treatment, hygiene should always be the priority.
Keeping this in mind, you need to make sure that you keep your aligners clean. This will not just promote hygiene but will also help you avoid further dental problems.
What are Aligners?
Clear Aligners are defined as a dental product that helps in teeth straightening. These consist of a custom-tailored series of plastic dental trays that gently push your teeth into the desired position when placed inside your mouth.
Wear Time
Although the overall wear time of clear aligners depends on a person’s dental condition, they are generally worn for 20 to 22 hours per day to effectively treat multiple bite issues such as open bite, crossbite, etc. Unlike traditional metal braces, they are more comfortable and are easily removable.
Importance of Hygiene In Teeth Straightening
When going through any type of treatment, hygiene should always be prioritized. Improper oral hygiene practices can lead to dental cavities, worsening your chances of achieving a perfect smile. Especially in the case of traditional metal braces treatment, it becomes challenging to clear your teeth properly as the metal braces are attached to your teeth with brackets and wires.
Furthermore, the remains of food particles can easily get stuck in your mouth, which can propagate bacterial production and plaque accumulation.
Best Methods To Keep Your Aligners Clean
Research says that clear aligners have a high chance of developing oral biofilms on the surface of your aligners, which can happen due to a lack of cleaning and improper hygienic measures. To ensure this does not occur, the following steps can be taken to help you achieve clean aligners:
Rinse With Water
Before putting them in your mouth, make sure to rinse your aligners with water to remove any germs or bacteria. This step also needs to be done after removing them, which helps remove saliva or any debris present on its surface.
Use a Brush For Cleaning
To make sure no debris is left on your aligners, take a soft-bristled brush and gently clean them. Do not use abrasive toothpaste for your aligners to avoid damaging them.
Avoid Hot Water
Using hot water for cleaning impacts the longevity of your aligners since they are made up of plastic; hot water can damage them. Furthermore, not just in cleaning, but be cautious to not consume anything hot beverages while you are wearing them.
Keep in a Case
When not in use, clear aligners must be placed in a plastic case to prevent any bacterial contact.
To sum it up, proper hygiene measures must be met if you are going through clear aligners treatment. By following all the tips mentioned above, you can keep your aligners clean along with boosting your oral health. Remember to clean them daily to achieve a straighter smile with enhanced dental hygiene.
FAQs
1. What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are plastic dental trays that help in shifting your teeth to the desired position. They are the perfect alternative to traditional metal braces and offer more comfort.
2. How often should I clean my aligners?
Since aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours, they need to be cleaned regularly. To ensure this, clean your aligners before and after wearing them.
