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Most patients prefer clear aligners over traditional metal braces because it promises to be much more subtle, convenient, and comfortable. While that does hold true, they also require special care and maintenance to assure successful treatment. Otherwise, you risk derailing your plans for a straighter smile. Your South Austin dentist shares a few ways you can ruin your clear aligner treatment and a few tips for taking proper care of them.  

USING HARMFUL INGREDIENTS TO CLEAN YOUR ALIGNERS

You should only ever use cleaners meant for your clear aligners to keep them in good shape. Stay away from bleach or strong colored and scented soaps. Bleach is a harsh substance that can degrade the plastic and ruin them. On the other hand, using colored and scented soaps can leave residue on your aligners, causing long-term discoloration with continuous use. It can even give them an unpleasant taste!

EATING OR DRINKING WITH YOUR ALIGNERS IN

There’s a reason why you must remove your clear aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water. Doing so can damage or discolor them and put your oral health at risk. While eating, food particles can get stuck in between the aligners and your teeth. If not removed properly, it can lead to tooth decay, cavities, or even gum disease.

LEAVING YOUR CLEAR ALIGNERS OUT IN THE OPEN

Since the aligners are virtually invisible, it’s easy to lose them if you put them down on a counter or tabletop. Plus, they’re more prone to bacterial buildup when exposed to open air. Make sure you always store them in their designated case when they’re not in your mouth! If you accidentally leave your aligners out, rinse and clean them thoroughly before placing them back in.  

DRINKING ANYTHING OTHER THAN WATER

Water is the only beverage you can drink while wearing your clear aligners. Anything else can affect or damage your treatment. For example, hot drinks can warp and misshape the plastic material. Colored drinks can stain your aligners over time, making them noticeable and no longer discreet. With sweet beverages, the sugar can get trapped between the aligners and your teeth and increase your chances of decay.

TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR CLEAR ALIGNERS

Taking good care of your clear aligners is the best way to ensure effective treatment and good oral health. Here are some tips to follow:

• Clean your aligners every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Brush and floss your teeth before slipping the aligners in your mouth
• Soak the aligners at least once a day in cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner

Now that you know what to avoid during your clear aligner treatment, you can stay on track towards attaining a perfect, straight smile in no time!

About the Practice

Our team at The Dental Centre proudly offers compassionate, efficient, and gentle dental care. We use the latest dental technology to provide high-quality services you can count on. If you’re self-conscious about your misaligned teeth, we offer clear aligner therapy to help you achieve a healthy, straight smile in as little as one year. To learn more ways to prevent ruining treatment, visit our website or call (512) 361-4288 to speak to an expert.