Clear aligners are a convenient and discreet way to gradually straighten your teeth. Because the trays are removable, you can continue brushing and flossing normally and take them out when you eat. However, proper care is important for keeping your aligners clean, comfortable, and in good condition throughout treatment.
Whether you’re just getting started with clear aligners or have been wearing them for a while, knowing how to care for your trays can help you stay on track with your treatment.
At Great Divide Dental, we can help you understand how to wear, clean, and care for your orthodontic aligners throughout your treatment.
Getting Started With Clear Aligners
Clear aligner treatment typically involves a series of custom-made trays. Each aligner is designed to gradually move your teeth according to a treatment plan created by your dental provider.
You'll receive instructions about how long to wear each set before progressing to the next one. Many clear aligner systems recommend wearing the trays for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, but you should always follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist or orthodontic provider.
Because clear aligners only work while you're wearing them, consistent wear is an important part of treatment.
Take Your Aligners Out When You Eat
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is that you can remove them when it's time to eat.
Take your aligners out before eating meals or snacks. Eating while wearing your trays can allow food particles and bacteria to become trapped against your teeth. Biting into hard foods while wearing aligners can also damage or crack the trays.
Once you're finished eating, brush your teeth when possible before putting your aligners back in.
What Can You Drink While Wearing Clear Aligners?
Plain, cool or room-temperature water is generally the safest beverage to drink while wearing clear aligners.
Remove your trays before drinking coffee, tea, juice, soda, sports drinks, or other beverages. Coloured beverages can stain the aligners, while sugary or acidic drinks can remain trapped against your teeth when the trays are in place.
Hot beverages should also be avoided while wearing aligners because heat can potentially distort the plastic.
If you do have a beverage other than water, remove your aligners and put them somewhere clean and safe. Then rinse your mouth and clean your teeth before putting the trays back in.
How Should You Clean Clear Aligners?
Your aligners should be cleaned regularly to help prevent buildup and odours.
A simple routine can include:
- Rinse your aligners with cool or lukewarm water when you remove them and before putting them back in.
- Gently brush the trays with a soft toothbrush when recommended by your dental provider.
- Use an aligner-cleaning product if recommended by your dentist or the aligner manufacturer.
- Rinse thoroughly before putting the trays back into your mouth.
Avoid using very hot water, which can warp the plastic and affect the fit of your aligners.
You should also clean your teeth before replacing your trays whenever possible. Your aligners fit closely against your teeth, so putting them over unclean teeth can trap food particles and bacteria.
Don't Forget to Clean Your Aligner Case
Your aligner case can collect bacteria and debris just like the trays themselves. Clean the case regularly with soap and water and allow it to dry completely.
When you're not wearing your aligners, keep them in their case rather than wrapping them in a napkin or leaving them on a table. This helps protect them from damage—and makes them much less likely to accidentally end up in the trash.
What Should You Avoid With Clear Aligners?
A few simple precautions can help keep your trays in good condition.
Avoid Hot Water
Never clean or rinse your aligners with hot or boiling water. High temperatures can alter the shape of the trays and affect their fit.
Don't Use Abrasive Cleaners
Harsh or abrasive products can scratch the surface of your aligners. Scratches can make the trays appear cloudy and may create additional areas where buildup can collect.
Don't Eat With Your Aligners
Remove your trays before eating unless your dental provider specifically gives you different instructions.
Don't Leave Them Exposed
When your aligners aren't in your mouth, keep them in their protective case. Leaving them out can increase the risk of losing, damaging, or contaminating them.
Don't Skip Wear Time
It can be tempting to leave your aligners out for an extended period, especially if they're uncomfortable at first. However, wearing them for the recommended amount of time is important for keeping your treatment progressing as planned.
If your aligners are uncomfortable or you’re having trouble wearing them consistently, talk with your dental provider rather than simply reducing your wear time.
What If You Lose or Damage an Aligner?
Accidents happen. If you lose, crack, or damage an aligner, contact your dental office for instructions.
Don't automatically move ahead to your next tray unless your provider tells you to do so. Depending on where you are in treatment, your dentist may recommend wearing a previous aligner, moving forward to the next one, or having a replacement made.
Keep Up With Your Regular Dental Visits
Clear aligner treatment doesn't replace your regular dental care. You still need routine dental examinations and professional cleanings to monitor your oral health.
Your dental provider will also monitor your progress during aligner treatment and can make recommendations if your teeth aren't moving as expected.
Keep Your Clear Aligners Clean and Your Orthodontic Treatment on Track
Clear aligners can make orthodontic treatment more convenient, but they do require some responsibility. Wearing your trays as directed, removing them when eating, drinking water while they're in, cleaning them regularly, and storing them properly can help protect both your aligners and your oral health.
At Great Divide Dental, we're here to support you throughout your clear aligner treatment and answer questions about caring for your trays.
Thinking about clear aligners or have questions about your current treatment? Contact Great Divide Dental to learn more and schedule your orthodontic consultation.
