Orthodontic treatment with SureSmile clear aligners can craft a beautiful smile. However, you will need to follow key steps during treatment. One of those is knowing how to clean SureSmile clear aligners. Our quick guide covers the why, when, and how of cleaning your SureSMile clear aligners.
Why Cleaning SureSmile Clear Aligners Is Important
You want anything that goes in your mouth to be clean. You would not want to put a piece of food in your mouth that is covered in dirt or bacteria. So it stands that the same applies to dental appliances. Fortunately, cleaning such devices is typically a straightforward process.
Bacterial Buildup
Your biggest concern will always be bacteria. You might not want to hear it, but billions of bacteria call your mouth home. Hundreds of different species make up this population. While they generally live in balance with your mouth, they can also take advantage of unique situations.
For example, clear aligners can quickly become home to countless bacteria throughout the day. When you sleep at night, the same thing happens. More bacteria, more problems.
What Happens?
If you let bacteria build up on your clear aligners, you run into three notable issues.
- Unpleasant Odor: The bacteria can give off an unpleasant smell over time, similar to normal bad breath. You might not notice it, but people around you likely will.
- Cloudy Appearance: Buildup can cause a cloudy film to cover your aligners. This defeats the benefits of having “clear” aligners in the first place.
- Oral Health Risk: Extra bacteria can put your oral health at risk. You may have an increased risk of gum disease or cavities if you do not clean your aligners. The goal of treatment is to improve your smile’s health, not worsen it.
How to Clean SureSmile Clear Aligners
The good news is that cleaning your SureSmile clear aligners is simple. You can care for your aligners in several ways, either actively cleaning them or soaking them. The best routine involves a combination of the two.
Brushing
We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using anything harder could risk scratching the aligners. You can use unscented liquid soap to gently clean your aligners. Typically, you will want to avoid using toothpaste. While some might be mild enough, many toothpastes could risk damaging your trays. Generally, you should give them a brushing twice a day (both times right after you brush your teeth).
Soaking
You might not need to soak your aligners every day. However, it could be a good habit to get into. Your dentist likely will recommend a specific solution to soak your aligners in. A 30-minute soak should do it. Then rinse them. Make sure you clear away all the solution before putting them back in your mouth.
Rinsing
Always rinse your aligners before putting them back in. Even if you had them out for a few minutes, a rinse will help clear away unwanted debris. Never use hot water, as it can warp the aligner trays. Stick with lukewarm water.
Bonus Tip: Storage
You will need to take out your aligners for meals and dental hygiene. However, stay mindful of where you put them. We recommend carrying a specific tray with you to pop them into when needed. Be sure to keep this tray clean, too. Otherwise, it can also turn into a breeding ground for bacteria.
When to Clean SureSmile Clear Aligners
An ideal routine will involve cleaning your aligners at least twice a day. The best time to clean them will be right after brushing your teeth. Placing your aligners over clean teeth ensures a healthier environment.
Be Mindful of Soaking Clear Aligners
While soaking your clear aligners can help, you do not want them out of your mouth for too long. You want to wear them for a minimum of 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your treatment could take longer and run into issues.
This means you might need to get strategic about when you soak your aligners. The ideal time could be during your last meal of the day. Your trays would already be out at that time, anyways.
However, this also means you should brush your teeth after that meal. It can defeat the purpose of soaking your trays if you put them on over teeth covered with food debris.
A Specialist for Lasting Smiles
Reach out to Absolute Family Dentistry to begin working with Norco’s top dentist. Book your appointment and see if SureSmile clear aligners are right for you.
