Braces are no longer a reserve for young kids and teens. The American Association of Orthodontists points out that one in every five orthodontic patients is above 18. This rise in popularity for adult orthodontics is fueled in part by advances in dental technology which has brought about subtle treatment options such as clear aligners.

Clear aligners are just as effective, only that they are more discrete and have a shorter treatment span. However, even though they are simple and easy to use, there are several things to keep in mind if you want your orthodontic treatment to be successful. To help you with that, here are some tips on how to maintain your clear aligners.

1. Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal

Maintaining good oral health practices is essential in keeping your teeth healthy. Brushing eliminates all the tiny particles that may be hiding between your teeth and braces, thus supporting bacterial growth. Ensure that you brush and floss your teeth properly before placing your clear aligners back on.

2. Rinse Your Invisalign Plates After Taking Them Off

Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal. However, it may be impractical to achieve this in all situations. It is prudent to rinse your plates under running water every time you take off your clear aligners. The water washes away saliva and food particles that may harden on the surface. Make sure you also rinse your mouth and trays before putting them back. Brush and floss your teeth at the earliest chance possible.

3. Always Keep the Aligners in a Case

Whenever the aligners are not in your mouth, let them be in a protective case. The case reduces the risk of you misplacing or breaking them. The case will also prevent the aligners from trapping bacteria, which may happen if left out in the open.

4. Carry an Extra Set When Travelling

Part of clear aligner orthodontic care involves getting your teeth inspected and picking your next set of aligners. Whenever you are leaving town for several weeks, it may be wise to organize with your orthodontist on how you will get your next set. It may help prevent delays during the treatment process.

5. Avoid Using Toothpaste, Scented, and Colored Soaps to Clean the Clear Aligners

While toothpaste may be vital for maintaining good oral health, it is not suitable for your clear aligner trays. Toothpaste contains abrasive minerals that discolor your aligners, causing them to become dull. Colored soaps might also interfere with the natural color of your clear aligners. Finally, you will want to avoid scented soaps as they tend to leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Taking care of your clear aligners is vital for the success of orthodontic treatment. For more information on how to care for your clear aligners, please contact Evenly.