Keeping your ClearCorrect® invisible teeth aligners clean By Alicia Green on January 02, 2020

You’ve made the decision, it is time to straighten your teeth with ClearCorrect®. You’ve got your impressions done and photos sent off and your new clear aligners will be here any day now. Do you know how to properly care for your new invisible aligners?

22 is the magic number

Consistency is key! It is recommended that you wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. If they are not worn for 22 hours a day treatment can be delayed or even reserved! This allows for time to remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss. The more you wear the aligners the faster you will be able to achieve your treatment goals.

Cans and cannots

So what can you do with your aligners in and what can’t you do? Drinking cool clear liquids, like water, is completely acceptable to do while the aligners are in place. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dry mouth.

Do not eat with the aligners in. They should always be removed to eat, drink hot, colored, sweet, or acidic liquids.

The first few days

You may notice a slight lisp for a few days while your tongue adjusted to the aligner being on the teeth. This lisp typically goes away.

You may also experince a few days of pain when you put in a each new set of aligners. Your teeth may feel tender, sensitive and the aligners may feel tight. Your bite may also feel different at times are your teeth move into their new straight positions.

Keeping them clean

Rinse your aligners as soon as you remove them to wash away any saliva and plaque. To keep your retainers clear and bacteria free it is best to brush them with a soft toothbrush gently. You want to make sure you brush softly so you don’t leave any visible etchings on the aligners from the bristles. Use cool water while cleaning. It is best to clean your aligners with Retainer Brite or denture cleaner but you can use non-abrasive toothpaste or uncolored antibacterial soap. Cleaning instructions will also be included with each set of new aligners.

Make sure not to leave your aligners out in the open. Not only does this make it easier for you to misplace them they are more likely to come into contact with unwanted germs and bacteria. Make sure to always place them in their protective case when they are not in your mouth.