Clear aligner orthodontics revolutionized how people realign their teeth. Unlike the metal braces endured by previous generations, clear aligners (also called trays) are removable, virtually invisible, and require no dietary restrictions. However, if you don’t stay on top of your oral hygiene, your trays will become more inconspicuous and may threaten your dental health in the process. Here’s how you can take good care of your Candid Pro clear aligners so your smile can stay healthy while you straighten things out.
Remove Your Clear Aligners for Eating and Drinking
If you aren’t drinking water, remove your clear aligners whenever you consume anything. Eating while wearing them can damage their structure or cause food to be caught underneath them. Damage to your trays can require that they be replaced or repaired, but exposure to food can stain them with pigments or dyes, making them more visible to the casual observer. Stuck food will result in bacterial buildup that can visibly stain them, cause a foul odor, and lead to tooth decay.
Clean Your Aligners and Your Mouth Every Time They Are Removed
Candid Pro requires patients to wear their clear aligners for twenty-two hours a day, but the way they are handled when outside of the mouth makes all the difference. They should be rinsed every time they are removed. Before you put your aligners back in, brush and floss to prevent any food debris from getting stuck between your teeth and your aligners. Take care to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing your teeth.
Being left in the open air exposes your clear aligners to bacteria. Every time you remove your dental trays, store them in the aligner case provided by your dentist. Carry this case in your purse or pocket when you leave the house. Your aligners should also be soaked in an approved cleanser once a day, and you should gently brush away any food or plaque clinging to them. Remember to use a special toothbrush specifically for this purpose instead of the one you clean your teeth with.
Going on a Long Trip? Plan Accordingly
If you’re going away on vacation or business, remember to pack a hygiene kit including everything you need for your mouth and your clear aligners. This means a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and antibacterial mouthwash for your mouth and approved cleanser, carrying case, and a special toothbrush for your clear aligners. If you are scheduled to move to the next set of aligners during your trip, be sure to bring the new trays with you.
Taking proper care of your clear aligners will keep your teeth healthy and your trays virtually invisible. When your Candid Pro treatment is over, you will be rewarded with a beautifully well-aligned smile.
About the Author
Dr. Vincent Lam earned his dental doctorate from Temple University in Philadelphia in 2014. He has continued to further his education with a focus on specialty services like oral sedation, dental implants, and CEREC same-day restorations. His office in Burien, WA offers general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to Candid Pro treatments. For more information on taking care of your clear aligners, contact his office online or dial (206) 589-8556.