Aligners, an invisible teeth straightening tool, is a great way to correct the symmetry of your teeth. Although they are meant to be disposed of every couple of weeks, keeping them clean is vital to avoid germ build-up. However, since they are removable, they require a different type of maintenance than braces. Read along and find out how to properly clean and care for your teeth aligners and know what to avoid in order to guide you through.

What to Do

• Soak in an Antibacterial Substance and Water

  
  

  When it comes to teeth aligners, there is a significant difference between cleaning and rinsing. According to studies, the mouth is the dirtiest part of the body, with it carrying more germs than expected. Although rinsing can make aligners look slightly cleaner, doing it alone without using any other antibacterial substance may cause bacterial buildup, as germs from the mouth not seen with the naked eye are not properly removed.
  
  

  To avoid this, you may either soak your aligners in a bowl of slightly warm water with mild antibacterial soap for 20 to 30 minutes, or for 15 to 20 minutes using a tablespoon of white vinegar, since it contains 5% of acetic acid — a compound that can dissolve dirt and grime. If you have more time, you can also use baking soda, a non-toxic cleaning agent with mild alkali, soaking it for 30 to 60 minutes when combined with water. Following these methods will not only have your aligners looking clean, but would also prevent bacteria and germs from accumulating.
  
  

• Brush Gently

  
  

  If you want to clean your aligners thoroughly yet quickly, gently brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste can get the job done. This will ensure that you do not scratch the material and damage it while cleaning. Remember also to utilize a new and unused toothbrush, since old ones may have small traces of abrasive toothpaste on them.
  
  

  Moreover, to make sure that the toothpaste you are using is gentle, read the ingredients and avoid those with hydrated silica, hydrated alumina, calcium carbonate, or dicalcium phosphate as these are abrasive ingredients.

What to Avoid

• Hot Water

  
  Invisible aligners are virtually made of a thermoplastic material that is sensitive to extreme temperatures. With this, it is vital for you to avoid hot water since it can damage and deform your aligners when used for cleaning.
  
  

• Colored Mouthwash

  
  Although mouthwash is a good oral antibacterial agent, using it can permanently stain your aligners since they typically contain strong artificial coloring agents. If you prefer to use mouthwash when cleaning your aligners, it is best to use a clear and colorless one.

  
  

Get More Advice

If you’d like to gain more knowledge as to the proper care or maintenance of your aligners, or would like to change your old invisible teeth straightening tool, reach out to Invisalign Center in Dubai and get in touch with the best orthodontists to guide you.