Clear aligners are becoming the go-to choice for a straight, beautiful smile—offering a practical and discreet alternative to traditional braces. However, to get the most out of your clear aligner therapy, proper care is crucial. Regular maintenance and following your Beaufort dentist’s advice can significantly enhance your treatment results.
At Marshlands Family Dentistry, Dr. John Wise and Dr. Edward Wise dedicate themselves to helping you achieve stellar results from your SureSmile® aligners. In this blog post, they share the dos and don’ts of aligner care, ensuring you can maintain excellent oral hygiene and enjoy a successful treatment journey in the process.
DO: Clean Your Clear Aligners Regularly
Maintaining the cleanliness of your clear aligners is vital for both your oral health and the longevity of the aligners themselves. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive soap to gently clean them daily. Also, avoid using toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and cause scratches. Lastly, rinse your aligners thoroughly after cleaning and before putting them back in your mouth.
DON’T: Eat or Drink with Your Clear Aligners On
If trapped between your clear aligners and your teeth, food particles and sugary drinks can cause stains and lead to cavities. Additionally, eating with your aligners on can damage or dislodge them. Luckily, one significant advantage of this oral appliance is that it’s removable. Make sure to take them out when eating or drinking anything other than water.
DO: Wear Your Clear Aligners as Prescribed
Consistency is key to achieving the desired alignment of your teeth. For optimal results, wear your clear aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours a day, only removing them during meals and snacks, as mentioned above. Skipping too many hours can influence the effectiveness of your treatment.
DON’T: Expose Your Clear Aligners to Hot Water
Clear aligners are made from plastic materials that can warp when exposed to high temperatures. Avoid rinsing them with hot water or leaving them in a hot car, and always use lukewarm or cold water to clean and rinse them. If they do become warped, they may not fit properly, altering the results of your therapy.
DO: Store Your Clear Aligners Properly
When you’re not wearing your clear aligners, always store them in their designated case. This helps to keep them clean and reduces the risk of losing or damaging them. Remember to bring your case along when you leave home. Also, avoid leaving your aligners in direct sunlight or extreme heat, which can cause them to warp or lose shape.
DON’T: Skip Your Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups at Marshlands Family Dentistry are essential to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your clear aligner therapy. Skipping appointments can delay your treatment and affect the overall results. Make sure to schedule your check-ups in advance and follow through with them for the best outcome.
You’re Sure to Smile with Our Beaufort Clear Aligners
Remember, taking care of your clear aligners is just as crucial as brushing and flossing your teeth every day, so don’t neglect it. For expert advice and personalized care, you can turn to Marshlands Family Dentistry, where our team will guide you every step of the way to a straighter and healthier smile. Don’t wait any longer to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted – book with us in Beaufort today!
