How Do You Take Care of Your ClearCorrect Aligners?

Back in the day, if you wanted to correct the alignment of your smile, you would have had to settle with a mouthful of metal brackets and wires for who knows how long. Fortunately, with modern dental technology, you have another option. ClearCorrect in Corpus Christi uses a series of clear, plastic aligners to slowly move your teeth into their new locations. But this type of treatment requires proper maintenance. Here are some tips to help.

Keep Your Aligners Safe

You will need to take your aligners out from time to time for one reason or another, but you need to be sure that you are keeping them in a safe place. One of the most common ways that clear aligners get lost is when they are left on a plate or a napkin. Whenever you take them out, it is a good idea to place them directly in your case so you know where you can find them later.

Clean Your Trays

Just like your teeth, you should be cleaning your aligners at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and regular liquid hand soap for the best clean. If you use your normal toothpaste, you may accidently stain your clear aligners, making them not so clear anymore. You should also consider soaking your aligners a few times a week in order to keep them fresh.

Take Out Your Aligners When Eating

The only thing you should be consuming when you are still wearing your aligners is water. Anything else can cause damage to either your aligners or teeth. The material is not made for withstanding the pressure of chewing. If you drink something too hot, it could warp your aligners into a different shape, slowing down your treatment. Sugary beverages can get stuck between your aligners and teeth, increasing your probability of developing cavities.

Plan Ahead

Your treatment shouldn’t get in the way of any fun activities or trips that you have planned. In addition to bringing your current aligners along with you, you may want to consider bringing your next set so that you can be prepared for when the change comes.

Wear Your Aligners Often

If you aren’t wearing your aligners enough, your treatment could be compromised. You should be wearing them for approximately 22 hours each day in order to achieve the best results possible. This way, you will not risk prolonging your treatment.

As much as you are looking forward for your treatment to be over, it is important that you are maintaining your aligners properly. This way, you can stay on track towards a healthy, perfectly aligned smile!

About the Author

Dr. John T. Thompson earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry and has been working in the field for more than 30 years. He is committed to completing numerous hours of continuing education in order to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the Texas Dental Association. For more information on ClearCorrect or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (361) 242-3151.