Dr. Bruce Mutchler and Dr. Kathryn Lewis are pleased to offer clear aligners for patients who want to straighten teeth without the visible brackets and wires of braces. Many of our patients in Findlay, Ohio have successfully used the ClearCorrect™ clear aligner system to straighten their smile.
If you are wearing aligners 22 hours a day you will want to maintain them so they keep their structural integrity while they gradually shift your teeth into place. Let’s take a look at how to care for your aligners with confidence to ensure their clarity and effectiveness.
#1 – When you take your aligners out, you will want to rinse them with cold water to remove any bacteria accumulation and saliva buildup before you put them back on.
#2 — Temperature: Avoid cleaning your aligners with hot water as the heat can warp the material and affect their integrity. This also means no time in the dishwasher to avoid warping them.
#3 — Hygiene: Since you will be taking your aligners out when you eat, you will want to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back on them. Thoroughly remove any food particles and oral debris that invite bacterial growth.
#4 — Cleaning solution: Clean your clear aligners with antibacterial soap. Do rinse them completely to remove all soapy residue. Note: you don’t want to clean your aligners with toothpaste because it may scratch the plastic, making the aligners more visible when you wear them.
#5 — Sanitation: Although sanitizing your clear aligners with an oral rinse seems like a good way to remove germs, mouthwashes with green or blue coloring can tint the aligners and alter their invisibility. You can, however, soak them in denture or retainer cleaner to avoid this discoloration.
Do you have questions about caring for your clear aligners in Findlay, Ohio? Please call our Findlay Dental Group team at 419-423-0343 to find out more or to schedule a consultation. Dr. Bruce Mutchler and Dr. Kathryn Lewis are excited to help you care for your ClearCorrect smile every step of the way!