Clear aligners
Oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is much easier if you have chosen aligners. Still, it is worth knowing how to look after this type of appliance properly – after all, you wear it almost all day.
Aligners are easy to take out and put in, which makes eating and keeping things clean simpler. However, because they fit tightly against your teeth, they need proper care. Below we explain how to look after your oral hygiene during this type of treatment.
Putting in and taking out – a user guide to aligners
To keep your aligners safe, always store them in a case. This prevents them from getting lost or damaged (even better if the case has a bright, easy-to-spot colour).
Wash your hands thoroughly before taking them out of the case. Place the aligners on the correct dental arches. Do not press them into place by biting – use silicone chewies instead. Chewies spread the pressure evenly, protecting the aligners and making them last longer.
To take the aligners out, use special removal hooks. Clear aligners fit your teeth precisely, so they can sometimes be hard to remove. Hooks solve this problem perfectly.
Brushing and cleaning between your teeth
Here, oral hygiene looks the same as for people who do not wear braces. You can easily take the aligners out and look after your teeth. You will find more information here.
Keep a mouthwash at hand
Mouthwash helps remove food debris and bacterial plaque that can build up on your teeth and aligners. It also keeps your breath fresh, which matters when you wear aligners most of the day.
Regular rinsing helps reduce the risk of tooth decay, especially in hard-to-reach places.
It is a great solution when you have had a quick snack and have no time or place to brush your teeth properly.
Aligner care when travelling – 5 things to keep with you
1. A travel toothbrush
2. Mouthwash
3. An aligner case
4. Aligner chewies
5. An aligner removal hook
