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5 Best Practices to Follow When Wearing Aligners

Aligners are orthodontic appliances used to gradually move teeth into their correct position. They are designed to fit snugly over the teeth and are typically made of clear plastic. Aligners are often used instead of traditional braces due to their aesthetic appeal and comfort. 

Unlike traditional braces, aligners do not use brackets or wires. They use a series of customized trays to move the teeth into their desired position. The aligners are typically made of clear plastic material, almost invisible to the casual observer. The process begins with an initial consultation with an orthodontist. 

Once this is done, the orthodontist will create a series of aligners that gradually move the teeth into the correct position. Here, you can also opt for Invisalign aligners in Calgary that are clear and transparent. This is for patients concerned about how their smile looks after wearing aligners. 

The patient must then wear each set of aligners for two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Overall, aligners are an effective way to straighten teeth without traditional braces. They provide an aesthetically pleasing result and are generally more comfortable than traditional braces due to their lack of wires and brackets.

Aligners are great for people who want to straighten their teeth without traditional metal braces. They are nearly invisible, comfortable to wear, and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. In addition, aligners can often straighten teeth faster than traditional braces, and the treatment time is usually shorter.

​​1. Clean Your Aligners

Keeping your aligners clean is important to reduce the risk of infection and discoloration. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dishwashing detergent or unscented soap to clean them. Brush the aligners gently and rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water. Allow the aligners to air dry completely before putting them back in your mouth. 

  • Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water. This will help to remove any food particles or debris. 
  • Use a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleaner to gently scrub the aligners. Pay special attention to the areas where the aligners meet your teeth. 
  • Soak your aligners in the denture-cleaning solution for about 15 minutes. 
  • Rinse the aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water. 
  • Allow the aligners to air dry before putting them back in your mouth.

2. Store Aligners Safely

When you’re not wearing your aligners, make sure you store them in a safe place. Avoid leaving them on counters or tables, as they can easily be damaged or lost. The best option is to store them in case they come in a sealable plastic bag. 

  • Keep your aligners in the protective case that you were given when you first got them. 
  • When you are not wearing them, make sure to rinse off any food particles or saliva before placing them back in the case.
  • Store the aligners in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. 
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects or surfaces that could damage the aligners. Clean your aligners regularly with an approved cleaning solution to keep them free of bacteria and plaque.

3. Avoid Excessive Heat

Never expose your aligners to extreme temperatures, which can become warped or distorted. Avoid leaving them in hot cars, near a stove, or anywhere where they could be exposed to excessive heat. 

  • Avoid leaving aligners in direct sunlight or hot cars. 
  • Remove aligners when eating or drinking hot food or beverages. 
  • Store aligners in the case provided when not in use. 
  • Avoid hot water when cleaning aligners; use lukewarm water instead. 
  • Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean aligners. 
  • Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining aligners.

4. Wear Aligners Properly

Make sure you wear your aligners as instructed by your dentist. Your aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours daily, with only brief breaks for eating and brushing your teeth. If you’re not wearing your aligners properly, they may not work as effectively and could extend your treatment time. 

  • Start by brushing and flossing your teeth. It’s important to clean your teeth before putting on aligners to remove any food particles or plaque that may be stuck on your teeth. 
  • Remove the aligners from the tray and inspect them for damage or warping. Ensure that the aligners fit securely and are properly aligned with your teeth. 
  • Place the aligners onto your teeth and gently press them into place using your fingers or a soft object such as a spoon or cotton swab. Ensure the aligners fit snugly around your teeth without leaving any gaps. 
  • Bite down firmly to ensure that the aligners are properly seated on your teeth and that they are not crooked or misaligned. 
  • Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to clean the aligners and remove any saliva or food particles that may be stuck on them. 
  • When you are done wearing the aligners, remove them carefully and store them in the provided tray or container. 
  • Clean your teeth once again to remove any plaque or food particles that may have been left behind.

5. Manage Your Aligners While Having a Meal

Invisalign aligners should only be worn when you’re not eating or drinking anything other than water. Even with water, it’s best to take your aligners out if you can so that you don’t damage them with any residue that may remain on your teeth after drinking. 

Tips to follow while having meals when you are wearing aligners—

  • Wash your hands: Before handling your aligners, wash your hands thoroughly to maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Remove your aligners: Gently remove your aligners from your teeth by starting at the back and working your way forward. Use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure to release the aligner from the molars, then gradually move towards the front teeth. Be careful not to use excessive force or sharp objects, which can damage the aligners.
  • Store your aligners safely: Store them in their protective case when you remove them to eat. This will help prevent accidental damage, loss, or contamination.
  • Enjoy your meal: With your aligners removed, you can now eat and drink without any restrictions. However, be mindful of food choices, as some foods can stain your teeth or affect your oral hygiene.
  • Clean your teeth and aligners: After eating, brush and floss your teeth to remove any food debris before re-inserting your aligners. This will help maintain proper oral hygiene and keep your aligners clean. Additionally, clean your aligners as recommended by your orthodontist or dentist.
  • Reinsert your aligners: Once your teeth and aligners are clean, carefully reinsert them, ensuring they fit snugly and securely on your teeth.

Conclusion

Adhering to best practices while wearing aligners is crucial for achieving optimal results and maintaining excellent oral health. To make the most of your aligner experience, visit a dental clinic in Calgary and get recommendations from the dentist. For starters, you will wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily, maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, clean and care for your aligners, follow the recommended replacement schedule, and communicate with your orthodontist regularly. 

By following these best practices, you can efficiently progress through your treatment, enhance your comfort, and ultimately achieve the desired outcome—a beautiful, healthy smile. Remember, your commitment and diligence throughout the process will make all the difference in the effectiveness and satisfaction of your aligner treatment.

James Morkel

Tech website author with a passion for all things technology. Expert in various tech domains, including software, gadgets, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Dedicated to simplifying complex topics and providing informative and engaging content to readers. Stay updated with the latest tech trends and industry news through their insightful articles.

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