At Huls Orthodontics, we want to help you get the brilliant smile you’ve always wanted. One way to do that is to address any issue with your teeth such as misalignment or crowding. If you aren’t open to traditional braces, clear aligners might be a treatment option available to you. These are tips for taking care of them.
Remove Them for Eating
When you get orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, it’s crucial to remove them whenever you eat. This is to keep them safe and prevent them from breaking, even if you are eating a soft snack. Take them out if you drink dark-colored drinks as well to prevent them from staining.
Store Them in Their Case
Clear aligners come with a protective case to store them any time you remove them. Be sure to use it when you take them out to consume meals and snacks or when you clean your teeth and gums. Your family orthodontist in Champaign and Monticello will instruct you on how to keep the case clean and dry to protect your clear aligners when you need to store them inside.
Regularly Rinse Them
Rinsing your clear aligners regularly is an important part of taking care of them as it helps to eliminate any food particles and bacteria buildup. Rinse them when you have to remove them and before putting them back in your mouth. This keeps them cleaner and prevents a potential buildup of bacteria. Always use warm water and avoid using strictly hot or cold water.
Clean Them Regularly
Part of your orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is to ensure that they are regularly cleaned. To do this, use warm water, your toothbrush, and toothpaste to brush the inside and outside of your aligners. You can also use a denture cleaner to keep your aligners clean. Soak them for 15 minutes and thoroughly rinse them afterward and before replacing them in your mouth.
Brush and Floss Before Using Them
To keep your clear aligners as clean as possible, always brush your teeth and floss before placing them in your mouth. This helps to eliminate bacteria buildup both in your mouth and in your aligners. It can also ensure that your mouth and gums are healthier as you practice good oral hygiene and perform these actions multiple times per day.
If you are looking to straighten your crooked or crowded teeth with clear aligners, Huls Orthodontics has exactly what you need. We can help you so that you can achieve a beautiful smile you can be proud of for years to come. Contact us at our Champaign or Monticello offices to schedule an appointment. We provide treatment for adults as well as children.