Did you know that the type of toothbrush that you use can impact your dental health? Did you know that your dental aligners should receive special oral care?
If you use aligners, then you also need to learn about common aligner cleaning mistakes to avoid damaging your teeth. From using the wrong toothpaste to scrubbing too hard on your teeth, this guide will tell you how to look after your teeth properly.
Read on to find out how to clean your dental aligner trays incorrectly so that you can avoid damaging your teeth.
1. Not Removing Your Aligners
Not removing your aligners is a common mistake and is the most important cleaning mistake to avoid. People may forget to remove their aligners due to a lack of time or simply because they’re unsure when to remove the aligners.
Without the proper cleaning and maintenance of your aligners, plaque and tartar build-up can occur, leading to gum and tooth decay. It’s important to avoid sleeping in your aligners as this can also cause dental issues, such as cavity build-up or gum disease.
Additionally, your aligners can experience discoloration or discolored/dyed saliva can lead to yellowing of the aligners. To avoid this mistake, it is important to remove your aligners properly before rinsing and brushing your teeth.
2. Not Cleaning Immediately After Wearing
Concerning not cleaning immediately after wearing, the consensus is that the longer aligners are left grimy, the more difficult it will be to remove on top of the bacteria buildup which can cause discoloration. There will be an awful taste when you put them back in. The best way to avoid this is to brush the aligners with a soft bristle toothbrush before returning them to their case.
Anti-bacterial solution rinses are specifically designed for cleaning and preventing aligner damage. This should be used at least twice daily to prevent the buildup and discoloration of the aligners. You also have to be mindful of cleaning aligner cases.
3. Exposure to Bacteria
When it comes to cleaning aligners at home, you must avoid exposure to bacteria. Without regular cleaning, aligners may be left in a warm and humid environment where bacteria can grow and can easily find their way into the dental aligners.
To avoid this, aligners should be stored separately in a dry and clean place and be rinsed with water twice a day. Additionally, it is important to thoroughly brush and disinfect aligners daily to prevent the growth of bacteria.
If possible, it is advised to invest in a specialized aligner cleaning device that provides an ultrasonic cleaning cycle combined with UV light disinfection. This provides a more thorough cleaning allowing the aligners to stay germ-free and maintain the best dental hygiene.
4. Poor Oral Health
It is very important that you properly clean your teeth too. Maintaining your aligner is useless if your oral health is poor. To ensure optimum dental health, begin with the necessary oral hygiene practices.
Moreover, a thorough dental cleaning reduces the risk of developing cavities. As a result, the aligner will work better when you pay attention to dental health.
5. Not Using the Right Tools for Cleaning
There are several products on the market specifically designed for aligner cleaning, use them as instructed. For example, aligners should only be cleaned with specialized cleaning solutions, not regular toothpaste or laundry detergents. To avoid this mistake, carefully read the instructions for the cleaning solution and other specialized cleansers that come with the kit.
Additionally, it is also important to use approved aligner cleaning tools, such as the aligner brush and specialized cleaning cloth. Using any other kind of brush and cloth can damage the aligners and result in an ineffective clean.
6. Using Mouthwash to Clean the Aligner
Another mistake involves using harsh chemicals and products such as mouthwash to clean the aligner. These products often contain alcohol and other ingredients that are abrasive and can cause the aligner to become discolored and distorted.
It is important to avoid using any type of mouthwash when cleaning the aligner as this can cause further damage. Instead, use warm water to rinse the aligner. A mild soap can also be used if desired, but it should not contain any abrasive ingredients.
Additionally, the aligner should not be soaked for extended periods in warm water because this can cause the aligner to weaken and lose its shape. It is recommended to brush the aligner with a dedicated aligner brush to remove any excess debris.
7. Skipping on Daily Maintenance Routine
Failing to maintain a consistent daily aligner cleaning routine is another big mistake. It is important to keep the aligners clean to avoid bacteria build-up and staining.
If plaque and tartar have built up on the aligners, it can lead to damage such as warping and cracking, making them ineffective. Usually, warm water with a mild, neutral ph soap and toothbrush should suffice for daily cleaning.
Failing to take daily care of the aligners will affect their effectiveness, leading to ineffective teeth realignment. Follow instructions to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of the aligner.
If you need any treatment for your teeth, you have to make sure that you visit a really good dentist. One will ensure that you are provided with the best products and services, such as from Local Dental Lab.
Be Sure to Avoid These Aligner Cleaning Mistakes
Common aligner cleaning mistakes are easily made. But, with the correct knowledge, these mistakes can be avoided and care for aligners can be optimized.
Always be sure to check your technique and read advice from your orthodontist. With this, you can keep your aligners in the best condition and have them last until the end of your treatment.
Make sure to follow your orthodontic professional’s advice. Also, invest in a specialized cleaning kit to ensure the best results.
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