Keeping your aligners clean is one of the most important parts of your treatment. Not only does good care help your clear aligners in Tampa stay practically invisible; it also protects your teeth and gums throughout the process.
Here’s how to maintain them the right way:
- Give them a quick rinse every time you take them out. A fast swish under lukewarm water clears away saliva and keeps gunk from building up.
- Gently brush your aligners once a day. Use a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented antibacterial soap. Skip the toothpaste; its grit can scratch the plastic and make your trays look dull or cloudy.
- Treat them to a daily soak. An aligner-cleaning solution or denture-cleaning tablet works great. Just follow the soak time your dentist recommends to keep them fresh, odor-free, and bacteria-free.
- Use the case, always. If your aligners aren’t in your mouth, they should be in their case. This protects them from damage, germs, and that dreaded “Oops…I threw them away with my napkin” moment.
- Don’t eat or drink anything but water while wearing them. Hot or colored drinks can stain or warp the trays, and food particles can get trapped against your teeth.
- Brush and floss before popping them back in. Clean teeth and clean aligners means fewer cavities, less irritation, and smoother progress during your treatment.
Call Our Dentist in Tampa, FL
With the right care, your aligners stay clear, comfortable, and effective throughout your smile-straightening journey. If you ever have questions about caring for your clear aligners in Tampa, our team is always happy to help.