Things To Avoid When Wearing Clear Aligners

August 23, 2024

Dental Clear Aligners Care - Do's and Dont's | NewSmile™

Straightening your teeth at home with clear orthodontic aligners is a breeze, which is why so many people are choosing this method. Aligners are practical, comfortable, and effective, making the process simple. However, since they are lightweight and thin for comfort, it’s important to care for them properly to get the most out of your investment. To help you achieve lasting results without any unexpected complications or extra costs, we’ve put together a handy checklist of do’s and don’ts for maintaining your aligners.

What to do

Keep all of your aligners: remember to keep all of your aligners since you may need them later on during your treatment! and keep them safe from pets (since rover will likely chew them up!)

Refreshing rinse: One of the most important things people don’t always know is how to clean clear aligners. Aligners should be washed daily with warm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Don’t use toothpaste — that scratches aligners. Use an unscented, dye-free soap instead.

Just in case: Your aligners come with a case. Not using the case is one of the main reasons why clear aligners break. The case offers all the protection your aligners need.

Heat stress: Hot conditions are the enemy of clear aligners. Direct sunlight, being in a hot car, or contact with hot surfaces or water will warp or destroy your aligners.

Keep away from pets/children: Clear aligners present an intriguing chew toy for dogs and cats. Curious children are also fascinated by aligners. When you are not wearing your aligners, keep them somewhere safe.

Hygiene clean: Just before you put your aligners in, use NewSmile Tray Spray to make sure your teeth are being met with a hygienic surface. It’s mint-flavoured, doesn’t require rinsing, and naturally kills 99% of germs.

Sparkly teeth: To reduce the risk of plaque and cavities, brushing and flossing your teeth is a must before putting your aligners back in.

File it away: If part of your aligner’s edge feels sharp against your gums, the provided file is there to buff away the sharpness.

Most importantly, TRUST the process:

Each aligner is custom-designed to gradually move and straighten your teeth. They may not be a perfect fit at first, but after your teeth start to shift, your aligners should fit.

Use water and tooth brush to clean aligners | NewSmile™

What NOT to do:

If your clear aligners break, rip, chip, etc. here are things you should NOT do.

Sharp Objects: Resist the urge to remove your aligner using a sharp object. We send you an Outie Tool for this purpose.

Dishwasher Disaster: It’s hot inside a dishwasher, and the temperature will ruin your clear aligners.

Don’t Rush The Process: While it may be tempting to move on to the next aligner set at times, especially if your current set starts to feel loose...it is crucial to wear each set of aligners for the recommended two full weeks. Fully transitioning teeth to their desired new positions takes time; by taking shortcuts one could damage the progress already made or even damage the aligners themselves.

Mouthwash Mayhem: Is it OK to use mouthwash or denture cleaner on clear orthodontic aligners? No. These liquids can discolour or damage your prized plastics.

Out For A Bite: Wearing aligners when eating is not necessary. Unless it’s cool water you’re taking in, whip your aligners out to eat or drink.

Do NOT Use Force: This can damage your aligners and the end results could be compromised. NewSmile™ will send you Chewies you can use to gently seat your aligners without breaking them.

Twisty Trouble: Twisting the aligner when putting them in or taking them out can cause them to break. When removing, make sure to use both hands and pull them away from the back teeth first.

By following these simple measures, your aligners will stay in great shape until the moment you take them off for the final time, with perfectly straight teeth as the result.