How to clean you aligner!
Dear friends and patients,
Welcome to the blog of the Mattei Dental Clinic in Fondi. As a center specialized in Invisalign and invisible orthodontics, we share our experience to help you with the correct maintenance of orthodontic devices.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is obviously fundamental, but how do you clean a removable appliance?
It is important to emphasize that you should pay extra attention to the daily cleaning of both your teeth and the appliance itself, which must be washed thoroughly, both before and after use, to eliminate the inevitable buildup of plaque.
Types of dental appliances:
There are various types of dental appliances, made from different materials. For convenience, we can divide them into two main families:
Clear aligners and retainers (delivered after use of a fixed appliance)
Bite splints, resin orthodontic devices, and removable dentures
The main difference between these devices is the type of material used: the first group is made from a thinner resin and polymer, while the second group is composed of more rigid and resistant materials. As a result, they require different cleaning methods.
In this article, we will focus on the first family.
Maintaining dental aligners:
Dental aligners are orthodontic devices meant to be worn almost all day, with the goal of correcting teeth alignment. Like any appliance, if not cleaned, they can become a favorable environment for bacteria and mold.
Retainers are those given at the end of orthodontic treatment, with the purpose of fixing the teeth and reducing the risk of relapse. Unlike aligners, they are used only at night but have a longer period of use.
Cleaning procedure:
Brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste: Use a toothbrush (there are also dedicated brushes like this one) with non-abrasive toothpaste, since the abrasive microparticles in regular toothpaste can damage the appliance. (You can find the toothpastes we recommend by clicking here.)
Rinsing with cold water: Brush the appliance thoroughly and rinse it under cold water, as hot water could deform it permanently.
Thorough drying: After mechanical cleaning, it is advisable to dry the appliance carefully with a soft cloth, as residual moisture encourages the growth of bacteria, especially if you do not plan to use it immediately (for example, with retainers).
Weekly sanitization: If you choose this method, once a week sanitize the appliance using a specific tablet for orthodontic devices, such as these.
Nowadays, in addition to traditional toothpaste, there are specific products on the market designed just for cleaning clear aligners. These are gels formulated for more effective cleaning than ordinary toothpastes (link), and they often contain ingredients that not only clean but also help keep the aligner transparent and shiny.
One of the main benefits of these specialized products is the presence of gentle whitening agents, which help prevent yellowing and cloudiness of the aligner material. Regular use can help avoid the buildup of stains and plaque, which not only affects the appearance of the device but can also reduce its effectiveness.
Moreover, these products are generally made with a non-abrasive formula, which is essential to protect the smooth and clear surface of the aligner. Unlike regular toothpastes, which might contain abrasive particles that can scratch and dull the resin, these cleaners keep the aligner perfectly transparent, helping it always look like new.
For clear aligner wearers, using these specific products not only improves oral hygiene but also ensures the appliance stays as discreet and invisible as designed!
You can easily find them here.
What to avoid:
It’s essential not to use bleach, vinegar, or harsh detergents, as these could irreparably damage the device. There are now home ultrasonic cleaning devices appearing on the market, but we do not yet have experience using them nor information about their effectiveness, so we will evaluate their utility in the coming years.
To conclude, we invite you to visit our page dedicated to recommended oral hygiene products. Here you will find a selection of items we've chosen to help you keep your smile always clean and healthy.
Don’t forget to explore the other articles on our blog, where you will find more tips and insights to help you take the best care of your oral health.
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Mattei Dental Clinic
📍 Fondi (LT), Via G.Caboto 2a
✨ Certified Invisalign Provider
🏆 Center specialized in invisible orthodontics
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