What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are dental devices that help improve the look and function of a patient’s teeth. They are plastic trays that go over the top of your teeth. Once you put them on, these shells are clear and virtually invisible. They are a discreet way to help straighten your teeth and combat other common dental issues like crowded or crooked teeth.
Clear aligners are set to the unique shape of your teeth to help guide crooked teeth into a more optimal position. For aligners to work, however, they must be worn every day for at least 22 hours a day. They must also be swapped out for updated trays to accommodate the movement of the teeth. Generally, the goal is to have teeth move a fraction of a millimeter at a time until the therapy is completed.
Other issues clear aligners can be used to address include:
- Gapped teeth
- Cramped and crooked teeth
- Underbites, overbites, and open bites
- Crossbite
Clear liners have grown in popularity because they are a discreet alternative to the more popular method of traditional metal bracket braces. Clear aligners straighten teeth the way braces would but in a much more discreet and often more comfortable way.
How To Clean Aligners
It’s important to properly clean your aligners daily to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
There are multiple ways to clean your clear aligners, and most involve soaking your aligners in their tray using a water-based solution. Some popular methods include:
- Soap and water: Soak your aligner in an antibacterial soap and water solution for 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, clean your aligners thoroughly with cold water.
- White vinegar and water: Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar and one cup of warm water. Place your aligners in the solution and let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove your aligner and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Baking soda and water: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of warm water and soak your aligners for 30 to 60 minutes. Baking soda can help deodorize and clean your aligners. After this time, remove your liners and thoroughly clean them with cold water.
