As the mother of a teenager, you’re probably constantly on the lookout for ways to simplify their daily routine and help them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Clear aligners can be a convenient and effective orthodontic treatment option that fits seamlessly into their busy lifestyle. However, it’s essential to properly care for and maintain their clear aligners to keep them clean and effective.
This blog post will share tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining clear aligners as a teen.
Basic Cleaning Techniques
Staying on top of oral hygiene is an essential part of using clear aligners, so cleaning them regularly and removing any food particles or bacteria they may have collected is important. One of the easiest ways to clean your teenager’s aligners is by brushing them with toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help remove any plaque or debris on the aligners. After brushing, rinsing their aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water is vital to ensure a thorough clean.
Another option is to use an aligner cleaner specifically designed for clear aligners. These cleaners are typically foam or liquid and can be found at most stores or ordered online. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging to clean your teenager’s aligners effectively.
Advanced Cleaning Techniques
Have your teen soak their aligners in lukewarm water with equal parts peroxide for a more thorough clean. This can help remove any tough stains or odors that regular brushing may not be able to remove.
Retainer cleaners, made specifically for clear aligners, are a great tool to have on hand. These cleaners use enzymes to effectively break down accumulations of bacteria and plaque that may be present in retainers. Cleaning with these specialized products ensures that aligners remain free from infection-causing agents.
It’s important to avoid using hot water to clean your teenager’s aligners, as this can cause them to warp. Always use lukewarm water when cleaning their aligners.
Maintaining Aligners While Eating and Drinking
Clear aligners should be removed before your teenager eats or drinks anything other than water. This is because food particles and other beverages can get stuck in the aligners, which can be challenging to remove and lead to bad breath or an unpleasant taste in their mouth.
Following a meal or beverage, ensure your teenager brushes their teeth to clear away any bacteria and food particles that may have collected while the aligners were taken out. Brushing will ensure they can insert them back in with confidence.
It’s a good idea to provide your teenager with a small container or case to store their aligners while eating or drinking. This will help keep the aligners clean and prevent them from getting lost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes people make when wearing clear aligners is not cleaning them regularly. It’s vital to brush aligners at least once daily to help eliminate any food particles or bacteria that may have built up over time. Doing this will keep their braces clean and healthy, allowing them to achieve the perfect smile they deserve.
Leaving the aligners out and not storing them properly is another mistake to avoid. Make sure to remind your teenager to keep their aligners in a safe and secure place when they are not being worn. This will help prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Care of Your Aligners Properly?
If your teenager isn’t taking the proper steps to care for their clear aligners, they may encounter various issues. These can vary from a bad taste in their mouth to struggling with wearing them because they’ve warped or stained.
Not properly cleaning the aligners can increase plaque and bacteria buildup, which can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Teeth can also shift and become crooked, misaligned, or crowded by not wearing aligners properly.
It’s essential to make sure your teenager is following the cleaning instructions. This will help ensure that their aligners are in good condition and that they can wear them comfortably.
Get The Most Out of Clear Aligner Treatment With Brady Orthodontics
Brady Orthodontics has the experience and expertise to help you get the most out of your clear aligner treatment. Our team uses up-to-date technology and techniques to ensure that your teenager’s teeth are properly aligned, and their smile looks its best.
We also offer various services to help keep your teenager’s aligners in good condition. From thorough cleaning and maintenance to replacements if needed, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your teenager’s smile looking its best with clear aligner treatment. We look forward to hearing from you!
