What Happens If You Never Clean Your Teeth When Using Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an alternative to braces that use clear molded trays instead of metal brackets, wires and elastics. Clear aligners offer patients a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth; however, they also place a slightly greater burden on care and proper usage with the patient.

The importance of proper care and usage

If patients do not follow the outlined instructions for how long to wear aligners and how to properly care for their teeth while using aligners, serious consequences can arise. While using clear aligner trays might sound simple — you take them out and put them in — to get the best results and keep teeth healthy and free of problems, patients need to pay attention to more than that.

Why proper teeth cleaning is so important

When not wearing corrective applications like braces or aligners, patients are encouraged to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day and after meals when possible. If a patient is using aligners, this recommendation goes up and is even more important. To keep teeth free of cavities while wearing aligners, it is important that patients try to brush and floss every time they eat. Aligners closely cover both the front and back of teeth, potentially trapping food particles and sugars between the aligners and the teeth. This creates an environment where plaque can thrive. Tooth decay and enamel breakdown will rapidly accelerate if wearers never clean their teeth while using aligners.

Tips for keeping teeth clean while using aligners

Wearers of clear aligners will have to get used to removing them each time they eat and cleaning their teeth before replacing them. Here are a few tips patients can use to keep teeth clean and healthy while wearing aligners:

  • Buy a travel-size toothbrush with an integrated case. These easily fit in a purse or pocket
  • Keep disposable flossers and picks in a convenient location like a purse, car, briefcase or a drawer at work
  • Keep a travel toothbrush at work and brush after lunch
  • Rinse the aligners with water before putting them back in
  • If it is not possible to brush or floss after eating, rinse as well as possible with water

It is important for patients to realize that they do not necessarily have to use toothpaste each time they clean their teeth after eating. The most important thing is to remove any food particles and sugars that may be present on teeth after eating or drinking something besides water.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Aligners in Oviedo, FL.

Conclusion

Clear aligners can be a wonderful option for correcting crooked teeth or other orthodontic issues, but just like with traditional braces, caring for teeth during the process may be a little different than usual. To avoid potential issues like dental caries, tooth decay and gum disease, it is important for patients to clean their teeth thoroughly before replacing the aligners. Cleaning after eating and drinking is particularly important and may require a little extra effort on the patient’s part: a small price to pay for a straight, healthy smile.

Request an appointment or call Everest Dental at 407-695-7774 for an appointment in our Oviedo office.

Related Posts

Clear Aligner Teeth Straightening Therapy From A Family Dentist

For a nicer smile, clear aligners could be the right solution for you. There are other methods of straightening teeth and repairing alignment issues, but aligners have advantages. There are benefits to using aligners that other treatments cannot provide. Your dentist can answer questions and concerns you may have. It is good to understand how…

How Does Clear Aligners Teeth Straightening Work?

Considering straightening your teeth with the use of clear aligners? Modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of alternatives to braces, with clear aligners being an increasingly popular choice. This teeth straightening option is one that is used to correct teeth that are protruding, crooked, or extremely crowded.More and more general dentists are administering clear…

The Difference Between Clear Aligners And Traditional Braces

If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, there are two main treatment options to choose from: Aligner trays and braces. Choosing between clear aligners and traditional braces can seem overwhelming at first. Both are effective, can be used on a variety of age groups, and require the use of a retainer after treatment is completed.…

Everest Dental

Share
Published by
Everest Dental

Recent Posts

A Step by Step Guide to Dental Implants

Are you missing a tooth or multiple teeth? Dental implants could be the ideal solution…

2 days ago

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

The popularity of dental implants is on the rise, and for good reason. They are…

2 days ago

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

Breaking a tooth is something no one should have to experience, but if you do,…

5 days ago

Exploring the Different Teeth Whitening Options

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help patients achieve unrivaled brightness levels.…

1 week ago

Tips for Adjusting to Life With Dentures

Dentures refer to a prosthetic piece that is used to replace an entire arch of…

1 week ago

Teeth Whitening Options: Which One Is Right for You?

We all want a bright, white smile, but with so many teeth-whitening options out there,…

2 weeks ago