Like countless other patients, you may have chosen 3M Clarity Aligners largely because of how discreet they are. It’s important to know, however, that they will quickly discolor (and smell) if you adopt the wrong habits. With this in mind, keep reading for five helpful tips for taking care of your clear aligners.
1. Clean Your Clear Aligners Thoroughly Each Morning and Night
Each morning when you wake up and each evening before bed, you need to thoroughly clean your aligners. That includes rinsing them with clean, cool water and using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove saliva, plaque, and other debris from the surface. In some cases, you can use a clear, mild dishwashing liquid too, but toothpaste, mouthwash, and bleach are not recommended.
2. Rinse Your Clear Aligners When You Remove Them
Do you enjoy having a cup of coffee mid-morning? Maybe you like having a snack as an afternoon pick-me-up. Whatever the case may be, it’s important that you take the time to rinse your aligners with clean, cool water each time you take them out. This will help remove residue that would’ve otherwise led to stains or odor!
3. Soak Your Aligners Each Day
To give your aligners a deeper clean, soak them in a dentist-recommended cleaner once a day. Remember, there’s only a short window of time each day where you can remove your aligners, so try multi-tasking. An example would be letting your aligners sit in the solution while you eat your dinner or complete your oral hygiene regimen.
4. Brush Your Teeth After Each Meal
Even if you implement the previously mentioned tips, your 3M Clarity Aligners will quickly discolor if you don’t take good care of your teeth. That’s why patients are instructed to brush their teeth after each meal and snack.
Bonus tip: If you often eat lunch with clients, at the office, or with friends, then keep travel-sized oral hygiene essentials with you. That will make brushing your teeth on-the-go much easier!
5. Don’t Leave Your Aligners on the Table
When you take your aligners out – whether it’s to drink your morning coffee, enjoy your lunch, or complete your oral hygiene regimen – do not put them on the counter. They will quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, and it’s only a matter of time until your trays accidentally get thrown away, misplaced, or damaged.
About the Practice
Our highly rated team at Stone Street Dental is proud to offer our patients 3M Clarity Aligners, which is a discreet and effective orthodontic treatment. In addition to providing fully customized care, we go the extra mile for our patients in other ways, like welcoming multiple financial solutions and sharing helpful recommendations – all with the goal of making your experience as positive as possible. If you’d like to schedule a consultation at our Greenville office, then visit our website or call (903) 455-6075.
