Clear Aligner Care Tips | Avoid Common Mistakes

Clear Aligner Care: Dos and Don'ts

Don ??t: Leave Them Out in the Open

Storing clear aligners properly is important. When they are left out carelessly, many issues can arise. They can get lost, stolen, stepped on, or even contaminated.

Damage is a real risk. It's easy to overlook these risks, but anyone can make these mistakes.

To prevent problems, follow these clear aligner storage tips. This will help in preventing clear aligner damage. Keep them in a safe place when not in use. This simple step ensures they stay clean and undamaged. Remember, taking good care of your aligners is key to their effectiveness.

Sports: If you play high-contact sports, you should swap out your clear aligner for a robust, durable mouthguard. Be careful not to misplace one for the other though; both mouthguards and aligners serve their respective roles well, but not interchangeably. Don ??t make that mistake, and don ??t leave them behind in the locker room.
Restaurants: If you ??re out grabbing a meal and realize you left your aligner case at home, you might be tempted to wrap the aligner tray in a napkin, paper towel, or cloth tissue. Wrapping aligners like this is never an advisable idea. With the appliance out of sight, it ??s far too easy for you or your server to leave it out of mind and accidentally throw it out with the tissue.
Regions: Areas near high heat, humidity, and again, a pet ??s reach, are NOT ideal storage locations for removable clear aligners. Humidity can warp the plastic of the aligners and containers, as can a dog ??s powerful bite. Always do your due diligence to minimize the appliance ??s proximity to these potential hazards.
Loose pockets: If your case is stored in a loose pocket, then it ??s possible that the container could tumbler from your pocket on public transit, or anywhere outside unbeknownst to you. Since you ??re hustling to get from point A to B, it ??s surprisingly easy to lose your aligners in the shuffle, which is why investing a little extra money and effort in a go-bag is so important. Even when not going anywhere, be mindful about not having your aligners fall out on a couch or chair, where they ??re free to be unsuspectingly sat on.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don ??t: Store Them in Humid or High Heat Areas

When you start using clear aligners, you might think the bathroom is the best place to keep them. This makes sense because you keep other cleaning items there. However, it's important to think about how to avoid aligner mishaps.

Clear aligners, similar to braces, need proper care. Instead of storing them in the bathroom, find a clean, dry place. Remember, Invisalign trays are delicate. Protecting them from damage and contamination is key. This simple step helps you take good care of your aligners.

Not necessarily. High heat and humidity can damage and deform the clear aligner material, as well as the container. If it ??s a bathroom where hot showers and baths often happen, then that would NOT be an ideal place for aligner storage. Likewise, storing your appliance in a hot car during the summer months could also lead to problematic plastic warping.

This is the same reason why placing aligners and/or containers in a dishwasher machine is a bad idea. General Electric lists the optimal dishwasher water temperature range as 120-150 degrees Fahrenheit; those heat levels won ??t give your products a deep clean, and will only serve to irreparably misshape them.

Excess moisture will let bacteria fester, and excess humidity will let damage fester.

Schedule Your Aligner Care EXPERT, In-Person Invisalign Treatment Leads to Lower Costs

Don ??t: Leave Them Out for Over Two Hours

It's important to remember that wearing your aligners for the recommended time is key to straightening your teeth effectively. If you often eat, drink, or smoke, you might take out your aligners more than you realize. This can exceed the two-hour daily limit for removing them. To keep your treatment on track, try to limit how often you remove your aligners.

Leaving your aligners out for too long can slow down your progress. If you often need to eat or smoke, clear aligners might not be the best option for you. Before starting with aligners, consider cutting back on these habits.

When it comes to cleaning your teeth and aligners, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This is gentler than traditional metal braces. A soft-bristled toothbrush helps maintain oral hygiene without damaging your aligners. Remember, good habits in eating, drinking, and cleaning are crucial for the success of your aligner treatment.

Book Your Consultation Now

What If All Else Fails?

If your clear aligners get lost or broken , don ??t stress! It ??s not the end of the world, nor is it the end of your treatment success. Depending on the case and context, you may move to the next set in the aligner sequence, or use the previous set of aligners for the time being. If the next set of aligners are not available and you do not have the last set of aligners, you need to let your orthodontist know ASAP. Ordering new sets may cost you somewhat extra, but if you hesitate, the teeth will shift and the gain in alignment will be lost .

Always keep your last set of removable clear aligners as a backup. Store them in a spare container. Losing aligners is not a major error. However, it can be annoying and costly. To prevent this, clean your aligners carefully and store them properly.

Wearing clear aligners, like lingual braces, requires consistent care. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day.

Clean them with lukewarm water. Aligners are designed to move teeth to desired positions. Avoid using denture cleaners, as they can harm your aligners. Proper care reduces the risk of gum disease.

Schedule a Replacement Consultation

Read More On Invisalign

Accelerated Invisalign – Propel’s VPro5

Diamond Braces is happy to offer its patients VPro5 by Propel Invisalign, the latest tool that helps to straighten your teeth quicker.

Can You Get Clear Aligners with Wisdom Teeth?

In many cases, patients can still be viable candidates for removable clear aligners with veneers, bridges, crowns, or other dental restorations.

Patient With Cavity Before Clear Aligner Therapy

Can You Wear Aligners with Cavities? A Comprehensive FAQ Guide

Cavities are among the most common oral health problems from which patients will suffer. According to CDC estimates, around 57% of adolescents suffer from cavities, and 90% of adults aged 20 and older have at least one cavity.

Can You Wear Invisalign Aligners with Cavities? A Comprehensive FAQ Guide

Can You Wear Invisalign Aligners With Dental Restorations?

If you’re considering wearing Invisalign clear aligners to treat your malocclusions, but have oral restorations like crowns, implants, veneers, or bridges, you might be wondering if you’re even capable of wearing them in the first place. After all,

woman with healthy gums with clear aligners

Clear Aligners and Gum Recession: A Comprehensive FAQ Guide

One of the big perks of removable clear aligners for many patients is the gentler relationship between the appliance and their teeth.

Clear Aligner Discomfort Guide: Cuts, Sores, Pains, and More

As a clear aligner patient, you might incorrectly assume that your appliances are less injury averse than braces. After all, you don’t have a wire and brackets constantly affixed to your teeth that you’re constantly concerned about maintaining

Clear Aligner Storage Dos and Don’ts

Since clear aligners are removable, you may assume that removability means less maintenance than fixed appliances.

Clear Aligner Storage Dos and Don’ts

Since clear aligners are removable, you may assume that removability means less maintenance than fixed appliances.

Clear Aligners Not Tracking? Here’s Why, And Here’s How to Fix That

One exciting privilege of wearing clear aligners is the ability to watch your results progress from a transparent, crystal clear vantage point. It can be a wonderful thing to watch your smile gradually straighten into the dream symmetrical alignment of your desires.

male patient having clear aligner discomfort

Clear Aligner Discomfort Guide: Cuts, Sores, Pains, and More

Do Clear Aligners Give You A Lisp?

If you’re a new clear aligner patient, there’s a chance you may notice some emergent slurring and lisping issues you didn’t have to deal with before. Fortunately, these issues are extremely treatable, and often, reversible.

Can You Wear Invisalign Aligners With Dental Restorations?

What Do Invisalign Aligners Treat?

Experienced orthodontists use the Invisalign™ system as a treatment tool for many orthodontic problems.

What Insurance Plans Cover Invisalign Treatment in NY and NJ?

Invisalign clear aligners offer many potential perks that could appeal to patients over traditional metal braces or ceramic braces. Unlike other orthodontic appliances, Invisalign clear aligners can be

Clear Aligners Not Tracking? Here’s Why, And Here’s How to Fix That

Who Is A Good Candidate for Invisalign Treatment, And Who Isn’t?

Invisalign clear aligners may offer more appealing and alluring perks to orthodontic patients, including

Which is Right for Your Smile?

SureSmile vs. Invisalign Treatment: Which is Right for Your Smile?

Purchasing Related FAQ on Invisalign.

Are you intrigued by the idea of achieving a beautifully aligned smile with the discreet and innovative approach of Invisalign? Our comprehensive guide, "Purchasing Related FAQ on Invisalign," is your go-to resource for answers to the most frequently asked questions about acquiring Invisalign clear aligners.

diamondbraces orthodontic treatment special

Age Related FAQ on Invisalign.

Curious about whether Invisalign clear aligners are suitable for you or a loved one, regardless of age? Look no further than our comprehensive guide, "Age-Related FAQ on Invisalign," designed to address the most common questions and concerns about pursuing Invisalign treatment at any stage of life.

Food Related FAQ on Invisalign.

Navigating the world of orthodontics with Invisalign clear aligners while savoring your favorite foods is easier than you think. Our comprehensive guide, "Food-Related FAQ on Invisalign," has been curated to answer your most pressing questions and provide practical insights on how to enjoy a diverse and satisfying diet during your Invisalign journey.

Effective Methods for Treating Open Bite Issues

They are a popular and affordable way to correct an open bite. They are an effective choice for many people.

Effective Dental Crowding Treatment Options

Dental crowding, which causes pain, discomfort, and embarrassment, needs attention. If ignored, it can lead to serious health issues.

Comprehensive Guide to Overbite Treatment

Overbites are common and well-studied. They can be effectively treated by a licensed orthodontist. Orthodontists undergo extensive training to straighten your teeth. Their expertise is crucial for safe and successful treatment options.

Are Impacted Teeth Bad for Your Health?

It is important to treat impacted teeth because leaving them alone can have serious consequences for your other teeth, as well as your overall health.

The Significance of Braces, Invisalign, Surgery, & Retainers

Expert orthodontists use metal and ceramic braces to treat overjets with excellent results.

Effective Treatment Options for Correcting Crossbite

Orthodontic treatment for crossbites can effectively address your concerns.

Exploring Dental Coverage and Invisalign Options

If your family is enrolled in UnitedHealthOne dental primary plans, there may be benefits for your children. These plans often include orthodontic coverage.

Cost-Effective Invisalign Tips & Alternatives

When using the tool, uncheck “general dentists” and leave only “orthodontists.” Orthodontists are more experienced in moving teeth and offer lower prices for orthodontic treatment. They may also offer lifetime smile guarantees.

Mail-Order Aligners vs. Invisalign: You Need to Know

Mail-order aligners often promise straight teeth in 6 months, but this mainly applies to simple cases. For more complex dental conditions, achieving straight teeth can take longer.

Clear Aligner Care: Dos and Don'ts

Storing clear aligners properly is important. When they are left out carelessly, many issues can arise. They can get lost, stolen, stepped on, or even contaminated.

Avoid Common Mistakes with Clear Aligners

Storing clear aligners properly is crucial. When you leave them out, they can easily be lost, stolen, or stepped on.

Exclusive Invisalign Technology by Expert Doctors

When you choose an experienced Invisalign doctor, you gain access to patented technology and materials that only orthodontists providing Invisalign therapy can use.

Frequently Asked Question on Invisalign Attachments

Keep your Invisalign attachments on during your orthodontic treatment, but you can take them off for important events like weddings or religious ceremonies.

All About Invisalign: Chewies, Vivera, Treatment & Care

Invisalign chewies are a handy tool for improving your aligners' fit. They're made of soft, non-edible material. Simply chew them for 5-10 minutes daily to get the best results with your aligners.

Orthodontic Insurance Options: Invisalign & More

The UnitedHealthOne orthodontic coverage for children" is available under certain dental insurance plans. This coverage helps pay for orthodontic treatments like braces for kids under 19 years old.

Is SmartTrack Material BPA-Free?

Yes, The SmartTrack material is BPA-free, ensuring a safer and healthier option. BPA, which stands for Bisphenol-A, is a chemical typically present in some plastics.

Vivera Retainers: Cost, Durability, and Care

Vivera retainers offer an affordable vivera retainer cost, ranging from $800 to $1,500. This price includes four sets of top-and-bottom retainers, totaling eight retainers.

Get Invisalign in NYC at Diamond Braces

You can start Invisalign treatment at Diamond Braces in NYC! Diamond Braces is a Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, meaning we’re in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers in the country!

Optimal Duration: How Long to Wear Retainers Daily?

When you first get your braces off or finish your clear aligner treatment, your orthodontist will provide instructions for retainer wear.