Key Takeaways

  • Proper aligner care ensures your SureSmile trays remain clear, odor-free, and effective throughout treatment.
  • Remove aligners before eating or drinking, with the exception of water.
  • Clean your trays with care, but don’t wash with hot water, abrasive toothpaste, or harsh chemicals.
  • Establish a consistent daily care routine to prevent staining, warping, and bacteria buildup.
  • Store your aligners in their case when not wearing them to avoid loss or damage.

SureSmile aligners gives patients a discreet, comfortable, and efficient way to straighten their smiles. However, for optimal results, you have to take proper care of your trays on the daily. This doesn’t just help to improve your smile, it helps keep your treatment on track so your teeth move as intended.

If you’re considering SureSmile aligners in Berkeley CA, check out these dos, don’ts, and daily tips to protect your aligners and your oral health.

Importance of Proper SureSmile Aligner Care

First, it’s important to note that because these aligners are made from a thermoplastic material, they can stain, warp, or smell if exposed to heat, harsh products, or bacteria. While SureSmile aligners are durable and hold up well under daily use, plaque buildup can give them a cloudy look that can lead to odors.

Good hygiene helps your teeth to shift more predictably; on the other hand, when trapped debris is allowed to remain, the fit of your trays could be compromised. Consistent care ensures that each new set of aligners works exactly as it should.

Dos

Here are some best practices to follow for keeping your aligners looking – and smelling — their best.

Do:

Rinse your aligners each time you take them out.

This will help to remove saliva, food particles, and bacteria, which then prevents buildup and foul odors.

Brush and floss before re-inserting your aligners.

If particles are left on your teeth, they will get trapped under the trays, which results in decay, staining, and bad breath.

Clean your trays twice a day.

Using a soft toothbrush and clear, gentle soap, brush your aligners to avoid scratching the plastic.

Soak your aligners regularly.

Use SureSmile-approved cleaning crystals or a mild retainer-cleaning solution a few times a week to remove deeper buildup.

Only store your aligners in their case.

If your aligners are not in your mouth, they should be safely inside their protective case – not in a napkin crumpled up on the table. Placing your aligners inside their case when not in use ensures they don’t get lost, thrown out, or damaged.

Save your backups.

After switching to a new set, store your previous trays in a labelled case if they are still intact. This way, you can use them as emergency replacements if you lose or damage your current aligners.

Don’ts

Now let’s take a look at some bad habits that could damage your SureSmile aligners.

Don’t:

Eat or drink with your aligners in, with the exception of plain water.

Coffee, tea, soda, and food will stain the trays, trap sugars against your teeth, and lead to warping. Take them out before eating or drinking anything other than water.

Use hot water to clean your trays.

Because heat softens the plastic and can warp the aligners, this can greatly impact their fit and slow down treatment progress.

Use toothpaste, bleach, or harsh cleaners.

Abrasive products add a cloudy appearance to the surface due to scratches. Stay away from bleach and strong chemicals, which can weaken or discolor the trays. Stick to approved products only.

Leave aligners out in the open.

Exposure to surfaces, napkins, or pockets can lead to a high risk of contamination, bending, or damage.

Smoke or vape while wearing aligners.

Nicotine and other chemicals can stain the trays and leave behind long-lasting odors.

Daily Routine Tips: How To Keep Your SureSmile Aligners in Great Condition

From daily checks to maintaining good overall oral health, here are some daily routine tips to follow.

  • Clean your aligners every morning and night so you can start off each day with a clean set.
  • Rinse your aligners every time you take them out of your mouth to eat or drink.
  • Keep a small travel kit with you, containing a toothbrush, travel-size toothpaste, floss, and your aligner case. This way, you can keep up with treatment when away from home.
  • Check your trays for cracks or warping each day to ensure your aligners remain damage-free.
  • Brush thoroughly, floss daily, and consider using a fluoride rinse to keep enamel strong and gums healthy.

What Happens if You Lose or Damage Your Aligners?

Even if you commit to a consistent routine and daily care, sometimes aligners can get misplaced or damaged. Use your previous set to maintain tooth position while you call your orthodontist in Berkeley CA to find out next steps. Don’t just skip wearing them, as you don’t realize just how fast teeth can shift without them.

In the end, consistency ensures the best results when it comes to your SureSmile aligners. Small daily habits, such as rinsing, cleaning, storing, and brushing, will help to keep your trays clear and effective.