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.

They might also get misplaced, contaminated, or damaged. It's easy to think you won't make these mistakes. However, there are many situations where you might leave your aligners out and forget them.

To prevent clear aligner damage, always store them in their case. This simple habit can save you from unnecessary problems.

By keeping them in their case, you reduce the risk of damage. This practice ensures your aligners stay clean, safe, and in good condition. Remember, proper clear aligner storage is essential for their care.

• 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.

Orthodontic treatment, such as using Invisalign, requires careful adherence to your treatment plan. It's important to limit the time you remove your aligners. Ideally, they should stay in your mouth most of the day. Exceeding two hours per day without them can delay your progress in straightening your teeth.

For effective cleaning of your aligners, use lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently brush them with soft bristles to keep them clean.

If you often snack, smoke, or drink liquids other than water, you might need to remove your aligners more frequently. This can interfere with your treatment plan. In such cases, your orthodontist might suggest that Invisalign isn't the best option for you. Consider reducing these habits before starting clear aligner treatment.