Clear Aligners and Oral Hygiene: Your Daily Routine

A question I often hear during consultations: “Does this change the way I brush my teeth?” The short answer: yes, a little, but it’s nothing complicated. Here’s how I advise my patients to adjust their routine while undergoing aligner treatment.

Your teeth first, then your aligners

The basic rule is that your aligners should fit snugly over your teeth. If you put them back on over food particles or plaque, you create an ideal environment for bacteria, which gets trapped between your teeth and the plastic for hours. So:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste.

  • Floss once a day.

  • Ideally, brush your teeth after every meal, before putting your aligners back in. If you can't do that, rinse your mouth with water until your next brushing.

A Simple Routine for Your Gutters

Your gutters need attention, too:

  • Rinse them after each use with lukewarm water (hot water may cause them to lose their shape).

  • Gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as its abrasive properties make the plastic more prone to staining.

  • Give them a thorough cleaning every now and then, using a cleaning solution designed for alignment gutters or a mild soap.

  • Always put them back in their case when you take them out; never put them in a napkin or in your pockets.

What to Avoid

Boiling water, the dishwasher, and abrasive cleaners can damage the material of your aligners. ClearCorrect's ClearQuartz material is stain-resistant and retains its shape, but it is still plastic. It's best to treat it with care rather than test its limits.

Water is your best ally

We recommend drinking only water while wearing your aligners. Sugary or acidic drinks can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which speeds up bacterial growth and may stain the plastic. If you drink anything else, get into the habit of rinsing your mouth and your aligners before putting them back in.

Stay on top of your appointments

Your at-home routine plays a big role, but follow-up visits with our team are still essential. We monitor the progress of your treatment, the condition of your gums, and the health of your teeth throughout the entire process.

In summary

These steps won't make your daily life any more complicated; they just take a little getting used to. After a week or two, brushing after meals and rinsing the mouth trays will become second nature and fit naturally into your routine.

Do you have questions about maintaining your gutters? Our team in Côte-des-Neiges and St-Hubert is here to help.

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