Dental Care

How to Handle Stains or Odors on Your Aligners 

Executive Coaching for Dentists

With the rise of their popularity, many of us opt for these options for getting a discreet and effective orthodontic treatment for a perfect smile and better alignment. They are more preferred than traditional braces because of their clear and removable designs, which are convenient to use and do not affect our look. 

And because they are made of clear material, which hardly makes it obvious that one is wearing them, maintaining their clarity and state of odor-freeness is a task. You will need a proper care routine and pay attention to it so that you can keep it clean and fresh throughout.

In the journey of taking care of your aligners, professional advice and guidance from the family dentistry of River Forest will help you avoid some common mistakes. They can also give you customized care plans that your situation may need. Before going to professionals about how you can handle the stains and odors by yourself, in this blog are some tips you can use. 

How Do Your Aligners Get Stains?

They are made up of transparent plastic material for durability, but with its clear aesthetic, it is also more prone to stains and odors. If you consume drinks like coffee, tea, or wine without removing your aligners, the pigment of these dark-colored beverages will seep into plastic and stain the aligners while also developing an odor.

Apart from the necessity of removing the aligners when you eat, if you do not clean them regularly or properly, plaque buildup in bacteria because of food particles stuck will cause odor and stains too. If you have the habit of chewing tobacco or smoking, there will be yellowish pigment buildup and odor over time due to the persistent presence of tobacco. 

That is the reason you will need to maintain proper care for them. If you store your aligners in an open container in an unsanitized place, it will give way for bacteria to infect them, and this may also cause you problems. 

Tips To Prevent Stains

  • Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water for sterilizing and preventing bacteria and plaque buildup. Do this every time you remove your aligners.
  • Before putting on your aligners, which is usually after meals, make sure to properly brush your teeth and floss them to clean them better. In this way, trapped bacteria will not harm your teeth further.
  • Reduce your intake of stain-causing beverages like coffee, tea, and wine till the time you are wearing aligners, or you can use an option of straws to reduce contact with them directly. 
  • Use their case for storing when you are not wearing them because in open space there is a risk of bacteria and plaque buildup. 
  • Avoid smoking to reduce stains and odor, and apart from that, it is better for your overall health too.

How to Handle Stains and Odor

  • Soak them in aligners-safe solutions or tablets that are made for cleaning them for 30 minutes; it will help in removing surface stains.
  • Make a hydrogen peroxide solution by mixing water with half of the powder and soaking it in it for 15-20 minutes. Wash them before you wear them again. This will help in lightening the stains over time. 
  • To remove stains without scratching the surface, make a paste of baking soda and water, and with the help of soft-bristled toothbrushes, brush your aligners. 
  • Use a vinegar and water solution by adding vinegar with three parts of water and soaking your aligners in it for some time. 

Essential Tips For Better Maintenance

  • Clean your aligners twice a day with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive soap or toothpaste to avoid odor and stain
  • For fresh taste and to prevent odor, soak them in antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash daily for some time. Rinse them before wearing them.
  • Replace your aligners as the process goes in 1-2 weeks depending on treatments. This will also reduce the issue of stain and odor. 
  • Avoid hot water and maintain proper oral hygiene after you remove them to prevent tooth decay and gum issues.
  • Consult your dentist regularly to detect any arising issues with the aligners or your dental health. This will help in getting the professional cleaning and maintenance you may need.

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