Choosing SureSmile Clear Aligners in Langley offers a discreet option for straightening teeth. Because the clear trays fit closely over your teeth, they hold whatever is on your teeth against the surface while they are worn.
This means that whatever is on your teeth when you put the trays in stays in contact with them. If you aren’t mindful of what you trap inside, it can dull the plastic. Below, we share advice to help you keep your clear aligners clear throughout treatment.
How Aligners Get Stained
Every time you eat, the natural bacteria in your mouth interact with food particles and produce acids. Normally, the saliva in your mouth helps wash these acids off your teeth. But when you put your SureSmile aligners back in right after eating without cleaning your teeth, you reduce the saliva’s contact with the tooth surface. The trapped sugars and acids sitting against the plastic tray can contribute to clouding and staining of the material over time.
Fitness Drinks and Dyes
We know our Langley patients lead active, busy lives, often enjoying sports drinks, flavoured fitness waters, or pre-workout drinks while wearing their trays. Many of these drinks look pale or nearly clear in a water bottle, which can give the impression that they are safe for aligners. However, they often contain added colourings and acids. Over a long workout, these can tint or etch the aligner, permanently discolouring it.
Habits for Clearer Trays
To help keep your aligners clear, follow these steps during SureSmile treatment in Langley:
- The Pre-Insertion Rinse: If you can’t brush your teeth after eating on the go, rinse your mouth with plain, cool water before putting the trays back in. The water helps remove some of the sugar and acid before it gets trapped behind the tray.
- Keep Workouts Clean: Try to stick to plain water while your aligners are in your mouth to help reduce chemical etching and dye staining.
Caring for Your SureSmile Aligners in Langley
At Banyan Dental, we provide guidance on caring for your aligners as part of SureSmile treatment in Langley. Keeping your aligners clean helps them stay less noticeable during treatment.
If you are considering clear aligners, schedule a consultation at Banyan Dental in Langley to discuss your options.
