Clear aligners have a real advantage over traditional braces: they can be removed for eating and brushing your teeth. But this advantage becomes a trap if daily hygiene is not rigorous—because the aligners trap saliva and residue against the enamel for long hours each day. Here is the routine to adopt.
Why hygiene is even more critical with aligners
A clear aligner is worn 20 to 22 hours a day. If your teeth are not perfectly clean before putting it back in, dental plaque remains trapped against the enamel for hours, in a closed and humid environment—the ideal breeding ground for bacterial accumulation. This is why your hygiene routine matters at least as much as wearing the aligner itself.
The recommended daily routine
- Brush your teeth before each time you put your aligner back in, not just morning and night—ideally after every meal or snack.
- Clean the aligner itself with lukewarm water (never hot, as it will warp it) using a dedicated soft toothbrush before putting it back on.
- Use dental floss or an interdental brush before putting the aligner back on: the spaces between your teeth must be clean, as the aligner is unforgiving.
- Avoid drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligner: coffee, tea, juice, or sodas stain the aligner and increase acidity against the enamel.
- Finish with a fluoride mouthwash before putting the aligner back in for the night, which is the longest period of continuous wear.
The most common mistake
Many aligner wearers settle for a quick brush between meals, in a rush to put their aligner back in. The result: accumulated plaque stays trapped against the enamel for several hours, which increases the risk of cavities and stains, even though the aligner was chosen precisely for its comfort and discretion.
Why an electric toothbrush fits well into this routine
With several brushings required per day, the speed and efficiency of the process count double. An electric toothbrush like Aurée allows for a thorough and consistent clean in two minutes, without compromising on quality, even for a quick brush between meals—a real asset when the aligner routine already requires several daily removals and replacements.
FAQ
Can you drink water with your aligners in? Yes, water is the only beverage recommended while wearing your aligners, as it carries no risk of staining or acidity.
Should you clean the aligner with toothpaste? No, toothpaste can scratch the transparent surface of the aligner: prefer simply cleaning it with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush.
How many hours a day must you wear your aligners for the treatment to be effective? Generally 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking (other than water), and oral hygiene.
Simplify your daily aligner routine with Aurée, the French electric toothbrush designed for fast and precise cleaning.