Aligners are a new technology that allows patients to straighten their teeth at home. However, for hygiene purposes, it is important that the aligners are kept clean. Now, it is a simple process to remove and clean the aligners, but if you don't know how to do it yet you don't need to be panic. In fact, there are a few ways that you can keep your aligners clean and clear, and none of them are difficult at all! In this article, we are going to be looking at how you can do this, and by the time you have finished reading, you will see how simple it is.

Baking Soda and Water

If you don't want to go and buy aligner cleaner, which we are going to talk about a little further down, then you can always use baking soda and water. Baking soda is known for its antibacterial properties, which makes it excellent for cleaning things thoroughly. It has been known as an effective alternative to mouthwash, so it will have the same kind of results on your aligners.To clean your aligner with baking soda and water, you simply have to soak it. Use about a tablespoon of baking soda, mix it into some water, and put your aligner in the solution. Leave it there for about an hour, and when you take it out, it will be completely clean. You might want to rinse it off just to make sure there are no little clumps of baking soda though.

Use Cleaner

Or, you can go for the easiest option and purchase aligner cleaner. Go to the store, get some aligner cleaner, and then add it to water. This will only take around 15 to 20 minutes, and then your aligners are good to go again. Take it out of the solution, and then put them straight back into your mouth to achieve maximum results.

Soap

Another way to clean your aligners is to use liquid soap and water if you want to disinfect your aligners. Same as with the other methods, just mix the soap with some water, put your aligners in, and then wait around half an hour. Make sure that you thoroughly rinse the aligners before you put them back in your mouth though. Even though they are clean and disinfected now, they will taste like soap which is not something you want.

Be Careful

Something that you don't want to do is cause harm to your aligners. You don't want to use an abrasive cleaner, because this can cause damage and then they won't work anymore. For example, if you are thinking of using toothpaste to clean them, don't. Do not brush your aligner in the same way you would brush your teeth. There are plenty of options like the ones we just mentioned above, you don't need to do anything else.We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see how easy it is to clean and look after your clear aligners! Whatever method you choose will yield the same results, so it depends on what is most convenient for you.