Clear aligners are an alternative to braces that use clear molded trays instead of metal brackets, wires and elastics. Clear aligners offer patients a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth; however, they also place a slightly greater burden on care and proper usage with the patient.
If patients do not follow the outlined instructions for how long to wear aligners and how to properly care for their teeth while using aligners, serious consequences can arise. While using clear aligner trays might sound simple — you take them out and put them in — to get the best results and keep teeth healthy and free of problems, patients need to pay attention to more than that.
When not wearing corrective applications like braces or aligners, patients are encouraged to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day and after meals when possible. If a patient is using aligners, this recommendation goes up and is even more important. To keep teeth free of cavities while wearing aligners, it is important that patients try to brush and floss every time they eat. Aligners closely cover both the front and back of teeth, potentially trapping food particles and sugars between the aligners and the teeth. This creates an environment where plaque can thrive. Tooth decay and enamel breakdown will rapidly accelerate if wearers never clean their teeth while using aligners.
Wearers of clear aligners will have to get used to removing them each time they eat and cleaning their teeth before replacing them. Here are a few tips patients can use to keep teeth clean and healthy while wearing aligners:
It is important for patients to realize that they do not necessarily have to use toothpaste each time they clean their teeth after eating. The most important thing is to remove any food particles and sugars that may be present on teeth after eating or drinking something besides water.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Aligners in San Francisco, CA.
Clear aligners can be a wonderful option for correcting crooked teeth or other orthodontic issues, but just like with traditional braces, caring for teeth during the process may be a little different than usual. To avoid potential issues like dental caries, tooth decay and gum disease, it is important for patients to clean their teeth thoroughly before replacing the aligners. Cleaning after eating and drinking is particularly important and may require a little extra effort on the patient’s part: a small price to pay for a straight, healthy smile.
Request an appointment or call Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry at 415-362-1102 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Health When it comes to overall health, your mouth is more important than you might think. Recent studies have shown a strong connection between gum disease and heart health, making it essential for San Francisco adults to pay attention to their oral care. Gum disease, also known as…
Protect Your Smile from Winter Cavities Winter in San Francisco means cozy drinks, holiday treats, and comfort foods—but all that sugar and acidity can put your teeth at risk. Cavities don’t take a holiday, and protecting your smile during the colder months is easier than you think! During the winter, people tend to: Sip on…
$500 Off Invisalign in San Francisco A straighter smile can boost confidence, improve oral health, and even make eating and speaking more comfortable. If you’ve been thinking about aligning your teeth, 2026 is the perfect time to start—especially with our special $500 off Invisalign offer for new patients at Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic…