Thinking of getting clear aligners? They are a discreet, comfortable and easy to fit into your everyday life. But when your aligners start to smell bad, it can be very quickly frustrating. But don’t let that turn you away! Stinky aligners are usually caused by simple hygiene or wearing habits that can be fixed. Since aligners are placed directly against your teeth and worn throughout the day, bacteria, food particles and plaque may accumulate up on the aligners if they aren’t kept clean properly. It could also be an indication that your teeth and gums require a little more care. The initial step in fixing the smell is to determine what is causing it. With a few simple tweaks to your daily habits and regular cleaning, you can keep your aligners renewed, cleaner and more comfortable.
Read this guide to learn more about this.
Accumulation of Bacteria and Plaque
One of the most prevalent causes that clear aligners smell bad is from bacteria growing on them. Your aligners fit snugly on your teeth, providing a warm, moist atmosphere for bacteria to thrive. If you don’t clean your trays thoroughly before re-inserting them, plaque can transfer onto the aligners and cause odor. This is especially true if you wear your aligners for the suggested duration but fail to follow a consistent cleaning routine. Food particles can also get caught between your teeth and the aligner and make the problem worse. One of the simplest methods to minimize buildup is to brush your teeth prior to putting the trays back in. Cleaning your aligners is important but maintaining your teeth and gums clean is just as important.
Wearing Aligners Right After Eating
Another common reason for nasty-smelling aligners is inserting them back in right after eating or drinking. Trays can trap food particles and sugary debris left on your teeth, enabling bacteria to spread more easily. Ideally, you should take your aligners out to eat and brush your teeth before placing them back in. If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth well with water and wash your aligners before putting them back in. The safest option is to drink plain water with your aligners in unless your dentist has told you differently. Coffee, tea and other colored or sugary drinks can stain the aligners and can also contribute to build up. Washing out your mouth and trays after eating will do a lot toward eliminating bad odors.
You Need to Change Your Cleaning Routine
Your aligners may not be getting rid of bacteria and buildup just by rinsing them with water. You need to clean your aligners regularly according to the instructions given by your dentist or aligner manufacturer. You can brush them off lightly with a soft toothbrush but stay away from very hot water as the heat may possibly warp the plastic. And you’ll want to stay away from harsh household cleaners or aggressive products that might damage the surface of the aligner. Depending on the kind of aligners you have, your orthodontist might suggest particular cleaning tablets or solutions. When you’re not wearing your trays, it’s also crucial to store them in a clean case. A dirty case can easily introduce bacteria back onto freshly cleaned aligners.
Neglecting Your Gums and Teeth
Sometimes, the smell isn’t really produced from the aligners themselves. Consistent bad breath can be a symptom of plaque build-up, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth or other issues with your oral health. So, if you clean your aligners properly, but you still detect a strong or abnormal smell, be sure to watch your teeth and gums as well. Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride and clean between your teeth once a day using dental floss or a different interdental cleaning device that your dentist recommends. It’s important to have regular dental check-ups during orthodontic treatment, as plaque can get trapped and can raise the risk of cavities and gum irritation. If you experience bleeding gums, lingering bad breath, tooth sensitivity, pain or other unusual changes in your mouth, schedule a dental exam.
Bad-smelling clear aligners are typically an indication that your cleaning or wearing habits needs a little attention, not a cause for alarm. Brush your teeth prior to putting them back in. Don’t drink any liquid other than water while you’re wearing them. Keep your storage case clean. You’ll see a real difference. And equally important, don’t forget your oral health. Follow the above-mentioned tips and maintain good oral health!