Yes, aligners can get rather dirty.
After aligners spend the entire day in your mouth, they are exposed to saliva, bacteria, and food particles. This constant exposure means they can get rather dirty over time, which can lead to them feeling uncomfortable and potentially affecting their appearance.
Why Aligners Get Dirty
Several factors contribute to aligners becoming dirty:
- Constant Wear: Being worn in the mouth all day exposes them to the oral environment.
- Food and Drink Residue: While you should remove aligners for eating, residue can remain in your mouth or get trapped if you consume certain things with them in.
- Staining: They can stain significantly due to colored beverages.
- Bacteria Buildup: The warm, moist environment of the mouth is ideal for bacterial growth on the aligner surface.
How Aligners Show Dirtiness
The dirtiness of aligners can manifest in various ways:
- Uncomfortable Feeling: Dirty aligners can start to feel uncomfortable when worn.
- Staining: Drinks like coffee or wine are specifically mentioned as potential causes of staining.
- Discoloration: Aligners can turn yellow, especially if you place them in your mouth without brushing your teeth first.
Keeping Aligners Clean
Based on the need to prevent them from getting dirty and uncomfortable, cleaning them every day is a must.
Here are key practices to keep them clean:
- Clean your aligners thoroughly every day.
- Always brush your teeth before putting aligners back in, especially after eating or drinking anything other than water, to prevent them from turning yellow.
By following a consistent cleaning routine, you can help keep your aligners clear, comfortable, and hygienic throughout your treatment.
