After having a see-through brace fitted a lot of patients unfortunately struggle with regular cleaning and maintenance of their aligner. Over time a lack of proper care can lead to yellowing and staining of the brace as well as a build up of harmful bacteria and plaque, so making sure it looks in top condition should be your main concern.

With that in mind, here are a few ways in which you can keep those invisible braces in Clapham looking great.

Clean it often

First and perhaps the most important tip on the list is to just clean the brace often. You don’t need to give it a good scrub every day as doing this can wear down and thin the plastic material of the braces, instead just give it a once over every other day.

To make sure you are cleaning it properly it’s generally advised that you use a recommended cleaning solution lightly rubbed over the surface of the aligner with a toothbrush. Then just rinse off this solution with cold water before leaving it to dry in a container.

Give it a thorough rinsing after any removal

It may not seem like much, but not rinsing out your clear brace whenever you pop it out, even if it’s for a second, can be quite harmful to your teeth. This is because the saliva on its surface dries out and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can then easily transfer to your teeth, where they can cause all sorts of health problems like decay, inflammation or the dreaded gingivitis.

So whenever the brace is taken out you should give it a light rinse with some cold water, this can also clear out any mucus and gunk that can build up from continual wear.

Store it in a hard bodied container

A lot of brace wearers have a bad habit of leaving their aligner on any old surface when they take it out, or it’s put in a pocket or left in a glass. This is perhaps the worst thing you could do, as not only does it leave it open to bacteria in the environment, it also means it can be easily damaged.

To avoid this try storing the brace in a hard bodied container between cleaning or whenever you take it out for meals, brushing your teeth or for a short rest. Doing so will keep it safe and sterile before it’s brought back out to be worn.

Bring an additional brace if you’re travelling

One of the worst things that can happen if you’re travelling is that you lose your brace, as there should never be any interruptions to your realignment treatment. So to avoid this you should bring along a spare brace if possible, that way your teeth can continue to be straightened even if you’re a brace down.

So if you’re struggling with keeping that brace clean, then just try a couple of these methods to make your job a little easier. Making sure your brace is sparkling clean is incredibly important as bacteria, plaque and tartar can start to build up between it and your teeth, which can lead to cavities and decay over time. For further cleaning advice just ask the team at your local practice.