What to Avoid While Using Nighttime Aligners

September 19, 2024

Nighttime aligners offer a convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth while you sleep. However, to ensure the best results and avoid damaging your aligners or teeth, there are certain habits and activities you should steer clear of. In this guide, we’ll cover the key things to avoid while using nighttime aligners, so you can stay on track for a perfect smile.

1. Eating or Drinking Anything Other Than Water with Aligners In

One of the most important things to avoid is eating or drinking (other than water) while your nighttime aligners are in. Food particles and sugars can get trapped between your aligners and teeth, leading to plaque buildup, cavities, and staining. Drinking anything other than water, such as soda or coffee, can also cause discoloration of your aligners, which affects their transparency.

Tip: Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking and brush your teeth before reinserting them.

2. Skipping Nights

Consistency is key when it comes to aligner treatment. Skipping nights or not wearing your aligners for the recommended 8–10 hours can significantly delay your progress. If you miss wearing them regularly, your teeth may start shifting back to their original positions, which can extend your treatment time.

Tip: Set a daily reminder or alarm to ensure you wear your aligners at the same time each night.

3. Using Toothpaste to Clean Aligners

While it may seem like a good idea to clean your aligners with toothpaste, most toothpaste brands are too abrasive for aligner trays. This can cause scratches and dull the clear plastic, making your aligners more noticeable and potentially less effective.

Tip: Use a mild, clear soap or a specialized aligner cleaning solution to clean your aligners daily.

4. Exposing Aligners to Hot Water

Hot water can warp the plastic material of your aligners, affecting their fit and effectiveness. Even mildly hot water can soften the aligners, causing them to lose their shape and disrupt your treatment.

Tip: Clean your aligners with cool or lukewarm water to maintain their proper fit.

5. Neglecting Oral Hygiene Before Wearing Aligners

Oral hygiene becomes even more important when using nighttime aligners. Failing to brush and floss before putting your aligners in can lead to trapped food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Tip: Always brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before inserting your aligners at night.

6. Biting Down on Aligners to Seat Them

Some people try to "bite" their aligners into place, but this can cause cracks or damage to the trays. Instead of biting down, use a soft tool like an aligner chewie to help properly seat your aligners without causing harm.

Tip: Invest in aligner chewies, which are specifically designed to help aligners fit more snugly onto your teeth.

7. Leaving Aligners Out in the Open

When you're not wearing your aligners, it's essential to store them properly. Leaving them out in the open can expose them to bacteria, dirt, and even the risk of losing or damaging them. Pets, especially dogs, are also known to chew on aligners left out of their case.

Tip: Always store your aligners in their case when they’re not in use to protect them from damage or contamination.

8. Using Colored Soaps or Mouthwash to Clean Aligners

Avoid using colored soaps, mouthwashes, or other cleaning products that can stain or damage your aligners. The dyes and chemicals in these products can discolor the aligners and may leave behind a residual taste or smell.

Tip: Stick to clear, unscented soap or a dedicated aligner cleaner for the best results.

9. Neglecting to Track Your Treatment Progress

Skipping regular check-ins with your orthodontist or neglecting to track your progress can lead to problems going unnoticed. If your teeth aren’t shifting as expected, it’s important to catch the issue early to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Tip: Use a calendar or app to track your treatment and take periodic photos to monitor your progress.

10. Handling Aligners Roughly

Your aligners are made of delicate plastic and should be handled with care. Twisting or bending the aligners while putting them in or taking them out can cause them to crack or lose their shape.

Tip: Gently insert and remove your aligners by using both hands and applying even pressure to avoid damage.

While nighttime aligners offer a convenient and effective way to straighten your teeth, avoiding certain habits is crucial for ensuring your treatment stays on track. By being mindful of how you care for and wear your aligners, you can prevent delays, damage, and complications while achieving the beautiful smile you desire.