How To Clean Your Removable Dental Appliance

Your appliance sits inside your mouth and against your teeth so it quickly accumulates bacteria, plaque and calculus. It is important you clean your appliance everyday.

There are several types of appliance which include:

• Aligners: Clear braces, such as invisalign.
• Retainers: Worn after orthodontic treatment to ensure that the teeth don’t shift back to their original position.
• Nightguard: Prevents you from grinding your teeth at night.
• Snore guard: Reduces snoring during sleep.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Appliance?

If you don’t clean your appliance regularly, bacteria and plaque will buildup. Overtime it may start to taste and smell funny.

The appliance can harbour dangerous bacteria that can result in gum disease and dental decay.

How To Clean Your Appliance

You should rinse your appliance after every use. Try to do this immediately after it is removed to rinse away any debris before it hardens.

You can also soak your appliance. Check with your dentist which tablets are appropriate for your orthodontic appliance. In most cases you will add a tablet to a cup of lukewarm water and soak your aligner for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse.