When you start wearing aligners, there are a few things no one tells you about, including the items you really need, to help your alignment journey along.
Starting on the journey of straightening your teeth with aligners is exciting, overwhelming, and a little bit daunting. As someone who’s been wearing them for 12 weeks now, I’ve discovered, there are a lot of things people don’t warn you about when wearing aligners, most importantly, the items you need to help you get through the day (and night).
Wearing aligners for teeth truly is a commitment, and one I hadn’t really put much thought into.
Part of the experience has been learning what equipment I would need to make the process more streamlined, and to help keep my aligners, mouth and teeth clean.
I didn’t realise how many times I would have to take them in and out throughout the day and night, that I would have to consider somewhere to put them when I did remove them so they don’t get damaged or lost, and what I would need to clean them, on a very regular basis.
Here are the seven essential items that have become my go-to for maintaining my aligners day and night, and keeping my teeth and mouth healthy along the way.
1. A Reliable Aligner Case
Depending what aligners you have chosen, some come with a gift of an aligner case. others may not. I was lucky to be gifted the Invisalign case to store my aligners when I am not wearing them.
The simple convenience of having a dedicated case and spot in your bag, or at home for your aligners is invaluable. Whether you’re at a restaurant, work, or just at home, having a case prevents you from misplacing your aligners or, worse, accidentally throwing them away. Plus it keeps them super clean.
If you aren’t gifted a case, TEMU have a great range of cases, some that come with a mirror or a place to keep the special chews for the aligners. Some even come with a portable tooth pick to help you keep your teeth clean after eating before putting your aligners back in.
2. Ultrasonic Aligner Cleaner
This device has revolutionised my morning and evening routine cleaning my aligners. I spent a bit extra and purchased one that not only uses ultrasonic waves to clean the aligners, it also uses UV light to kill bacteria in the aligners.
I was finding the whole cleaning process every time I took the aligners out exhausting. Brushing away with either safe soap or toothpaste and then letting them sit to dry.
The self-cleaning ultrasonic cleaner is outstanding and a real game changer. In the morning, I take the aligners out, pop them in the cleaner with fresh water, close the lid, hit the switch and it will run automatically for 5 minutes before switching off. In the morning, I grab the aligners and place them on paper towel to dry, so they are ready to put back in after eating.
This is the Ultrasonic UV cleaner I use, which can also be used for retainers, mouth guards, and toothbrush heads.
3. Cleaning Crystals or Tablets
Keeping your aligners clean is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene and ensuring they stay invisible. Cleaning crystals or tablets are lifesavers for this. They help to remove any buildup of plaque, bacteria, and stains that can accumulate throughout the day.
I wasn’t a huge fan of using the tablets or crystals to clean the aligners, which is why I favoured the ultrasonic cleaner instead.
However the price is affordable for the tablets or crystals, and TEMU sells some lovely aligner holders so you can place them inside with water and the cleaner and let them soak.
This is an elegant and stylish Aligner Bath Case which also comes with a handy little brush and extracting device to help you remove your aligners without having to place your hands in your mouth.
TEMU also sell a wide range of cleaning tablets and crystals at an affordable price.
4. An Aligner Removal Tool
If you’ve ever struggled to remove your aligners, you’ll understand the importance of an aligner removal tool. These little gadgets are designed to help you take out your aligners without any hassle, reducing the risk of damage to your aligners and minimising discomfort.
This essential tool was the first thing I purchased after returning home with my aligners. I didn’t like the idea of placing my hands continuously in my mouth to flick out the aligners. And of course, I kept chipping my nail polish and broke a few nails in the process also. Especially at the beginning of a new cycle, with new aligners, as they are very tight for the first fews days, making it difficult to remove them.
After getting an aligner removal tool, the process became much easier and quicker. It’s a small investment that saves a lot of frustration when removing the aligners.
Pick your colour. TEMU sell a fabulous range of aligner removers at such a great price, you can purchase a few in case you lose one. Keep one for on the go, and keep one at home.
5. Portable Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Oral hygiene is even more critical when you’re wearing aligners. Since food particles and bacteria can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, brushing after every meal is a must. A portable toothbrush and toothpaste are essential for this.
I keep a small, travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in my bag at all times. This way, I can brush my teeth wherever I am. It’s also a good idea to have some floss or interdental brushes on hand to make sure you’re getting all the nooks and crannies. Keeping my teeth clean throughout the day has prevented any unpleasant odours and keeps my aligners in good condition.
Loving this portable travel set of a clickable toothbrush, and small toothpaste by Curaprox. It also features a small mini flossing brush, so you can make sure teeth are extra clean before placing your aligners back in.
6. Chewies
Chewies are small, cylindrical cushions made of a soft, spongy material that help to seat your aligners properly. They are essential, especially when you switch to a new set of aligners, as they ensure that the aligners fit snugly against your teeth.
I use chewies several times a day, particularly after putting my aligners back in after meals. They help to alleviate any initial discomfort from a new set of aligners and ensure that the aligners are positioned correctly for effective treatment. Plus, they’re easy to use and can be carried around wherever you go.
Your dentist should give you some chewies when you first get your aligners, but you will no doubt need more than what they give you. You can get packs of these on Amazon for a pretty good price.
7. Salt Water
Staying hydrated with normal water is always important, and is especially important when you’re wearing aligners, as your mouth may dry out from time to time whilst wearing them.
Salt water however, will become your new best friend. I found it the easiest way to maintain oral health when out and about, and removing and putting back aligners.
A small portable bottle with water and some salt is all you need. When you remove your aligners out in public (generally in a bathroom), you can rinse your mouth out with salt and also rinse the aligners with the salt water before popping them into the case. You then repeat with washing your mouth out with salt water after brushing your teeth after eating, to ensure your mouth is bacteria free.
