Aligner questions

[trustedadult]

Hi there, I'm on my first week of aligners for about six months. My orthodontist was very casual about cleaning them and just told me to brush them gently between wears. However, everybody on TikTok seems to have bought either tablets to clean them in or one of those little machine machines. Aware a lot of these are doing these on commission

As I'm changing mine every week, do I need to be so scrupulous about using either of these or just carry on as my orthodontist said?

My dd was told to use a soft brush with some handwash/washing up liquid to clean hers

Yy same

I have one of those machines. Not TikTok link, just got a cheap one from aliexpress. I do highly recommend it, even though I also change my aligners weekly. After a few days, the machine makes them sparkling new, while soft brush can only do so much. You can also use the machine to clean other things like your jewellery.

Thanks mate

(do you mind linking to the one you got so I don't buy a dud)

ah sorry can't find the exact model, but it's one of the really basic rectangular ones, no bells or whistles.

Also, is anyone else finding they're addicted to those chewies? Like a dog with a bone?

I used a soft brush for years on the retainers I have post-Invisalign. I have a dental pod now and it’s so much easier and more effective. I only use the tablets with it occasionally.

right, I've just ordered one

I'm on the home straight having been in aligners for about 18months now. I said to my dentist about the pods and he thought they were a waste of money especially as I was on weekly changes. He said they don't last long. I don't drink or eat with them (except for the last day when I spoil myself by drinking tea with them). I bought one when I had to wear a set for 6 weeks while waiting on a new prescription.

Mine stopped working after 3 months. It did keep them sparkling clean while it did work. The one I got (Sonic Dental) had to be plugged into a socket which meant filling it with water in the bathroom and carrying it to another room to plug into the wall. I believe you can get rechargeable ones which makes much more sense.

thanks , I have two starter ones for two weeks each so was feelng a bit eek. Might keep mine in the kitchen so I can do while scoffing meals

I just clean mine for about 10 seconds morning & evening with a toothbrush & dab of paste when I clean my teeth. I also rinse them after I've eaten & about to put them back in. Had them for 18 months with no issues at all (apart from having fixed retainers fitted on Friday & both of them fell out yesterday!)

Noooo

I soak mine every morning in a Retainer Brite solution ( Amazon).

Forgot to say that some of these tablets came with my initial starter kit for Sure Smile aligners and were recommended by my dentist.