Must-Have Clear Aligner Accessories

Clear aligners are one of the best ways to correct your teeth and look good while doing so. However, simply purchasing one of the best invisible aligners on the market might not be enough. To get the most out of your clear aligners, you will want to pair them up with several handy clear aligner accessories. In this article, we are going to provide you with seven of the accessories that you simply must have if you want to optimize your experience while wearing clear aligners.

7 top clear aligner accessories

While there are many clear aligner accessories on the market, a few of them are simply more useful than others. If you want to ensure that you have the best possible experience while wearing your clear aligners, here are the accessories that you will want to consider purchasing:

• Aligner removal tool
• Floss picks
• Extra retainer cases
• Clear aligner mints
• Cleansing and freshening spray
• Orthodontic wax
• Emery file/board

Furthermore, you may also want to invest in additional dental hygiene tools. For example, if you don’t already own a soft-bristled toothbrush, you will want to get it. It will allow you to clean your aligners easily, as well as help lower the risk of dental decay. You will also want to acquire some fluoride toothpaste and dental floss. They will allow you to clean your teeth in a thorough way whenever you need to remove your aligners. Lastly, an oral irrigator is a great way to clean any sections that you can’t floss. Of course, purchasing good mouthwash will help you avoid any bad breath issues.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular clear aligner accessories of today, starting with:

Aligner removal tool

One issue that many people have with their aligners is that they tend to wrap around your teeth quite tightly. This makes them somewhat difficult to remove, as you will need to take care not to hurt your gums and teeth or break the trays. While there are some nuances to using clear aligner removal tools, they are quite simple to use. Furthermore, clear aligner removal tools come in several shapes and sizes, allowing you to select a removal tool that you are most comfortable with. If you have never purchased an aligner removal tool before, you might want to consult with your orthodontist. They will help you determine the best tool for your specific situation.

Floss picks

We’ve mentioned already that you might want to get some dental floss to help you maintain your oral health. However, string floss (the most common floss type) is quite awkward to use “on the go”. Luckily, floss picks can provide you with an option of flossing easily wherever and whenever you wish. Furthermore, the floss in floss picks is slightly different than that in dental floss, as it is infused with grapefruit seed extract. This makes floss picks perfect for stopping gingivitis in its tracks. Last, but not least, floss picks are made from cornstarch, making them infinitely more environment-friendly!

Extra retainer cases

Even though you will be wearing your clear aligners most of the time, you will still want to take them off on a regular basis. While you can eat with your aligner in, technically, it is much better if you remove it while eating or drinking. Once you take your aligners off, you will need to place them somewhere. While some aligners do come with a retainer case, most of them do not. Even if they do, you will still get a lot of mileage from an extra retainer case or two. A good retainer case will not only provide you with extra convenience but will also keep your trays perfectly safe.

Clear aligner mints/chewies

Getting their aligners into place is a huge problem for many people. Luckily, you can simply get some clear aligner seating mints or chewies and you will be good to go. The way you use these accessories is by biting on them once you pop your clear aligners in. The process of biting the mints/chewies will help make sure that your aligners are positioned correctly around your teeth, allowing them to work their straightening magic.

Cleansing and freshening spray

You will need cleansing and freshening spray if you happen to notice that your aligners are becoming slightly yellow or starting to lose their opacity. While you can use the traditional method of cleaning your aligners (soaking tablets, toothbrushes), the process can be quite cumbersome and annoying after a while. With a cleaning spray, all you need to do is spritz it on your aligners after you remove them, and voila! Not only will the spray kill any germs on your aligners, but it will also freshen them up and have them smell wonderful!

Orthodontic wax

Most people will get a chafe or a cut at some point while wearing their aligners. What usually happens is that you simply can’t avoid irritating that spot and you only make it worse. However, if you get your hands on a bit of orthodontic wax, you can avoid most of these problems. Orthodontic wax is nothing new, of course, as it has seen a lot of use in traditional braces. All you need to do is apply the wax to the outside of the tray and you’re good to go!

Emery board

The last one of the clear aligner accessories on our list is the emery board. Traditionally used in fingernail and toenail care, emery boards are amazing for “customizing” your clear aligners. The way that you use this accessory is to prevent your trays from being too sharp or prevent them from digging into your gums.

For more information on clear aligners, best orthodontic practices, and anything else concerning dental hygiene, simply refer to the rest of the Consumer Opinion Guide. With our help, you will be able to find the best deals on today’s market!