In the hands of an experienced orthodontist, Spark Clear Aligners are a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to straighten your teeth. But to keep your aligners crystal-clear, maintain A+ oral health, and get the best results, proper care is key!
In this guide, I’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about caring for Spark Aligners, so you can make the most of your treatment.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Spark Aligners?
For the best outcome, you should wear your Spark Aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Only take them out to eat, drink anything other than still water, and brush and floss your teeth. Unlike braces, which work 24/7, your aligners can only do their job when they are in your mouth, so consistency is important.
Eating and Drinking With Clear Aligners
There are no clear aligner food restrictions. That means you can continue to eat whatever you want during treatment. That said, be sure to follow these rules for drinking and eating with clear aligners:
- Remove your aligners before eating. If you eat with your clear aligners in, food particles can get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, which puts you at risk for tooth decay.
- Take your aligners out prior to drinking anything except plain water. Drinking coffee, tea, wine, soda, or anything else that’s highly pigmented without removing your aligners first will lead to staining. Any sugars or acids in the beverage can also get stuck under the plastic, which changes the pH balance of your mouth and creates an environment more likely to result in cavities.
How to Clean Spark Aligners
There are aligner cleaning systems and solutions but here’s how to clean Spark Aligners the easy, affordable way:
- Whenever you take your aligners out, rinse them in lukewarm water before putting them back in your mouth.
- Use a mild, clear dishwashing soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your Spark Aligners. This helps remove plaque, bacteria, and saliva, keeping them nice and clear.
- Avoid cleaning your aligners with toothpaste, hot water, or harsh cleaners because they can damage, scratch, or warp the plastic.
As for how often to clean Spark Aligners, ideally twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
How to Clean Stained Clear Aligners
Spark Clear Aligners are made with TruGEN™, an innovative aligner material that’s clearer and stains less than other aligners on the market. Pair that with the fact that you take your aligners out to eat and drink and only wear each set for one to two weeks, it’s unlikely you’ll end up with severely stained clear aligners.
But, if for some reason, your aligners look a bit yellow or cloudy, don’t worry! Here’s how to clean stained clear aligners to restore their clarity and sparkle:
- According to the Spark Aligners blog, mix a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water or white vinegar in a cup,
- Let your aligners soak in the solution for 15 minutes.
- Remove your aligners from the solution, gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and rinse them in lukewarm water.
- If you’re the kind of patient who wants to take this to the next level, you can also consider an ultrasonic cleaner for your aligners like the Dental Pod, which uses water and vibration for 5 minutes to help scrub those aligners clean.
Brushing Teeth After Eating With Clear Aligners
Since food particles can get trapped beneath your aligners, it’s important to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. This helps prevent cavities, gum irritation, and stained aligners.
If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, rinse your mouth with water before putting your aligners back in and brush as soon as you get home.
Keep Your Aligners Safe By Storing Them in Their Case
One of the most common aligner mistakes? Wrapping them in a napkin or tissue when eating and accidentally throwing them away!
Always store your aligners in their aligner case when you’re not wearing them. This keeps them clean, prevents loss or damage, and even protects them from pets (dogs love to chew on aligners!).
Do You Wear Spark Aligners While Playing Sports?
Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or doing any type of activity where there is a risk of a blow to the face, is essential for protecting your teeth. If you have an orthodontic mouthguard, you can wear your mouthguard over top of your aligner.
Otherwise, remove your Spark Aligners while playing sports and use a mouthguard instead. Put your aligners back in as soon as your practice or game is over. For low-impact activities (like yoga or weightlifting), you can keep your aligners in.
What to Do if You Lose or Damage an Aligner
If you lose or damage an aligner, call our El Dorado Hills orthodontic office ASAP. Each set of Spark Aligners is pre-programmed to achieve very specific tooth movements. If the tooth movements have already occurred, I’ll have you move on to your next set of Spark Aligners.
If the tooth movements weren’t completed yet, I’ll likely have you wear your previous trays while a replacement is made. That’s why you should always hang on to your last set of aligners throughout treatment!
The Bottom Line
By simply practicing good oral hygiene, regularly cleaning your clear aligners, and wearing your appliances according to plan, you’ll enjoy a smooth treatment process and a dazzling smile at the end.
Transform Your Smile With Spark Aligners in El Dorado Hills
Wondering if Spark Clear Aligners are right for you? Schedule a complimentary consultation at Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills today by calling us at (916) 933-0532!
You’ll receive personalized treatment recommendations and get to see a preview of your future smile before you get started.
