If you’ve chosen Spark Aligners to straighten your teeth, you’re already on the path to a straighter, more confident smile, discreetly and comfortably.
These crystal-clear aligners are known for their stain resistance, precision fit, and comfort. But to get the very best results from your treatment, it’s essential to care for your aligners properly.
We want your Spark journey to be smooth and successful. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide outlining the key dos and don’ts of aligner care.
Whether you’ve just started wearing them or you’re midtreatment, these simple habits will help keep your aligners clean, clear, and effective and protect your smile along the way.
Why Aligner Care Matters
Your Spark Aligners are custom-made to gently guide your teeth into their ideal positions. But like anything that lives in your mouth for most of the day, they need regular attention. Without proper care, aligners can:
- Become discoloured or stained
- Trap bacteria and cause bad breath
- Warp or lose their shape
- Delay your treatment progress
Following a few straightforward rules will keep your aligners in top condition and ensure your treatment stays on track.
The Top Dos of Spark Aligner Care
1. Do Clean Your Aligners Morning and Night
Just like brushing your teeth, your aligners need a daily clean. Use a soft toothbrush (not the same one you use for your teeth) and rinse the aligners under lukewarm water. Gently brush away any plaque or debris with clear, mild soap or a nonabrasive aligner cleanser.
Avoid using toothpaste, which can be too harsh and cause cloudiness on the surface.
2. Do Rinse Your Aligners Every Time You Remove Them
Whenever you take your aligners out, whether it’s for eating, drinking, or brushing, rinse them under running water. This helps prevent saliva buildup and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Keeping them clean in between brushes helps keep odours and discolouration at bay.
3. Do Store Them in Their Case
Always pop your aligners into their protective case when they’re not in your mouth. Leaving them on a napkin or tabletop might seem harmless, but it’s surprisingly easy to lose or damage them, not to mention exposing them to germs.
Make it a habit to use the case and keep it with you at all times.
4. Do Soak Them Regularly
In addition to brushing and rinsing, it’s a good idea to soak your aligners once or twice a week. Use a recommended aligner cleaning solution or tablets, such as those made for retainers. This helps remove any lingering odours and keeps your aligners crystal clear.
Follow the instructions on the cleanser, and make sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards.
5. Do Stick to Your Wear Schedule
For Spark Aligners to work effectively, they need to be worn for 20–22 hours per day. That means keeping them in even when you’re busy, socialising, or working from home.
Wearing them consistently is just as important as caring for them; it’s how you’ll see the best results in the shortest time.
The Don’ts of Spark Aligner Care
1. Don’t Eat or Drink with Them In
One of the biggest perks of Spark Aligners is that they’re removable, so make the most of it! Take them out before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Hot drinks, dark liquids (like coffee or red wine), and certain foods can stain or warp your aligners. Even small crumbs can get trapped inside, increasing the risk of tooth decay and bad breath.
2. Don’t Clean Aligners with Toothpaste or Harsh Chemicals
While toothpaste might seem like a logical cleaning product, it’s actually too abrasive for clear aligners. It can cause microscopic scratches that lead to cloudiness over time.
Avoid mouthwashes or cleaners that contain alcohol or bleach, as these can dry out the plastic and affect their fit. Stick to gentle, clear soaps or aligner-specific cleaning products.
3. Don’t Expose Aligners to Heat
Your aligners are made from advanced plastic designed to respond to body temperature, but too much external heat can be damaging. Never rinse them in hot water, leave them near radiators, or clean them in the dishwasher (yes, people do try it!).
Excess heat can warp the aligners and stop them from fitting properly, which can affect your treatment progress.
4. Don’t Skip Oral Hygiene
It’s not just your aligners that need attention; your teeth and gums do too. Food and plaque trapped beneath aligners can quickly lead to decay or gum inflammation.
Brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in. If you’re unable to brush, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove food particles.
5. Don’t Delay Switching to the Next Set
Your Spark treatment plan will come with a schedule for when to change to the next aligner set, usually every two weeks. Be sure to follow it closely. Delaying transitions can slow your treatment, while rushing ahead without guidance can cause discomfort or ineffective movement.
If you lose or damage a set, contact us as soon as possible so we can advise on the best next step.
Bonus Tip: Keep an Extra Set on Hand
It’s a good idea to hang on to your previous set of aligners, just in case something happens to your current ones. They can serve as a temporary backup if your new ones go missing or get damaged, helping to maintain your progress until we can supply a replacement.
A Smooth Journey to a Straighter Smile
Looking after your Spark Aligners doesn’t need to be complicated; a few consistent habits can go a long way. Keeping them clean, avoiding damage, and maintaining great oral hygiene will not only help your aligners stay fresh and clear but also protect your teeth and gums throughout treatment.
At Yor Dental, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you ever have questions about your aligners or need help with any part of your treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is always happy to guide you.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to begin your treatment journey, our friendly team is here to help. Spark Aligners offer a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Call us today to book your Spark Aligner consultation.