The summer season means sunshine, vacations at the beach, and many more spontaneous adventures. However, if you wear clear aligners, this season might be a little troublesome for you. Taking care of clear aligners is necessary to achieve their optimal benefits, and this necessity remains the same even in the summer.
It is very easy to throw the whole treatment off track when you are in vacation mode and enjoying yourself. But that won’t be an intelligent move for your aligner journey. Here are some simple tips with which you can ensure your aligners remain in good condition throughout the summer, and do not interfere with your fun plans.
Summer Care Tips for Your Clear Aligners
1. Stay Hydrated With Aligners
You might like the idea of sunbathing, but your mouth certainly does not. Being dehydrated is not good for your mouth, nor is it good for your aligners.
- Keep sipping water throughout the day. This will keep your mouth moist and aligners free from any kind of debris.
- Maintain a distance from sugary and acidic drinks, such as soda, lemonade, and fruit juices. If you have these drinks while wearing clear aligners, chances are your aligners will be stained and have a bacterial buildup in no time.
- Having a dry mouth means having bad breath. With clear aligners in, the chances are higher.
Rule of thumb: if it’s not water, remove your aligners before drinking.
2. Avoid Leaving Aligners in the Heat
Clear aligners Grants Pass, are made of plastic. As you know, plastic and heat are not a good mix.
- Never leave your aligners in a hot car, under direct sunlight, or near a heat source; they can warp and no longer fit properly.
- Whenever you are not wearing them, put them in the case. Especially if you are swimming or eating outdoors.
- An important tip: never wrap the aligners in a napkin. You will most likely lose them.
3. Clean Aligners Regularly, Especially After Summer Snacks
Summer is the season of new fruits and snacks. All these sweet fruits can easily affect your clear aligners if you do not take adequate measures.
- After you are done eating the snacks and fruits, brush your teeth. Only after brushing, you should put the aligners back in your mouth.
- After removal, give the aligners a rinse with lukewarm water.
- Follow a daily cleaning routine for your aligners. Do this once every day.
You can use: 1. Aligner-safe foams or sprays 2. Cleaning crystals or tablets 3. Soft-bristled toothbrush with mild soap (avoid toothpaste, it can scratch!)
4. Pack a Travel Aligner Kit
If you are planning to travel this summer, carry a travel aligner kit with you. What should you include in the kit?
- Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss or interdental picks
- Aligner cleaning spray or tablet
- Aligner case
- Bonus tip: Pack extras in case your trip runs longer than expected or items get misplaced.
5. Stick to Your Wear Schedule
Summer freedom can make it tempting to “just skip a few hours.” But aligners only work if you wear them consistently.
- Aim for 20–22 hours of daily wear.
- Set phone reminders or use an aligner tracking app to stay on schedule.
- Remember: falling off track now can delay your overall treatment time later.
Enjoying summer doesn’t mean neglecting your clear aligner care. With just a few mindful habits, you can keep your treatment on track while still soaking up the season. Whether you’re poolside, at a picnic, or exploring new places, your smile goals don’t have to take a vacation, and neither should your aligner routine.
