You’ve definitely heard the news that coronavirus, properly known as SARS-CoV-2, is spreading and causing outbreaks of COVID-19 all over the world. There are a few recommendations that everyone agrees on, including the Center for Disease Control (the CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These include washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face as much as possible, as spread is most likely through respiratory droplets. The latest reports are showing that the virus may survive in the air for up to three hours, and on surfaces for up to three days.
Aligner Hygiene in the Time of Coronavirus
But my aligners are in my mouth...
What does this mean if you have aligners? Aligners are meant to be removed and replaced every time you eat or drink anything that isn't water. Aligner wearers are therefore putting their hands in their mouths multiple times a day, transferring virus and bacteria from surfaces to their mouths, and then getting respiratory droplets on their hands and anything else their aligners touch. How can this be helped?
First, be sure your hands are clean before inserting them in your mouth to remove your aligners. Proper handwashing technique should take 20 seconds and involve a thorough scrub:
There are many ways to ensure you are washing your hands long enough, from counting down, to using a timer, to singing the chorus of a song you know is long enough. The CDC recommends singing “Happy Birthday” twice for appropriate timing, but if that drives you completely insane, we found a list of varied songs that also work well. (As a bonus, "Staying Alive" is also the right pace for providing CPR. Good to know, just in case.)
Can't wash your hands?
If you are not able to wash your hands, you may want to carry hand sanitizer gel or wipes and use them—making sure to cover all surfaces of your hands—before taking out your aligners AND before putting them back in. The CDC has stated that alcohol solutions of at least 70% should be effective when it comes to disinfection of the coronavirus. If you are having a hard time finding hand sanitizer at the store or online, the WHO has guidelines for making your own.
Aligner removal tool
An aligner removal tool may also be helpful to limit how much of your hands need to get in your mouth. These tools have a small hook that catches the edge of your aligner and helps pop it off your teeth, so you're not struggling to get the right grip with your fingernails. They go by a variety of names and come in several styles:
Once your aligners are out
Once you’ve removed your aligners, place them in a case rather than on a table or napkin. This is a good time to consider a cleaning product with hydrogen peroxide, such as EverSmile WhiteFoam, which kills 99.999% of bacteria within 60 seconds. Though this is no guarantee against coronavirus, practicing good oral hygiene will help keep you healthy. Those with underlying conditions are most susceptible to coronavirus.
Wash or sanitize your hands again before putting your aligners in your mouth. If you are using EverSmile WhiteFoam, you can place the trays with the foam back in your mouth, where the foam will work to kill bacteria on your teeth and gums.
If this isn't possible...
If you are totally unable to make sure your hands are clean before removing and replacing your aligners for whatever reason, you may want to consider leaving them in, or only wearing them at night. Now is not the time to take risks regarding your health or that of those around you!
Related Articles
-
How to Tell if It's Time to Replace a Retainer
Retainers play an essential role in your post-orthodontic treatment plan. They help keep your teeth straight, maintaining the smile you invested in. Your orthodontist will likely recommend you wear a retainer for life because teeth are prone to shifting. Retainers usually only last a few...
Read More -
Why Does Having Straight Teeth Matter? 12 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
If you're one of 81% of adults that think their teeth are unattractive when they see them in photographs, it might feel good to know you're not alone. But it still doesn't change how you feel. Many adults are self-conscious about their smiles because they don't...
Read More -
Breakdown of the Different Clear Aligner and Retainer Materials
Confidence begins with a smile. If you look in the mirror and aren't happy with your smile, now's the perfect time to change it! Clear aligners and retainers are more accessible and affordable than ever before. They straighten your teeth over time while being discreet...
Read More -
What's the Difference Between Clear Aligners and Retainers?
On the surface, aligners and retainers seem pretty similar. Both are made of clear plastic and used for orthodontic treatment. However, they have two different goals — aligners are meant to move your teeth into new positions, while retainers keep your teeth in their final...
Read More -
How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners
Aligners are excellent alternatives to traditional wire braces. They discreetly straighten your smile, allow you to maintain your oral health more easily, and don't come with any food or drink restrictions. Because ClearCorrect aligners stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day,...
Read More -
Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer
Clear aligners have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional braces. Brands such as Invisalign offer the benefits of straighter teeth with the addition of a discreet appearance to fit any lifestyle. You can enjoy more freedom when wearing clear aligners, and you can smile...
Read More -
14 Tips for a Healthier Smile
A smile is often one of the first things people notice about us, and many people take great pride in having an attractive smile. However, the importance of having a healthy smile goes beyond mere appearances. The health of our teeth and gums is directly tied...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
12 Tips for New Invisalign Users
Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...
Read More -
How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners
Clear aligners are convenient and discreet ways to help straighten your smile. You can remove them whenever you need to, and they're more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It's essential to take care of your teeth, and while making sure they're straight is one way...
Read More -
The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?
You got clear aligners so that no one would notice them, but your invisible aligners are only invisible if they stay clear. Many things can stain your aligners or lead to your retainer turning yellow. Certain foods, such as dark-colored berries or sugary chocolates can lead...
Read More -
Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners
As an athlete, you have a lot on your mind when you're on the field or court. You're thinking about your opponent's next move, memorizing plays and doing everything you can to win. You don't want your teeth or aligners taking up valuable thought space...
Read More -
The Science Behind Teeth Movement
Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell
As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...
Read More -
Why Do Aligners and Retainers Get Holes?
You wear your aligners almost all day, so it's not surprising that they can become damaged. But, why do aligners and retainers get holes and other damage? There are a few different ways this can happen. Take a look at the guide below to learn...
Read More -
Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?
If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...
Read More -
How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners
Aligners are excellent alternatives to traditional wire braces. They discreetly straighten your smile, allow you to maintain your oral health more easily, and don't come with any food or drink restrictions. Because ClearCorrect aligners stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day,...
Read More -
Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer
Clear aligners have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional braces. Brands such as Invisalign offer the benefits of straighter teeth with the addition of a discreet appearance to fit any lifestyle. You can enjoy more freedom when wearing clear aligners, and you can smile...
Read More -
The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Retainer
You should always follow your dentist's directions for wearing a retainer to ensure the investment you put into having a straight smile lasts for years to come. Adhering to the do's and don'ts of wearing a retainer is vital to keeping your teeth straight and...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
How to Preserve Your Clear Retainers
Retainers are vital for straightening your smile. Even when you're done with aligners or braces, your retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back into their misaligned positions. Because these appliances are essential, it's useful to know how to preserve your clear retainers. You'll help them...
Read More -
12 Tips for New Invisalign Users
Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...
Read More -
How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners
Clear aligners are convenient and discreet ways to help straighten your smile. You can remove them whenever you need to, and they're more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It's essential to take care of your teeth, and while making sure they're straight is one way...
Read More -
The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?
You got clear aligners so that no one would notice them, but your invisible aligners are only invisible if they stay clear. Many things can stain your aligners or lead to your retainer turning yellow. Certain foods, such as dark-colored berries or sugary chocolates can lead...
Read More -
Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners
As an athlete, you have a lot on your mind when you're on the field or court. You're thinking about your opponent's next move, memorizing plays and doing everything you can to win. You don't want your teeth or aligners taking up valuable thought space...
Read More -
The Science Behind Teeth Movement
Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell
As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...
Read More -
Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?
If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...
Read More
Liquid error (templates/article line 357): Could not find asset snippets/blog-widgets.liquid
Post a Comment!