The clear aligner is made of a thin, transparent plastic material and is worn over the teeth like a retainer. The cost of clear aligners varies depending on the severity of the case, but usually ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per arch. As a costly investment, safe to say finding the right cleaning solution is a necessity. As a consumer, it's easy to buy the first product advertised to you online. Clear aligners are a great investment that help you improve on many aspects within your life. We've all seen the final product, which leaves users with straight teeth, an increase in self-esteem, and even an improved oral hygiene thanks to those newly minted teeth. Unfortunately, there's another reality, and that happens when choosing the wrong cleaning product. This decision may not only stunt your results, but also lead to further expenses or health complications. Let's take a look at the ramifications:

• Applying a colored solution when disinfecting your braces or retainer. This could change the color of them, making them visible.

• Inefficient products lead to bacteria buildup, which will progress into plaque, which will create a yellow tint onto your aligning trays and cause bad breath.

• Improperly cleaned clear aligners can harbor an assortment of dangerous germs and microbes including Candida, a fungus that can result in yeast infection, or staphylococcus, which can cause serious staph infection.

• A disinfecting product with an unbalanced pH will permanently impair the clear aligner, with the only solution being replacement.