Can cold temperatures affect your clear aligners?

As the seasons become chillier, there’s nothing like curling up under your warm blanket with a hot cup of tea by a fireplace. Cooler winter temperatures can harbor illnesses and affect the way your immune system works. So, it is no surprise that people take extra care of their health during this freezing climate. But did you know that these brisk temperatures can also affect the efficiency of your clear aligners?

Clear aligner systems are built on the principle that dictates a gradual shift of the tooth positions to result in an ideal or best-desired bite outcome. The added advantage of removability of these aligners facilitates thorough cleaning and maintenance, contributing to a hassle-free and comfortable orthodontic experience.

However, it is crucial to note that the effectiveness of these modern clear aligner systems is not completely immune to external factors, with weather conditions being one of the most important yet trivialized factors in the proper functioning of clear aligners.

How does the cold affect clear aligners?

A 2017 study investigated the thermal properties of commonly used clear aligner systems and concluded that glass transition temperature did not significantly change after clinical use in orthodontic aligners. In fact, the thermal properties maintained stability within the intraoral conditions and throughout normal treatment.

Nevertheless, researchers believe that extremely cold temperatures can affect aligners. Clear aligner systems can be affected by the increasingly colder temperatures in the following ways:

• Shrinkage concerns

Plastic tends to shrink at low temperatures. In extreme cold, medical-grade plastic that makes clear aligners can also undergo slight contraction or shrinkage. This can lead to increased discomfort as your aligners may fit tighter or even looser than intended.

In order to prevent any shrinkage issues with your clear aligners, you must avoid leaving your aligners out in the cold for long periods of time. Instead, store them in their case, keeping them warm when not in use.

• Brittleness and breakage

Cold weather can make your clear aligners brittle and more prone to cracking. Broken aligners can delay your treatment and cost extra to fix. Be gentle with your aligners, and don’t bite or chew on them. If you see any cracks, contact your dentist or orthodontist right away.

• Sensitivity issues

Your teeth may become more sensitive than usual during the cold weather. This can impact your comfort during clear aligner wear. You can avert this problem by abstaining from consuming too cold or too hot foods while wearing your aligners. If your teeth are too sensitive, you can opt for using a desensitizing toothpaste and rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water before putting your aligners in.

• Dryness

With the cold and uncomfortable temperatures also comes extreme dryness, not only on your skin but also in your mouth. Reduced saliva production and flow and frequent thirst may be some common symptoms of oral dryness.

Stay hydrated at all times of the day to overcome this issue. You can also employ a humidifier or nasal spray to combat dry nasal passages. Additionally, you can invest in sugar-free chewing gum to help stimulate saliva production to prevent the risks of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.