Cleaning Methods for Clear Aligners

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn which cleaning method best removes bacteria from clear plastic aligners. Clear aligners are removable orthodontic trays worn to straighten teeth. They sit against the teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day. Bacteria build up on their surfaces within days. No agreed-upon way to clean them exists.The main questions it aims to answer are: Which of four common cleaning methods removes the most live bacteria from worn aligners? Which method leaves the least bacteria visible on the aligner surface under a microscope? Researchers will compare four cleaning methods to see which works best: Brushing with water (control) Soaking in chlorhexidine mouthwash Soaking in an effervescent cleaning tablet Using an ultrasonic cleaner together with a cleaning tablet Participants will: Wear one upper and one lower clear aligner for 10 days Clean the upper aligner twice a day for 5 minutes using their assigned method Return the aligner at the end of 10 days for laboratory testing