by Christian Lawson February 27, 2024 1 min read

At Zima Dental, we recommend you use a sterilising tablet with the Dental Pod if you have been wearing your oral appliance for longer than 6 hours.

This recommendation is based on our own internal research and the following study by the University of Hong Kong. Click here to read the full publication.

In an experiment growing bacteria on Invisalign aligners, the dirty trays of 56 volunteers were scanned many times over 2 days.

At 6 hours, the scan showed that bacteria started forming colonies on the aligner (see below).

 

Bacteria 6 hours
At 6 hours, Streptococcus bacteria (white) start gathering in colony formations on the Invisalign surface

After no cleaning for 48 hours, the bacteria formed thick sheets which started to harden (see below). These hardened ‘biofilms’ are much harder to clean and can be dangerous for your teeth and oral health. 

48 hour bacteria

At 48 hours, the bacteria (white) have formed into a dense, hardened sheet (biofilm) on the Invisalign surface

In order to prevent the build up of bacterial biofilms, we recommend using a tablet with the Dental Pod if you have been wearing your appliance for longer than 6 hours. This will stop bacteria colonising your oral appliance.

I hope that youre now more confident using your Dental Pod. If you need more advice, please dont hesitate to contact Zima Dental customer support at support@zimadental.com.au


Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.


Also in Zima Learning Zone

The Dental Pod Pro: innovation meets practicality with modular design
The Dental Pod Pro: innovation meets practicality with modular design
The modular tank on the Dental Pod Pro is all about making your routine easier. With the Dental Pod Pro, the cleaning tank detaches from the power base, so you can refill it without the hassle of unplugging the entire unit or risking water exposure near the power source.
Dental Pod vs Dental Pod Pro
Dental Pod vs Dental Pod Pro: revolutionising oral appliance care
The Dental Pod and its successor, the Dental Pod Pro are two products designed with ultrasonic technology to help you look after your oral appliances.  If you’re not sure which one you need, here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand which is best for you.
Understanding white spot lesions: the hidden risk of poorly cleaned aligners
Understanding white spot lesions: the hidden risk of poorly cleaned aligners
While aligners offer a discreet and effective solution for straightening teeth, they can also come with a unique set of challenges, particularly with regards to your oral health. Poor aligner maintenance and cleaning can increase the risk of developing white spot lesions on your teeth, indicating enamel demineralisation.