Wondering about Invisalign? Read on to learn more. Invisalign aligners are for teenagers and adults and offer an innovative method for aligning teeth. They are virtually undetectable and provide a discreet way to align your teeth for a beautiful smile. If you already have Invisalign or are considering it, learning how to keep your mouth and teeth healthy throughout the treatment and after is a good idea.
Patients will typically wear a set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set. The treatment typically takes between six to 18 months. The time needed depends greatly on the state of the teeth. Invisalign acts like a retainer and prevents the teeth from shifting while applying pressure that slowly moves them to the correct position. The aligners are made from dental impressions of the patient's teeth.
The convenience and simplicity of Invisalign offer a new way to straighten and fix teeth. Unlike traditional braces, patients do not need to alter their lifestyle or diet completely. A major benefit of aligners is that they can be removed for flossing, brushing, and eating, unlike other braces that require specialized oral care and can be damaged by certain foods.
Patients still need to keep the plastic aligners clean, as they may collect bacteria that cause tooth decay. They should also wear them for the recommended hours (typically 22 hours a day) to avoid unnecessary prolongation of treatment. Good oral hygiene with Invisalign requires no more effort than the usual routine.
For example, individuals must brush and floss properly after each meal every day. The approach is to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when brushing along the gum with soft strokes. It is also important to clean the tongue thoroughly.
Throughout the Invisalign procedure, patients will have to see the orthodontist regularly. A trained orthodontist can offer information on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums to prevent plaque and decay.
Users should wash their hands thoroughly before cleaning the aligners to prevent any harmful bacteria from contaminating the aligners. It is important to clean the aligners before reinserting them after meals and at least twice a day. Without proper cleaning, the plastic tray could be contaminated with bacteria which can result in cavities and other issues.
Invisalign users can clean the trays with fluoride toothpaste or mild soap, but a special Invisalign cleaning kit is recommended for better results. A cotton swab, a soft-bristle toothbrush, or a cloth is advisable for cleaning. Hard bristles on the brushes can scratch the plastic and make the trays cloudy.
Another suggestion is to rinse the trays only with warm water. Using hot or cold water will splay the aligners out of shape and they will not fit comfortably in the mouth.
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing the teeth with mouthwash are routine oral hygiene actions, but they simply get more important with Invisalign treatment. Saliva usually cleans up food debris and bacteria in the mouth. Even if brushing is not immediately possible, the main point is to be consistent and do it.
When patients forget to clean their teeth completely before inserting the aligner, it might trap debris in their teeth. This may be detrimental to oral hygiene in general. An alternative is to rinse the mouth with water and chew sugar-free gum before wearing the tray. Patients should also drink plenty of water at mealtimes to remove food particles along with other debris.
Snacking or drinking anything other than water will require frequently taking out the aligners. It is not advisable to eat or drink while wearing them, as this can cause acid erosion on the enamel, leading to gradual deterioration.
Coffee causes discoloration of teeth as well. It encourages bacteria in the oral cavity to produce acids. These acids thin the enamel and cause the teeth to become brittle. Regular coffee drinkers should brush their teeth and clean their tongues before putting their Invisalign trays back in. Food and beverage residue may also stain the aligners and interfere with their ability to remain "invisible".
Invisalign is an effective option for straightening the teeth. if used correctly, it can simplify oral care for patients compared to traditional braces. After the patient has received their sets of trays, the orthodontist will offer tips on proper maintenance to get the desired results. If your teeth are misaligned and you're considering Invisalign, contact our office today to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Reston, VA.
Curious about ceramic braces? Read on to learn more. If your teeth are not well-aligned, you can get ceramic braces to achieve the straight teeth and beautiful smile you desire. Many people choose ceramic braces because they are discreet and provide great results when treating orthodontic problems. Before starting treatment with ceramic braces, you should…
Acquiring a straight smile does not have to involve bulky brackets and wires. With clear braces, it is possible to achieve a straight smile discreetly and, in most cases, in 18 months or less. Take a closer look at how this appliance can get you a step closer to your dream smile.Clear braces are plastic…
No teen wants to get braces, but if they have to, clear braces for teens might just be the best option. Compared to traditional braces made of metal and wires, clear braces have many benefits specifically designed for teens and those conscious of how their smile looks. Clear braces are not for every patient, so talk…
Invisible braces are popular options for straightening teeth. Some common types of invisible braces include ceramic braces and clear aligners. Both of these options have their pros and cons. But they can all be used to straighten your teeth and improve your smile.When it comes to orthodontic treatment, no appliance is inherently better than the…
Braces for kids play a crucial role in helping children develop healthy and well-aligned smiles. With so many options available today, it can be challenging for parents to decide which style best fits their child. With the help of an orthodontist, parents can learn which braces are best suited to their child’s needs.Parents need to…
Today there are many teeth straightening options that can help children, teenagers, and adults attain a better smile. Having a beautiful and straight smile is the dream of many people. It can boost self-esteem and make people more comfortable in social settings. If you are thinking about improving your smile, you can benefit from first…