Tips To Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene With Invisalign®

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.

How Invisalign® works

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.

Maintaining oral hygiene

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.

Cleaning the aligners

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.

Why oral hygiene is important

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.

What to avoid

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".

In conclusion

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.

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