Are you currently undergoing Invisalign treatment, or are you considering getting Invisalign? Are you wondering what it’s like to keep your teeth clean while wearing clear aligners?
Believe it or not, hygiene for Invisalign isn’t too complicated. And your treatment will leave you with a beautiful smile that you can enjoy for years to come!
Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign health.
The Invisalign Advantage
Invisalign is growing in popularity with teens and adults alike. The clear plastic aligners are far less noticeable than wire braces, and you can get a straighter smile without most people knowing.
Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces, and the treatment also takes a bit less time. You’ll wear them for twelve to eighteen months, while metal braces can be worn for as long as two years.
With wire braces, you’re limited as to what you can eat during the treatment. Favorite foods such as popcorn, nuts, and bagels aren’t okay because they can damage rubber bands and wires.
With Invisalign, however, your aligners are removed when you eat. So you can continue to enjoy most foods while you’re teeth are getting straighter.
It’s important, however, to maintain good cleaning habits so your teeth and aligners remain in optimal health.
1. Brush Every Time You Eat
Any food stuck in your teeth can really become visible when you put your aligners back in after eating. Food particles can also lead to the development of bacteria. It’s important, therefore, to be ready to brush after each meal.
If you know you’ll be at work or school while eating, make sure you bring along a little kit with a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as a little mouthwash if you wish!
2. Take Your Trays Out
Eating with Invisalign could cause your trays to become cracked, stained, or messy. Even soft foods can cause damage to Invisalign.
You’ll also need to take your trays out each time you brush. This will help you to brush each surface and get between your teeth.
Food stuck between your gums can eventually lead to tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, is characterized by red, swollen gums or bad breath. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which can lead to loose or even missing teeth.
It’s critical to keep your teeth as clean as possible while your smile is being straightened by Invisalign. Make sure to remove your trays when you brush and floss.
3. Brush Properly
When you brush, make sure you’re placing your soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and move your toothbrush in short strokes about the size of your teeth. Toothpaste can help remove plaque and bad breath, and it can deliver fluoride that prevents tooth decay.
Be sure to clean both the outer and inner chewing surfaces. Believe it or not, you’ll also need to replace your toothbrush every two to three months. This will prevent you from getting sick and ensure that your bristles are really getting your teeth clean.
4. Don’t Forget to Floss
While flossing isn’t everyone’s favorite activity, it’s critical for good oral health. It lifts and removes the plaque and food that sits between your teeth and can lead to decay or gum disease. The bristles of your toothbrush are limited in how far between your teeth they can get, so flossing is critical for keeping your teeth clean.
When flossing, you can take off about eighteen to twenty-four inches of floss and hold it taut between your thumb and index fingers. You can then gently glide the floss up and down between your teeth. Make sure you get the inside surfaces of all of your teeth but avoid flossing into your gums.
Make sure you use a new, clean section of floss as you go to floss each new tooth.
5. Rinse
Mouthwash can prevent harmful plaque buildup. It can keep bacteria from releasing its harmful acids onto your tooth enamel. Mouthwash can also help you avoid bad breath and present gum disease.
Find a mouthwash in a flavor that’s palatable and remember to add it to your oral hygiene routine for optimal oral health!
6. Clean Your Invisalign Trays
You’ll need to wash your Invisalign trays by soaking them in either Invisalign denture crystals or a denture cleaner. Solutions like mouthwash or hot water can actually damage the trays.
You should soak your Invisalign trays for about fifteen minutes. After soaking, you can use a spare soft toothbrush to clean lingering food particles or plaque. Your aligners need to be cleaned at least twice a day.
7. Replace and Enjoy
Once you place your Invisalign trays back in your mouth, get ready for a beautiful smile! Your new trays will be available every two weeks as your teeth gradually shift back into place.
Invisalign can correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and crowded teeth. They will leave you with a glowing grin that will increase your confidence and improve your oral health. A little maintenance will go a long way toward helping you get the smile of your dreams!
Caring For Your Invisalign Treatment
Those looking for a straighter smile without showing the world they’re wearing braces will appreciate the comfort, style, and convenience of an Invisalign treatment. With the right care and cleaning, your Invisalign treatment will leave you showing off those new pearly whites in no time!
Don’t stop getting smart about Invisalign now. For quality orthodontic treatment in your area, contact us today.