Your teeth can be straightened with the help of Invisalign, giving you the stunning smile of your dreams. Patients who use Invisalign to straighten their teeth must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day while undergoing the treatment.
An increased risk for cavities and gum disease is one of the “cons” that Invisalign and conventional braces have in common. Invisalign poses a lower risk because the aligners can be taken out for excellent oral hygiene, but the plastic barrier does prevent saliva from getting to the teeth and gums.
There is also a risk of TMJ
Taking Care of your Oral Health During Invisalign Treatment
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Brush Every Time You Eat
Invisalign aligners can be removed at any time, even while you’re eating or drinking. But doing so often causes food particles to get stuck in between the aligner and your gums. That’s why brushing after every meal is important to remove any food particles and prevent gum irritation.
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Dont Forget to Floss
Flossing is a crucial part of your daily oral hygiene routine, even though you might not think it. It helps to remove food particles and other debris from around and in between the teeth that are hard to reach by brushing alone.
If you have braces or Invisalign, flossing is even more important. Your orthodontist will advise you on how often to floss during treatment. It’s important to follow their instructions, so that your teeth stay healthy, and your new smile will stay beautiful for many years to come!
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Never Drink Anything Besides Water While Wearing Aligners
When you’re in the process of getting Invisalign, you want to make sure that you do everything possible to ensure that your treatment is effective. Part of that is maintaining good oral hygiene, which means never drinking anything besides water while wearing your aligners.
Your aligners are designed to fit snugly against your teeth, and that includes keeping them clean. Drinking anything other than water can lead to staining and build-up on your aligners, which can then transfer to your teeth. Not to mention, sugary drinks can increase your risk for cavities.
So, if you’re serious about getting the most out of your Invisalign treatment, stick to water while you’re wearing your aligners. Your teeth (and your wallet) will thank you in the long run!
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Clean Your Invisalign Trays
Your Invisalign aligner trays must be cleaned by soaking them in either denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Hot water or mouthwash are examples of solutions that can harm the trays.
For about fifteen minutes, soak your Invisalign trays. After soaking, you can remove any remaining food debris or plaque with a spare soft toothbrush. You must clean your aligners at least twice per day.
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Rinse Your Mouth
The use of mouthwash can stop the growth of harmful plaque. It can prevent bacteria from releasing their poisonous acids onto the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, mouthwash can aid in preventing bad breath and existing gum disease.
For the best oral health, find a mouthwash with a tasty flavour, and don’t forget to include it in your oral hygiene routine!
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our article about maintaining oral health during Invisalign treatment. With this knowledge, we know that you can make the most of your treatment and smile confidently. So, what are you waiting for? Get your Invisalign treatment started today by visiting your trusted dentist.
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.