How Do You Take Care of Your Teeth During Invisalign Therapy?
Invisalign, an innovative and aesthetically pleasing orthodontic treatment, made the path to straighter teeth a far more comfortable experience. However, like any dental treatment, the right care and maintenance are essential for successful results.
This guide will discuss the importance of good oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment and the practical steps to keep your teeth and aligners in perfect condition. Understanding these steps can help ensure a smooth and effective Invisalign journey.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is a revolutionary approach in orthodontic care, providing an aesthetic, more convenient alternative to metal braces. They’re virtually invisible aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Being removable, Invisalign aligners provide flexibility, allowing patients to eat, drink, and clean their teeth more conveniently than traditional braces.
The process involves custom-made aligners fitted to your teeth. You switch to a new set of aligners every one or two weeks as prescribed by your dentist until your teeth are in the desired position. Each aligner is unique to the stage of the treatment.
How to Take Care of Your Teeth During Invisalign Treatment
Practice Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment. It helps avoid oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Make sure to clean your teeth after each meal before reinserting the aligners to prevent trapping food particles.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing should be part of your daily routine. When you brush, ensure you reach all surfaces of your teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque build-up between teeth where brushing can’t reach.
Regular Cleaning of Invisalign Trays
Regular care for Invisalign aligners includes brushing them gently using a soft toothbrush and rinsing them off with lukewarm water. It’s also advisable to utilize Invisalign cleaning crystals or special cleaning tablets to keep them fresh and clear.
Remove Your Aligner When Eating and Drinking
When it comes to food and drink, the general rule is to remove your aligners. Eating and drinking with Invisalign can damage or stain the aligners. After eating, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to keep them clean.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
Although one of the benefits of Invisalign is that you can remove your trays while eating, it’s best to avoid certain foods and drinks that could stain your teeth or Invisalign trays. These include drinks like tea, coffee, red wine, and brightly colored foods.
Regular Dental Checkups
Ensure that you regularly visit your dentist or orthodontist to monitor the progress of your Invisalign treatment. Trusted professionals in Edmonton dentistry can warn you about potential issues early and tweak your treatment plan as needed. These regular visits also offer the opportunity to perform professional cleaning, removing any stubborn plaque.
Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol
Alcohol can dry out your mouth and, if consumed excessively, can damage your oral health. Tobacco, whether chewed or smoked, can lead to teeth discoloration and gum disease. Both substances can also cause bad breath. Therefore, if possible, avoid tobacco and limit your alcohol consumption during your Invisalign treatment.
Why Proper Oral Hygiene Is Important During Invisalign Treatment
Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Proper oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Although the aligners cover the teeth, bacteria and food particles can still get trapped between the teeth and aligners, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum disease if not cleaned regularly.
Keeps Aligners Clean and Clear
Ensuring you maintain good oral hygiene keeps your aligners clean and clear. Neglecting this can lead to staining and discoloration of the aligners, which can become noticeable when you wear them.
Ensures Effective Treatment
The effectiveness of Invisalign treatment relies heavily on your dedication to oral hygiene. Keeping your teeth and aligners clean means fewer interruptions from dental issues, ensuring your treatment plan progresses smoothly and effectively.
Stops Bad Breath
Good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing prevent bad breath, also known as halitosis. Given that Invisalign aligners are worn over your teeth for most hours of the day, neglecting oral hygiene could allow bacteria to flourish, leading to bad breath.
Maintains Overall Oral Health
Proper oral hygiene extends beyond just your teeth; it contributes to overall oral health. It aids in preventing oral diseases, maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums, and ensuring your mouth is as healthy as possible during your Invisalign treatment.
Promotes Good Habits
Maintaining proper oral hygiene while using Invisalign promotes good dental habits. These habits, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, can benefit oral health even after treatment ends.
Other Considerations During Invisalign Therapy
The Effects of Smoking and Alcohol
Invisalign users should be cautious about smoking and alcohol consumption. Smoking can stain the aligners, making them less invisible, while alcohol-based mouthwash might discolor the aligners. Switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash is a more practical solution.
Lifestyle Adjustments
With Invisalign therapy, you can expect your lifestyle to take several turns. It’s always a good idea to be ready for any dental emergency in Edmonton to keep your treatment on track. Always carry your aligner case wherever you go, maintain a clean environment for your aligners, and remember to keep your hygiene high.
Food Particles
One common concern is food particles getting trapped between the teeth and aligners. To prevent this, make it a practice to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after eating and before putting the aligners back in. This keeps your aligners clean, your oral hygiene intact, and your treatment effective.
Final Words
The journey towards a perfect smile with Invisalign requires not just a commitment to wearing the aligners but also dedication to maintaining optimal oral hygiene. By practicing the care and cleaning guidelines outlined above, you can ensure effective treatment, minimize potential dental complications, and maintain a healthy mouth throughout your Invisalign journey.
Proper care extends beyond your treatment period and establishes good dental habits that can result in lifelong oral health.
