Oral Hygiene Tips During Invisalign Teeth Straightening

Oral Hygiene Tips During Invisalign Teeth Straightening from Carolina Smiles Family Dental in Brevard, NCWhile metal braces make keeping up with oral hygiene more complicated, routine teeth cleaning is a breeze with Invisalign® clear aligners. It is important to maintain strong healthy teeth throughout a straightening treatment, as tooth decay and gum disease can present serious health concerns. In addition, oral hygiene improves the aesthetic results at the end of a treatment, as routine flossing and brushing can prevent teeth staining or unsightly damage from cavities.

Expand on the normal routine to take care of aligners

When it comes to caring for the teeth and mouth during straightening, a primary benefit of the Invisalign® trays is the ability to carry out normal hygiene activities like twice-a-day brushing or flossing between the teeth without difficulty. Metal braces can make it hard to get the toothbrush bristles in all the cracks or crevices around the brackets, often creating frustration and missing out on a thorough cleaning. Removable trays allow individuals to spend time cleaning their teeth without any obstructions, but extra care should be taken to practice proper oral hygiene throughout the day as well.

Brush and floss regularly

In addition to recommendations to brush and floss in the morning and evening, those who wear aligner trays should brush their teeth before putting the trays into the mouth. This is particularly important after eating. The trays can trap food particles onto the teeth and cause the particles to get wedged between the teeth or down into the gumline. Trapped bacteria and particles can lead to gum disease and decay. Carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to use throughout the day.

Protect against staining and discoloration

There are no food restrictions when wearing clear aligner trays, but there are cautions against certain beverages. Drinks like wine, tea, coffee, colored juices, and soda can potentially stain the teeth. Aligners should be removed when drinking anything besides water to prevent the liquid from getting trapped inside the tray and against the teeth. Colored liquids could also stain the aligners and mar the invisibility of the trays.

Sugary drinks also increase the risk of cavities due to encouraging plaque development on the teeth. Acidic drinks wear the enamel of the teeth and make the teeth more susceptible to decay. If it is not possible to brush the teeth after consuming such drinks, thoroughly rinse the mouth with water to help wash out the sugar or acid.

Purchase mouthwash

Use mouthwash to keep both teeth and aligners clean. Never put dirty aligners back on the teeth; whenever the trays have been removed for eating or drinking, soak them in antimicrobial mouthwash.

Use the right equipment

Placing aligners in a protective case when not in use helps reduce picking up bacteria that is put directly into the mouth. Invest in a deep cleaning kit made specifically for Invisalign® trays to keep a buildup of germs to a minimum.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces in Brevard, NC

Conclusion

Following proper oral hygiene during the teeth straightening process protects the gums and teeth to create a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule a consultation to find out more about clear aligner therapy.

Request an appointment or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at 828-974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.

Recent Posts

Cleaning Braces Vs Cleaning Invisalign Aligners

There are many benefits to choosing Invisalign® clear aligners over metal braces for teeth straightening, including the ease of cleaning and routine maintenance. While clear aligners are considered more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces, failing to take proper care of the trays can lead to discoloration or a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Fortunately,…

Invisalign Treatment Benefits For Teens

You probably already know that Invisalign® trays look very different than traditional braces, but you may not know how ideal Invisalign is for many teens. Older teens are often very active in sports or might worry about how others think about teeth-straightening devices. The clear trays of Invisalign are less conspicuous than traditional braces. You…

Invisalign Uses Less Force Than Braces During Teeth Straightening

Dealing with crooked teeth can be a challenge. Many patients have found that Invisalign® trays can provide the same results as standard orthodontics but with less force. In addition, this option is often faster and can even go unnoticed by others. The nature and design of the aligner trays make them an excellent alternative to…

Recent Posts

When Tooth Removal And Dentures Are Recommended

When Tooth Removal And Dentures Are Recommended

As we age, it may become necessary to need tooth removal and dentures. This solution is helpful to many people who simply want their smile back. Everyone wants to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime, but it is often not the case. A patient could need to have their teeth removed for various reasons…

An Implant Dentist Discusses The Process Of Getting Dental Implants

An Implant Dentist Discusses The Process Of Getting Dental Implants

Our implant dentist is here to guide you through the process of getting dental implants, from your initial consultation to the surgical installation of your implant. Understanding how the process works allows you to ask the right questions during your appointment.An implant dentist spends a large fraction of their time placing implants. Implants are screws/rods…