How to Clean Your Teeth During an Invisalign Treatment
Maintaining good oral health during any orthodontic treatment is crucial. Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten teeth, and are removable, making it easier to keep your teeth clean during the treatment. In this blog post, we’ll share practical advice on maintaining good dental hygiene while wearing Invisalign aligners.
Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal
Brushing your teeth after every meal is important during the treatment. Food particles get stuck between your teeth and aligners leading to the growth of harmful bacteria. The accumulation of bacteria can lead to bad breath, periodontal diseases, and tooth decay if left unattended.
It’s vital to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth thoroughly. Brushing helps remove food particles and plaque from the surface of your teeth as well as hard-to-reach areas, the roof of your mouth, and inside of your cheeks to prevent bad breath.
Floss At Least Once a Day
Flossing removes stubborn food particles and plaque from areas that your toothbrush cannot access. You should floss at least once a day using a floss threader which threads the floss under the archwire and between your teeth. Flossing also ensures that your teeth remain healthy, free from harmful bacteria that cause bad breath, tooth decay, or gum disease. While flossing, ensure you’re gentle to avoid damaging the aligners.
Rinse Your Aligners Often
Rinsing your aligners regularly ensures they’re clean and hygienic. Whenever you remove them from your mouth, take the opportunity to rinse them using lukewarm water. This will remove saliva, plaque, or food particles that have accumulated on the aligners throughout the day. Avoid using hot water when rinsing aligners as they can be warped or distorted. Instead, stick to lukewarm water and rinse both on the inside and outside of the aligners to ensure they are fully cleaned.
Soak Your Aligners
Soaking your aligners once a day ensures they remain clean and clear. You can use a variety of solutions, like denture cleaners, Invisalign cleaning crystals, or mild soap. However, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any cleaning solution to avoid damaging your aligners.
Avoid Eating or Drinking With Your Aligners On
Invisalign is powerful and the aligners are strong as they move teeth to their new position. However, they are not intended to withstand the pressure of biting, as doing so can potentially damage them. For the aligners to stay clear, you should also avoid drinking colored beverages as you risk discoloring them. Be sure to remove them before eating any meal or snack or drinking colored beverages.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Often visiting your dentist or orthodontist while undergoing an Invisalign treatment is vital. Your dentist can closely monitor the progress of your treatment and ensure your teeth and gums are in optimal health. Your dentist may also recommend additional cleaning techniques or products to help you maintain good oral health during the treatment.
Maintaining good oral health during Invisalign treatment is essential for achieving overall well-being. It’s important to maintain consistent oral hygiene habits to help ensure that your Invisalign treatment is as effective as possible while promoting healthy teeth and gums.