Invisalign is the preferred orthodontic treatment for those dealing with minor or moderate dental issues. Clear aligners can shift your teeth without the inconvenience of traditional braces. They are also virtually invisible and easier to maintain than metal braces.
But, just because clear aligners are more convenient, you still need to properly care for your oral health. Here's why and how to do it.
Good oral hygiene is always essential, but it's particularly important that you don't neglect yours when wearing Invisalign clear aligners. And, here's why.
During Invisalign treatment, any food debris that gets trapped between the aligners and the teeth can encourage bacterial growth, leading to cavities and gum disease. If you have poor oral health, it can slow down the treatment process as you now have to address the dental issues before continuing with the treatments.
Moreover, without proper oral hygiene, the clear Invisalign aligners can become stained and aesthetically unpleasant. Food trapped in your aligners can also lead to bad breath.
As you can see, neglecting your oral health while wearing Invisalign can have some serious consequences. So, here are a few tips that you should follow to properly care for your teeth while wearing clear aligners.
Brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back on to prevent the build-up of food particles and plaque. If you're not home, you should always have a travel dental kit at hand so you can clean your teeth after enjoying a meal at a restaurant.
Clean your Invisalign aligners daily to prevent bacterial buildup. You can do this by brushing them gently with a non-abrasive toothbrush and a bit of toothpaste or mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage your aligners.
You need to remove your Invisalign trays when eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Foods can stain or damage your aligners. Moreover, hot drinks can cause them to change shape, affecting your treatment.
Smoking can stain not only your teeth but also your aligners. You should avoid smoking for the duration of your Invisalign treatment.
Always remember to keep your trays in their protective case when not wearing them. This way, you avoid accidental damage or loss.
Invisalign may be more discreet than traditional braces, but it still requires thorough oral hygiene. Not following the tips above may affect your treatment and make it more difficult to get the results you want.
Dr. Daiana Atari can give you more information on how Invisalign treatment in Raleigh works and help you determine if this treatment is right for you.
Get in touch with Smileplicity Dentistry to book your appointment for an initial Invisalign consultation.
