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Tips For Dental Hygiene Maintenance When You Have Invisalign?

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Tips For Dental Hygiene Maintenance When You Have Invisalign?

Invisalign Is Great But You Still Need To Be Careful

Braces used to be the bane of anyone who had to wear them. Thankfully, there are some advancements that make them a little less of a visible burden. Invisalign is an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Because Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, this treatment has become a popular choice for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without metal braces.

Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist. During the consultation, the doctor will examine your mouth and teeth to determine if Invisalign is right for you. If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, the doctor will take impressions of your teeth which will be used to create your custom aligners.

You will be given a series of aligners to wear, each one slightly different from the last. As you wear each aligner, your teeth will gradually shift into their proper position. You will need to wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in the series.

Most people need to wear Invisalign aligners for at least nine months, though the length of treatment will vary depending on the severity of your misaligned teeth. After treatment is completed, you will likely need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new, straight position.

Dental invisible braces or silicone trainer in the hands of a young smiling girl. Orthodontic concept - Invisalign

Dental Hygiene

If you are one of the millions of people who are considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering how you will keep your teeth clean during treatment. While Invisalign is a great way to achieve a beautiful, straight smile, it is important to remember that proper dental hygiene is still essential to keeping your smile healthy. Here are 7 tips for maintaining good dental hygiene while wearing Invisalign:

Brush after every meal

Just because you can’t see your aligners doesn’t mean they don’t need to be cleaned. It’s important to brush your teeth regularly when you have Invisalign, even though the aligners are practically invisible. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you’re brushing properly:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. You don’t want to damage your aligners or your teeth.
  • Brush gently in a circular motion. Don’t scrub too hard.
  • Be sure to brush the front, back, and top of your teeth. You want to make sure you’re getting all the plaque and bacteria off.
  • Rinse your mouth and aligners after brushing. This will help remove any lingering toothpaste and bacteria.

Following these simple tips will help you keep your teeth and aligners clean and healthy.

Dentist cleaning teeth with ceramic brackets, using floss at the dental office. Macro shot of teeth with braces

Floss daily

Is it still possible to floss with Invisalign? The answer is yes! You can still floss your teeth with Invisalign. There are a few different ways to do it.

One way is to use a floss threader. This is a small, flexible piece of plastic that you can insert under your Invisalign aligners. Then you can thread the floss through the threader and between your teeth.

Another way to floss with Invisalign is to use an interdental brush. These are small, bristled brushes that you can insert between your teeth. They’re great for getting rid of food and plaque build-up.

You can also use regular floss to floss with Invisalign. Just be careful not to damage your aligners. Gently insert the floss under your aligners and between your teeth.

Rinse with mouthwash and rinse your trays

When you have Invisalign, it’s important to keep your teeth and your trays clean. You should rinse your teeth and your trays after every meal or snack. You can use water or a mild toothpaste. Be sure to brush your teeth before putting your trays back in. You should also clean your trays with a soft toothbrush and soap. You can soak your trays in denture cleaner for a thorough cleaning. Be sure to rinse your trays well before putting them back in your mouth.

Avoid sugary and starchy foods

If you’re considering Invisalign, you might be wondering what kind of food restrictions come along with it. After all, you are essentially wearing a clear aligner tray over your teeth for most of the day. The good news is that there are no specific food restrictions when you have Invisalign. However, there are certain types of food that you should avoid while wearing your aligners.

Sugary and starchy foods can stick to your aligners and cause tooth decay. If you must eat these types of foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward. Acidic foods can also break down the plastic of your aligners, so it’s best to avoid them as well.

Don’t Smoke

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth, you might be wondering if you need to give up smoking and drinking. The short answer is that it’s probably best to avoid these habits while you’re undergoing treatment. Here’s why:

Smoking can discolor your aligners, making them more noticeable. It can also cause bad breath, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to improve your smile! Drinking can also discolor your aligners, and if you’re not careful, it can lead to spills and stains on your teeth.

Both smoking and drinking can contribute to dry mouth, which can make wearing aligners uncomfortable. Dry mouth can also lead to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

So while you don’t necessarily have to give up smoking and drinking entirely while you’re undergoing Invisalign treatment, it’s probably best to limit these activities as much as possible.

See your dentist regularly

If you have Invisalign, you may be wondering if you need more check-ups than usual. The answer is that it really depends on your individual situation. In general, though, you should expect to have at least one or two extra appointments during your treatment.

The reason for this is that Invisalign is a bit more complex than traditional braces. With Invisalign, your orthodontist needs to be able to assess your progress and make sure that the aligners are working correctly. Additionally, they may need to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Overall, though, you can expect the same general level of care with Invisalign as you would with traditional braces.

Wear your aligners as prescribed

It is important to wear your aligners as prescribed by your orthodontist in order to achieve the best results.

Invisalign or invisible braces, a orthodontic equipment on a hand.

Help Your Invisalign Help You

The Invisalign treatment is a clear braces system that uses custom-made, nearly invisible aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. It is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces, as it is more comfortable to wear and easier to keep clean.

If you are considering Invisalign, it is important to be aware of the potential cost. Treatment can range from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the severity of your dental alignment issues. However, many dental insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost.

Invisalign is most effective when worn for at least 22 hours per day. If you don’t maintain your dental hygiene during Invisalign treatment, the treatment may not work properly. Plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, which can cause the aligners to become loose and not fit properly. This can lengthen the treatment time or cause the aligners to be less effective. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can also impact the success of Invisalign treatment. Therefore, it is important to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular cleanings during Invisalign treatment.

If you are looking for a more comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign may be the right choice for you. However, it is important to consult with your orthodontist to ensure that you are a good candidate for treatment.

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