Invisalign has increasingly become a popular option for those who want to invisibly and comfortably align their teeth. By providing a see-through, removable alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires, Invisalign changed the face of orthodontic treatment for many people. But the best outcome with Invisalign means sticking to good oral hygiene and aligner care routines.
1. Wear Your Aligners as Prescribed
The most important thing that you can do to maintain a healthy smile with Invisalign is to wear your aligners as directed. Invisalign aligners are designed to incrementally shift your teeth into the desired place.
The general advice is to wear your Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. You can only take them off when you are eating or drinking anything except water, brushing, and flossing. Not wearing the aligners for the required number of hours will impede progress and, therefore, may prolong the time your treatment could take.
2. Daily Deep Cleaning of the Aligners
Like any other orthodontic dental aligners, Invisalign aligners require regular cleaning to prevent bacterial growth and plaque formation. Poor oral hygiene can cause problems such as bad breath and discoloration. Here are some tips for cleaning your Invisalign orthodontic aligners:
- Lukewarm water: Clean your Invisalign orthodontic aligners by rinsing them with lukewarm water and brushing them softly with a soft toothbrush that will remove any residue from them. Avoid hot water; it can distort the plastic.
- Avoid the use of toothpaste because this scratches the surface of the aligners, creating a hub for plaque formation on them. You can use Invisalign cleaning crystals or cleaning solution if available.
- Soak your aligners: Dental care can provide you with a cleaning solution in which you are supposed to soak your aligners. This will help in sanitizing them and giving them freshness.
3. Brush and floss your teeth after every meal
Food particles and plaque start to build up between your aligners and teeth when you’re on Invisalign, leading to tooth decay and gum diseases. This is just a reminder to make sure you can brush and floss after every meal or snack before putting back your aligners. Here’s why:
- Prevents Plaque Build-Up: Food and plague stuck between your teeth and aligners lead to oral issues like decay and gum irritation.
- Keeps your teeth clean: Regular brushing and flossing maintain your oral hygiene and prevent bad breath.
If you’re unable to brush immediately, consider carrying a travel toothbrush, or using mouthwash, or chewing sugar-free gum to freshen your breath temporarily.
4. Take Your Aligners Out While Eating or Drinking (Except Water)
One of the biggest pros Invisalign can have is the fact that its aligners can be taken out for eating and drinking purposes. That means one can eat absolutely everything because there is a chance of one’s aligners being destroyed. The best protection both for one’s aligners and one’s teeth will be removing them before having any meal or drinking anything except water.
Why it’s important:
- Discoloration: Coffee, tea, and acidic drinks, including red wine, stain not just your aligners but also your teeth.
- Food accumulation: Whenever one consumes food while putting on aligners, particles of food get trapped between your aligners and teeth. This invites the buildup of plaque and a surge in cavity opportunities.
5. Store Your Aligners Appropriately
Every time you take your Invisalign aligners out, they should go into their case. Never let them be in the open, and never wrap them with napkins or put them in your pocket. That way, you will protect them from any kind of damage, loss, or contamination.
Tip: Carry your case everywhere and use it any time your aligners are not in the mouth. A protective case will help you keep your aligners clean and intact.
6. Visit Your Dentist in Stamford, CT, Regularly
While Invisalign is a convenient orthodontic treatment, you nevertheless need dental visits to check whether everything is going as it should in your treatment. Dr. Amul Patel and the Aurora Smiles team will give you a comprehensive checkup and professional follow-through on your Invisalign treatment.
The following are some of the services included in such visits:
- Progress check-ups: The dentist will measure the movement of your teeth and make whatever modification is required on the treatment plan.
- Whatever change is required to your alignment, you may get new aligners during such visits to keep going forward to attain your perfect smile.
- To address any concerns: Visits are a good time for your dentist to curb discomfort or other issues about the treatment.
7. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Tobacco products are inimical to oral health, much less using Invisalign. Tobacco products stain not just your teeth but even your aligners into yellowish tints. Tobacco might lead to such issues as gum problems, drying of the mouth, and other oral maladies affecting the result of the treatment of Invisalign.
Why it’s important:
- That tobacco product indeed discolors teeth and aligners.
- Keeps the gums healthy: it may result in reducing the blood flow to your gums and hence be one of the reasons for slow healing or an increase in infections. It will not only serve the purpose of getting desirable results with Invisalign treatment but also offer better oral health in general.
8. Stay Hydrated
You would drink enough to keep your mouth healthy and your Invisalign aligners clean. This would help wash out the bits of food, the bacteria accumulation, and the plaque that usually gets stuck in your aligners and teeth.
Other benefits that come with hydration:
- One will not have the occurrence of dry mouth. This condition may lead to increased bacterial levels and bad breath.
- It keeps your aligners clean. Water can remove food and bacteria, which may be on your aligners.
Drink plenty of water during the day, but avoid any sugary drinks that raise the cavity issues.
Conclusion
Invisalign is designed for anyone who wants straighter teeth without being so noticeable. To make sure your treatment goes effectively and your smile is healthy for a long time, here are 10 tips you should follow. Whether you’re just starting with Invisalign treatment or have been wearing aligners for quite a while, following these tips will go a long way to help you achieve that smile you always wanted.
Aurora Smiles will be there for the best Invisalign in Stamford, CT. Dr. Amul Patel and his highly trained team provide personal attention to care, professional monitoring, and all support needed for one to make this treatment successful. For an appointment, contact Aurora Smiles today and embark on a journey toward a healthier and more confident smile using Invisalign.
By taking care of your aligners, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and following the advice of one of the trusted dentists in Stamford, CT, at Aurora Smiles, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a straighter, healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.