Indeed, orthodontic Invisalign treatment has taken over the market with its transparent and removable aligners for discreetly aligning teeth. If you fall into the category of considering or undergoing Invisalign treatment, then you would like to learn how best to take care of your teeth and aligners for optimal results. This guide helps with some basic tips and best practices necessary for oral health on Invisalign.
Whether one is a beginner in the use of this orthodontic appliance or is considering ways of better-taking care of Invisalign, what follows are helpful insights into maintaining a great smile. If professional intervention is required, never hesitate to consult a professional Invisalign in Stamford, CT, at Aurora Smiles, for personalized advice and dental treatment.
Why Invisalign?
Before getting into the care routine, let’s just briefly touch on why Invisalign is such a popular choice. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are clear, removable, and comfortable. They are individually designed to fit your teeth and apply low pressure to gradually shift them into place. Invisalign offers a more modern, flexible alternative to traditional metal braces for those individuals desiring nearly invisible results while working toward the perfect smile.
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy During Invisalign Treatment
Always Brush and Floss
Perhaps the most valuable advice in oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment is brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. Unlike fixed braces, which are very prone to trapping food between the bracket and the surface of the tooth, further complicating cleaning and thus allowing the accumulation of food particles, Invisalign dental aligners are removable. Hence, you are able to easily brush and floss your teeth to avoid plaque buildup and other complications such as tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush the teeth.
Tip: Floss once daily, preferably after the last meal of the day, to help remove the stuck food particles in the teeth.
Clean Your Aligners Daily
While it is very important to clean your teeth properly, it is equally essential to pay good attention to your Invisalign aligners. Since these aligners are in close contact with your teeth and gums, cleaning them becomes quite necessary in order to avoid any bacterial formation, bad odor, or discoloration.
Tip: Every time you take them out, immediately take the aligners and rinse them under lukewarm water. Never use hot water because it can warp the plastic. To keep them free from accumulation of bacteria, lightly brush with a toothbrush-the one not used on your teeth-and mild, unscented soap. You can soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or use an aligner cleaner given by your dentist.
Sticking to a Schedule with Your Aligner Changes
Invisalign treatment usually consists of multiple sets of aligners: each subsequent aligner will be slightly different from the previous one in which it progresses your teeth into place. It is important that you do not deviate away from the scheduled course by changing aligners every one to two weeks instructed by your dentist.
Hint: Keep your phone with reminders or have a written calendar so that you won’t forget when to change the aligners. Contact us if you have any questions about your aligner schedule or are concerned.
Avoid Foods and Drinks that Can Cause Staining
Although Invisalign aligners are clear, they can stain when certain foods and beverages come into contact with them. With that in mind, here are some foods and drinks you’ll want to avoid as much as possible because they may discolor both your aligners and your teeth:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Dark sodas
- Tomato-based sauces
- Soy sauce
- Berries
If you do happen to eat any of these foods, make sure to take out your aligners and then brush your teeth before putting your aligners back on. You will also want to clean your aligners regularly so that you are able to experience the full cosmetic benefit of Invisalign in Stamford, CT.
Drink Water Often
Water consumption is a must for good oral health, let alone when one is under Invisalign treatment. Drinking water throughout the day lets the food particles and bacteria be rinsed off from the teeth, hence helping in the cleaning of teeth. Further, unlike sugary drinks or sodas, it will not leave any kind of residue on your aligners.
Tip: Make water your go-to drink – especially when your aligners are in your mouth. Generally speaking, just try to avoid anything that contains sugar, is highly acidic, or may lead to tooth decay or stains on the aligners.
How to Store Your Aligners
So, when you’re not wearing your aligners, they go in their case. That way, they are less likely to fracture or be misplaced. In open air, they can come in contact with bacteria, dirt, or pets who think they are fun to chew on.
Tip: Always bring your Invisalign case wherever you eat out. So in case you lose one aligner you should call your dentist or Aurora Smiles right away to replace it, this will give them ample amount of time to make a duplicate and not set your treatment back at all.
Pay Your Dentist a Visit for Checkups
Just because you are undergoing Invisalign treatment does not mean that you should skip dental checkups. He or she will attend to the general oral health and make sure that Invisalign treatment is going as it should.
Tip: Dental cleanings and checkups are recommended every six months or as your dentist advises. You can safely depend on dental professionals for the much-needed precautionary care and treatment that will keep your teeth in good health during your Invisalign course.
Use Chewies to Keep Them Fitting Comfortably
Chewies are small, cylindrical tools used to help ensure your aligners perfectly fit snugly against your teeth. The use of chewies will avoid gaps between your teeth and aligners, hence helping the progress of your treatment.
How to use the chewie: Chew for about 5 to 10 minutes daily, especially right after the insertion of new aligners. In that way, you can be guaranteed that the aligners will be well seated on your teeth, hence improving the general effectiveness of the treatment.
Final Thoughts: Success with Invisalign-A Matter of Trust in Professionals
Invisalign treatment can indeed deliver life-changing results, but proper care and attention are crucial to achieving a healthier, straighter smile. Following a set of care recommendations ensures that your aligners work as effectively as possible and the treatment proceeds smoothly. Invisalign is a gradual process, but the results are worth the effort when you stick to the dentist’s guidance and take good care of your aligners.
If you’re considering Invisalign or have specific dental care needs, you don’t need to wait any longer. Aurora Smiles, one of the best providers of Invisalign in Stamford, CT, offers expert care to help you achieve your ideal smile. Led by Dr. Amul Patel, a highly skilled dentist in Stamford, CT, the team at Aurora Smiles will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive optimal care during your treatment.
By incorporating best practices, such as cleaning your aligners regularly, following your dentist’s instructions, and wearing the aligners for the recommended duration, you can set yourself up for a highly successful Invisalign experience. Aurora Smiles is dedicated to providing dental care in Stamford, CT, and is always ready to offer guidance and answer any questions you might have throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to contact Aurora Smiles to start your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile with Invisalign.