Overcrowded, crooked, or gapped teeth can impact more than just your oral health. They can also leave you feeling overly self-conscious about your appearance. Fortunately, your dentist can straighten your grin discreetly with Invisalign which utilizes clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth to gently reposition them.
However, because you must wear them for 22 hours every day, harmful bacteria have plenty of time to flourish in the spaces between your aligners and your teeth. You could develop cavities or gum disease as a result. The best way to prevent this is by keeping your mouth clean with a regular oral hygiene routine. Keep reading to learn 4 helpful tips for proper oral care with Invisalign!
Tip #1: Remove Your Aligners
Although you must wear your Invisalign most of the time, there are instances when you should remove them. Ideally, you’ll take them out twice daily to brush and floss. You should also store them in a safe container while you enjoy your meals because they’re not intended to chew food and can be abrasively damaged. That said, you shouldn’t leave them out of your mouth too long because your teeth might revert to their previous placements.
Tip #2: Brush Your Teeth
You’ll need to spend extra time maintaining your teeth to avoid dental problems because germs and food particles become trapped in your aligners when you put them over your pearly whites. If you’re not careful, they can easily create plaque buildup that leads to cavities or gum disease. You should brush both morning and night to eradicate unwanted microbes. It’s also a good idea to scrub them after each meal so no bits of food are captured.
Tip #3: Rinse Your Mouth
You can also safeguard your teeth by rinsing them with water once you’ve brushed them because it can loosen any remaining bacteria or leftovers that you might have missed. Plus, water has a natural pH balance to counteract acid damage from the foods you eat, which can protect your enamel.
Tip #4: Floss
There are many types of floss to choose from so it’s not hard to find one that will glide easily between your teeth. Traditional floss can be wrapped around your fingers, but if you have mobility challenges then you might opt for flossers or a Waterpik, instead.
To thoroughly eradicate germs, slide the string between two teeth and move it slowly towards your gumline. Then, gently press it into “C” shape and run it back and forth. Repeat this process until you’ve addressed the tissue around every tooth to ensure that nothing is left behind.
By making a few slight adjustments, you can keep your smile happy and healthy throughout your Invisalign treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Luke Vernon offers a wide array of services to people of all ages, including Invisalign. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and then graduated from their School of Dentistry with his dental doctorate. He takes pride in providing efficient and effective dental care using the most advanced technology and techniques. Plus, he and his staff create a welcoming, friendly environment so that you can look forward to your visit. If you’d like to straighten your smile, you’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (720) 902-8080.