Do Invisalign Wearers Need To Change Their Daily Oral Hygiene Habits?

Many people opt to undergo Invisalign® because of how easy and unassuming the system is. While it is true that the system is both those things and significantly less complicated than traditional braces, Invisalign® wearers should prepare to alter their oral hygiene habits to accommodate the trays and to ensure the best possible outcome.
Daily oral hygiene habits with Invisalign®
When it comes to daily oral hygiene habits, patients do not need to do much different than the pre-Invisalign® days. Because the trays are removeable, a person can easily take them out to brush or floss for the recommended two minutes both in the morning and before going to bed at night. Depending on what a person ate, a quick brush-and-floss session between meals may be necessary. Ideally, patients should brush at a 45-degree angle to stimulate the gums and ensure the gums do not become sore beneath the trays.
Patients should also take care to remove the trays before eating. If food gets in the trays, it could become stuck and lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay, thereby defeating the system's efforts.
If a person chooses not to brush between meals, they may want to consider swishing with mouthwash. Mouthwash can deactivate harmful bacteria as well as dislodge food trapped between teeth.
While Invisalign® wearers do not necessarily need to avoid any foods, there are certain foods that should be avoided. For instance, sticky popcorn, sticky candies and surgery fruits can leave a thick residue on the teeth. If allowed to sit, the sugar can eat away at the enamel and lead to tooth decay.
Maintaining the Invisalign® trays
In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene throughout the duration of Invisalign® treatment, patients also need to maintain the trays. After handling a tray, a patient should properly wash their hands with soap and water and then rinse off the tray. Patients should thoroughly clean the trays at least twice a day, ideally when it is time to brush and floss in the morning and at night.
To clean the trays, a patient should take a soft toothbrush with mild toothpaste and scrub the inside and outside of the aligners. Once the trays have received a thorough scrubbing, the person should rinse them with warm water. However, dental professionals recommend against using hot water, as hot water can warp the aligners. Patients should also avoid mouthwash and denture cleaners, as both these can alter the color of the trays.
Removing the trays
Patients should take care when removing Invisalign® trays, as removing them too roughly may damage the plastic. To remove the trays, a person should use only the fingers to pull the tray from the inner side of the back molar. A person should do this for both the top and bottom trays. When not in the mouth, the trays should be placed in the proper container.
Conclusion
Invisalign® can drastically alter the look of one's smile, but to be effective, the trays must be treated with care and the patient must maintain good oral hygiene habits. Discuss Invisalign® with your dental professional today.
Are you considering Invisalign® in the Benicia area? Get more information at https://beniciadentist.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Root canals effectively treat infections or damage inside a tooth, offering a chance to save the tooth and restore oral health. While these procedures are widely successful, understanding the potential risks can help patients feel more confident and prepared. Knowing how to avoid complications is important in ensuring the best possible outcome.Root canals involve carefully…
An emergency dentist is vital when unexpected dental problems arise, providing immediate care to address pain, damage, and other urgent issues. Comparing an emergency dentist to an oral surgeon is important for understanding which professional can best meet a patient's needs. While both play critical roles in maintaining oral health, their training, focus, and treatment…
Treating crooked teeth does not just improve your smile's appearance; it can also improve your dental health. Clear braces can straighten teeth, offering numerous benefits: Lower risks of tooth decay Lower risks of gum disease Decreased tooth or jaw pain Improved digestion Improved speechEven though they do not utilize traditional wires, brackets, and bands, clear…
You may be considering implant supported dentures already. Part of considering this option is to know how long these teeth replacements will last. These dentures are an investment. Taking care of them is an order. If you want to know how to extend the life of your implant supported dentures, here are the details.This applies…