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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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