Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums. When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, it’s important to continue taking care of your teeth and gums to ensure the best possible outcome. Without proper oral hygiene, you can develop issues like tooth decay or gum disease. Unfortunately, these can interfere with your alignment progress and diminish your new smile.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing regularly is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene. When using Invisalign, it’s important to brush your teeth after every meal and before reinserting your aligners. This helps remove any food particles or bacteria that may have accumulated during the day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth thoroughly, including along the gum line and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
In addition to brushing, it’s important to floss daily. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. If you leave plaque between your teeth, you can experience several dental concerns. In fact, flossing is one of the most important parts of your daily oral routine.
Clean Your Aligners
Just as it’s important to keep your teeth clean, it’s also important to keep your Invisalign aligners clean. Rinse your aligners with warm water every time you remove them, and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any buildup or bacteria. You can also use special Invisalign cleaning crystals to keep your aligners fresh and clean.
Without cleaning your aligners, food particles and plaque buildup will be trapped near your teeth and gums. Not only can this cause bad breath, but this can also cause decay.
Avoid Foods and Beverages That Stain
Foods and beverages that stain your teeth can also stain your aligners, making them more noticeable and harder to clean. Avoid dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. Also, foods like berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce can change the color of your aligners. If you consume these foods or beverages, brush your teeth and clean your aligners as soon as possible.
Use a Mouthwash
A mouthwash can help freshen your breath and kill bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease. Look for an alcohol-free mouthwash that contains fluoride to help strengthen your teeth. Rinse your mouth with the mouthwash after brushing, flossing, and reinserting your aligners.
Attend Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health, especially when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist can monitor your progress with Invisalign and check for any issues or concerns. They can also provide additional tips and advice for keeping your teeth and gums healthy while wearing Invisalign.
Following these tips and tricks lets you keep your teeth and gums healthy and enjoy a beautiful, straight smile with Invisalign.
