A whopping 90% of adults aged 20 to 64 still experience tooth decay. These stats show that oral health in the US hasn’t improved much. They also show the importance of building strong dental habits when wearing aligners.
So you’ve taken the exciting leap towards a straighter smile with Invisalign. To ensure your treatment goes well and you get the best results, you’ll need to make some key changes. Since your routine will change, talk to your Invisalign doctor about proper care.
Your doctor can give you tips on cleaning, eating, and maintaining your aligners. Making these changes can impact the success of your Invisalign treatment. Here are important care tips to check with your doctor:
Brushing and Flossing With Invisalign Aligners
Brushing and flossing are even more important when wearing Invisalign aligners. Tiny food particles could get stuck in the teeth and aligners, leading to cavities and bad breath. Brushing and flossing teeth regularly removes these particles, keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
A clean aligner fits snugly against your teeth, ensuring it works effectively to move them into the desired position. Food debris can cause the aligner to become loose or ill-fitting. As such, it may hinder treatment progress.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Since you’ll be brushing with your aligners out, follow your regular brushing routine. However, gently brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap before putting them back in.
Avoid harsh toothpaste or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the aligner surface. Floss daily to remove food particles or plaque from your teeth and below the gum line. Ask your Invisalign doctor for recommendations on the best flossing technique for you.
Eating and Drinking With Invisalign
While Invisalign allows for more freedom than traditional braces, there are some dietary adjustments to consider. Sticky and chewy foods like candy, gum, and caramels can damage your aligners. Hard foods like nuts and raw vegetables should be cut into small pieces to avoid cracking or breaking the aligners.
Sugary drinks and coffee can stain your aligners and contribute to tooth decay. Water is the best option for staying hydrated while wearing your aligners. If you drink other beverages, remove your aligners and rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in.
Since food particles can stain and damage your aligners, remove them before taking food. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking sugary beverages before putting your aligners back in. This helps prevent the transfer of sugar and food particles to your aligners.
How to Clean Aligners: Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners
Your Invisalign aligners are the key to achieving your dream smile, so treating them is essential. Clean the aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap. Gently brush the inside and outside surfaces, removing any food particles or plaque build-up.
Don’t use hot water as it can warp the aligners. You should also rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water before putting them back in. Always store your aligners in their dedicated case when not in your mouth.
Proper storage helps protect the aligners from damage and keeps them clean. Leaving them out in the open or wrapped in a tissue can expose them to bacteria. Either way, always handle your aligners by the sides with clean fingers to prevent streaks and keep them looking clear.
And if you lose your aligners, contact your Invisalign doctor immediately. They can advise you on the best course of action. For instance, the doctor may suggest you wear your previous aligner for a few extra days or provide you with a replacement.
Tracking Your Progress: Staying on Top of Your Invisalign Journey
Monitoring your progress is a crucial part of any orthodontic treatment. So, agree on a personalized treatment plan with your Invisalign doctor. The plan will help you understand how your teeth will move.
It will also show what milestones to look for. Common milestones include achieving a snug fit with your aligners. Others include noticing gaps closing between teeth or experiencing minor adjustments.
Your doctor should track your daily wear time with an app or a simple log. Tracking helps find any unconscious removal of the aligners. It ensures you’re on track with your treatment schedule.
The initial snugness should gradually give way to a more comfortable fit as your teeth move. At the same time, any significant looseness or discomfort could mean a problem. You should see your doctor about it.
Dealing With Discomfort
Invisalign treatment is generally comfortable. But, expect some discomfort at the start. You may also feel it when switching to new aligners.
Your Invisalign doctor will suggest ways to manage any discomfort that might arise. They may prescribe pain relievers and natural toothache remedies. Pain-relieving drugs help manage mild discomfort during the first few days.
Simple techniques (like applying a cold compress to your cheek) can help reduce aligner discomfort. For sharp or irritating pressure points, your doctor might recommend chewies or teethers. They apply gentle pressure and adjust the fit of your aligners in specific areas.
Keeping Your Appointments
An Invisalign appointment can be for a consultation. It could also be to check your progress during treatment or get new aligner trays. Follow-up appointments happen every 6-8 weeks to check progress and ensure the aligners fit.
Regular check-ins with your dentist are vital to your treatment journey. These appointments aren’t just about monitoring progress. They help ensure that your aligners fit properly and maintain your oral hygiene.
Your Invisalign doctor will closely examine your teeth and aligners fit during your appointments. They can assess if your teeth are moving as planned, identify potential issues early on, and make necessary adjustments. For questions about your treatment or any unexpected changes, your dental practitioner is your best resource.
Consult With an Invisalign Doctor Today for Personalized Advice
Proper Invisalign care will give you the beautiful, healthy smile you want. So, don’t hesitate to discuss these tips with your Invisalign doctor. They help you navigate your teeth straightening journey with confidence.
Ready to start your Invisalign journey? At Weiss & Tor Orthodontics, we create personalized smile plans with braces, Invisalign, and other dental treatments. Schedule your free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your dream smile.