You might think of your crooked or gapped teeth as an aesthetic annoyance, but the truth is misalignments can also detract from your dental health. Gaps in your grin trap food that attracts bacteria that contribute to oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Not only that, but if you can’t reach all sides of your teeth, it’s harder to keep them clean.
Your dentist can reposition your smile with Invisalign, but you must care for your teeth carefully to prevent problems with this treatment. Continue reading to learn 3 tips to help them sparkle despite your orthodontics!
Step #1: Remove Aligners
Invisalign treatment requires you to wear the clear plastic trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep your pearly whites from reverting to their previous placements, so you have limited time for cleanings. However, it’s essential that you remove the aligners twice daily to thoroughly wash all sides to get rid of leftover food, plaque, and germs that have built up throughout the day.
It might help to set a timer so you know how many remaining minutes you have to cleanse your mouth and orthodontics without going over your time budgeted for the task.
Step #2: Brush Thoroughly
Your trays are pressed tightly over your teeth and gums for all but a couple of hours daily, giving germs plenty of time to erode your enamel or penetrate your connective tissues. You must brush your teeth for a full two minutes to remove residue to prevent potential cavities and periodontal problems.
You should also gently scrub your aligners with a soft-bristled brush and unscented dish soap that won’t abrade the clear plastic material. Remember not to use overly hot water during this process because it can warp them, so they no longer fit.
Step #3: Floss Gently
Next, you’ll need to floss to remove germs and plaque from between your teeth and below your gumline. To do so, create a C using traditional string floss and work it gently between your chompers with a smooth up-and-down motion, pushing it into the socket of your gums. Repeat on each side of your tooth, working your way through the arch.
If you struggle to manipulate the smooth waxed material, you might try floss picks or a water flosser that relies on a pressurized stream of H20 to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Finally, you can rinse with mouthwash to ensure no germs remain hidden and run water over your Invisalign before placing them back over your teeth.
Incorporating these steps into your daily dental hygiene routine can keep your smile happy and healthy throughout your Invisalign treatment!
Meet the Author
Dr. Russell Teasdale has several decades of experience improving patients’ quality of life by addressing oral issues that contribute to jaw pain and sleep disorders. He earned his DMD at Washington University in St. Louis and has completed thousands of hours of continued training through Spear Education and other institutions. Today, he provides various services to correct misalignments, manage aches, and help you get a solid night’s rest. He takes the time to learn about your unique needs, then utilizes state-of-the-art technology to customize solutions to meet them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (503) 974-3829.