Invisalign and Oral Health: Tips for Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

Invisalign and Oral Health: Tips for Keeping Your Mouth Healthy from Bagnall Family Dentistry in Andover, MAWhen using Invisalign®, patients must maintain their oral hygiene. The trays gradually move the teeth into a better alignment, which can make them easier to care for. That said, using Invisalign means making small adjustments to daily habits. Fortunately, these changes are simple and easy to add to your routine.

Oral hygiene with Invisalign®

Invisalign trays sit directly on the teeth, so keeping the oral cavity clean is more vital than ever during treatment. Here are the most important things that patients can do to get the most out of their aligner trays.

Brush before insertion

Since Invisalign comprises a series of customized trays, patients can be sure they will fit seamlessly onto their teeth. While this is useful for achieving the desired results, any bacteria or food particles stuck on the teeth will be trapped underneath an aligner.

Therefore, the patient will always need to brush and floss after eating or drinking anything other than water. If access to a toothbrush is limited, the next best choice is to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.

Brush and soak the aligners

Even on clean teeth, the Invisalign aligners will gradually experience bacterial buildup simply by being in the mouth. Patients will need to brush them daily to remove this bacterial film, and they should also brush their tongues to reduce buildup. Be sure to brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and do not use toothpaste; failure to clean the aligners properly can damage them.

Many dentists provide crystals or powders to clean the aligners while they are soaking in water. These compounds work similarly to denture cleaners, and each patient’s dentist will advise them on whether to use these soaks in addition to aligner brushing or as an alternative.

Be honest about discomfort

Patients may experience irritation or soreness in their mouths when using the aligner trays. To keep the mouth as healthy as possible, they should speak with a dentist as soon as any sores appear. Without interfering with the effectiveness of the aligners, the dentist can file down any irritating or rough edges that may have occurred during the trays’ manufacturing process. There is no need for patients to endure uncomfortable rubbing or poking, though such a situation is rare with Invisalign overall.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Andover, MA

Try Invisalign

Straightening your teeth can be exciting, but you can achieve the best results by wearing your Invisalign trays properly and taking good care of your oral health during treatment. By being vigilant about brushing, cleaning the aligners, and ensuring a comfortable fit, you can get the most out of the Invisalign system and enjoy a healthier smile in the end. Contact our office to ask questions about Invisalign or start on the journey to straighter teeth. We would also be happy to answer any of your questions or address any of your concerns!

Request an appointment or call Bagnall Family Dentistry at 978-655-2005 for an appointment in our Andover office.

Related Posts

Invisalign®: What To Expect And How To Adapt

Invisalign® is one of the most revolutionary orthodontic treatments available. This option serves as a clear, discreet way to correct dental misalignments. Invisalign aligners are customized to fit the teeth and are a lot less intrusive compared to conventional braces. The subtlety and convenience of Invisalign have made it a popular choice, particularly for adults…

Invisalign Do’s And Don’ts

Invisalign® is an increasingly popular treatment due to its efficacy and ease of use. These clear aligners straighten teeth without the need for dietary restrictions, metal brackets, or wires. That said, there are some guidelines to be aware of. Explore what to do and not do during Invisalign treatment.Invisalign treatment is a straightforward process: Patients…

When To Consider Invisalign®

Invisalign® is probably the most well-known brand name for clear aligners. Their popularity is due to their ability to straighten teeth flexibly and discreetly and to their SmartTrack™ material, which can move teeth comfortably and accurately. Patients interested in Invisalign need to consider the benefits and if they are candidates.Invisalign is a highly recognizable brand…