When 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 978-475-3997 for an appointment in our Andover office.
.bagnall-blog Quick answer Business trips barely change your aligner routine. Wear your trays 24 hours a day, keep them in while eating and drinking almost everything, and remove them only to brush and floss your teeth and clean the trays. 24/7 Recommended daily tray wear A few days Typical speech adjustment time Fewer visits Office…
.bagnall-blog Quick answer If your Invisalign fits differently today, the most common reasons are that your teeth moved as intended, or the trays were left out too long and your teeth shifted slightly. A snug or tight feeling early in each tray cycle is normal, but a tray that will not seat at all warrants…
.bagnall-blog Quick answer Invisalign may cause a slight, temporary lisp during the first few days that can briefly reduce voice-recognition accuracy. Still, most speakers adapt within about a week, and both their pronunciation and the software normalize. 1 week Typical speech adjustment window s, sh, th Sounds affected first 24 hrs/day Recommended wear time Fewer…