Summary

Your oral hygiene plays a crucial role in the longevity of your oral appliance. 

Whether you’re an implant recipient or recently underwent an Invisalign dental treatment, you must ensure proper hygiene of your cavity and appliance. We suggest this because many patients revisiting the clinic complain about the ineffectiveness of their invisible braces. 

Interestingly, failing to maintain their Invisalign aligners is a significant reason why 4% of clear braces treatments fail. 

Considering the common hygiene tips that a majority of individuals fail to follow, this blog lists out different aspects like: 

• Role of Invisalign in Smile Correction
• An Overview of the Invisalign Treatment Process
• Top Hygiene Tips You Must Follow While Using Invisalign

Continue reading as we learn more about adequate oral health and clear braces in the following sections. 

Role of Invisalign in Smile Correction

Invisalign is an effective way to straighten teeth and achieve a wonderful smile. It offers a comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces. The treatment involves a series of custom-made, clear aligner trays that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. 

Dentists in Taylor, Texas, prepare these trays from smooth, BPA-free plastic, making them invisible when worn. The aligners cover all exposed teeth to the edge of the gums. 

An Overview of the Invisalign Treatment Process

The Invisalign treatment procedure starts with a consultation with an experienced Invisalign dentist in Taylor, who will help determine your suitability. Once determined, the dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth using advanced 3D technology to create your personalized treatment plan. 

Once the experts finalize the treatment plan, creating an initial mold per your cavity is time. Following this, the experts will fit the first tray and suggest you visit the clinic regularly. 

The clear braces treatment process generally lasts for a few months to a year, depending on the severity and condition of the oral cavity. Clear aligners treatment requires you to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours daily during treatment. 

Top Hygiene Tips You Must Follow While Using Invisalign

Proper dental hygiene is essential throughout clear braces treatment to avoid plaque accumulation, cavities, and gum disease. Neglecting oral hygiene can impact both the progress of your Invisalign treatment and your general dental health.

One of the ‘cons’ of the Invisalign treatment is the increased risk for cavities and gum diseases. The plastic aligners prevent saliva from reaching the teeth and gums. Saliva is good for the teeth and protects them against the attacks of cavity-causing bacteria and prevents bacteria buildup that might lead to gum disease. 

Proper Brushing 

Maintaining proper oral hygiene with clear braces involves crucial practices like brushing and flossing. When wearing the aligners, food particles can become trapped, fostering bacteria growth that may result in cavities, bad breath, or gum diseases.

To prevent these issues, dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Ensure thorough cleaning of all tooth and gum surfaces, and replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles show wear.

Adequate Flossing

Flossing plays a vital role in eliminating food particles unreachable by a toothbrush. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque and food debris between teeth. Not flossing is even riskier when wearing aligners because they trap plaque or food debris in place. 

Take your time with these oral hygiene practices, as hurried efforts may lead to missed spots and the persistence of harmful bacteria. Allocate around 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth while brushing, and dedicate sufficient time to flossing between each gap meticulously.

Always rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash for Invisalign to eliminate debris and enhance protection against bacteria accumulation in clear brace trays.

Washing Your Teeth

Besides brushing and flossing, washing your teeth is essential for good oral hygiene. It helps remove bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. 

An alternative way to clean your teeth while using Invisalign is with water. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking helps dislodge food particles between teeth. Adding a small amount of salt or baking soda to the water can enhance cleaning benefits.

Clean Your Tongue Thoroughly

Clean your tongue during oral care as bacteria accumulate on the tongue’s surface, leading to bad breath. Using a tongue scraper or toothbrush to gently scrape the tongue’s surface can help remove harmful germs.

Remember that maintaining proper dental hygiene is crucial when using Invisalign aligners. This practice ensures the aligners remain free from bacteria buildup, preserving their effectiveness in gradually straightening your smile over time.

Use Recommended Products as Directed

When your dentist evaluates your susceptibility to cavities or gum disease, they may suggest specific oral hygiene products for use during your clear braces treatment, like Invisalign mouthwash. Adhering to the directions for these products can assist in safeguarding your teeth and gums, especially during their slightly more vulnerable state.

Certain patients may be prescribed a special toothpaste or gel for home teeth cleaning. Regardless of the recommendation, the aim is to ensure the ongoing health of your teeth and gums throughout the orthodontic treatment with different toothpaste and mouthwash for Invisalign. 

Avoid Other Drinks Besides Water while Wearing Aligners

The liquid from different beverages can penetrate beneath the Invisalign in the mouth, reaching the teeth. Unless it’s water, this can have negative consequences. Any liquid that is acidic or contains sugar should never come into contact with your teeth under the aligner, as saliva cannot neutralize it. 

The straightforward guideline is only to consume plain (non-sparkling) water while wearing aligners. The higher the sugar content or acidity of a beverage, the more detrimental it is to your teeth.

Clean Your Aligners Regularly

Clean your appliance aligners daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque. Use a clear, antibacterial soap and avoid toothpaste, which may be abrasive and create a cloudy appearance on the aligners. Choose a soft toothbrush and gently brush your aligners. A soft toothbrush helps prevent scratches and damage to the aligner surface.

Soak your aligners in a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals as recommended by your orthodontist. Follow the instructions to ensure effective cleaning of gum and Invisalign without developing oral complexities. 

Takeaway

• Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten teeth and achieve a beautiful smile. It provides a pleasant and inconspicuous alternative to conventional braces. 
• Maintain excellent oral care during your braces treatment to minimize plaque collection, cavities, and gum disease.
• Maintaining excellent dental hygiene is essential while wearing clear aligners. This method keeps the appliance germ-free, ensuring its efficacy in gently straightening your smile over time.
• Still have questions? Don’t forget to connect with our oral experts at Taylor Dental and Braces team to learn more about the treatment today!