Invisalign and Dental Hygiene Invisalign clear aligners are good for treating misaligned teeth and are easy on your overall dental health, especially compared to braces which make oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment a challenge. Here at Raleigh Family Orthodontics, we care about your teeth and want all of our patients to receive the best care they can. Our team of Invisalign orthodontists in Raleigh NC prioritize each patient and will work with you to keep your mouth healthy and clean, and give you instructions on how to perform oral hygiene with Invisalign. What Tools Will You Need?To properly clean your teeth when you have Invisalign, you will mostly need the same tools and cleaning products that you would need without clear aligners. A toothbrush is first and foremost, this will allow you to clean the spaces in between your teeth. If you are going to be using a toothbrush, then you will need toothpaste. You may want a toothpaste that has fluoride in it, but our orthodontists will give you the best option based on your oral health. It is also recommended that you use mouthwash to get in the small spaces that your toothbrush cannot access. Any food debris left on your teeth will be transferred to your aligner when you place it in your mouth. If you are unsure of which mouthwash to use, just ask us and we will let you know which brand will be the most effective for your mouth. The last tools you will need are floss and floss picks. Floss picks are little hoops that go in between the teeth, and are very useful when you are out and about, to have the opportunity to floss your teeth after meals. Once the floss pick goes through the space in your teeth, move it back and forth to loosen any food or plaque, and pull it back through the space. How Do You Properly Brush and Floss Your Teeth With Aligners?Brushing your teeth while undergoing Invisalign treament is very similar to brushing your teeth without aligners. It is extra important to maintain good oral hygiene, being sure to brush and floss your teeth very well, as any food that is left on your teeth will be transferred to the aligner when you put it back in your mouth. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you will take them out of your mouth to eat, drink (anything other than water), and to brush and floss your teeth. This make dental hygiene with aligners much easier than it is with traditional braces. While there are no food restrictions with Invisalign, as there are with metal braces, you still need to be careful. If you can, avoid foods that will lodge particles in your teeth that are hard to remove like corn on the cob, gum, and brittle-like candies. If food particles do get lodged in hard-to-reach places, then use dental floss (whichever type you use and prefer) to get between the teeth. It is also important to wash, or at least rinse out, your clear aligners before and after each use. Wearing Your Invisalign TraysWearing your Invisalign clear aligners may take some time to get used to. After all, none of us are used to having something inside of our mouths for most of the day. It is recommended that Invisalign be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. This will help keep your treatment on schedule and allow your teeth to move into the proper positions as planned. Here are some practical tips for removing your Invisalign aligners to eat or brush your teeth: Start from the BackGently pull the aligners off from your molars (back teeth) first. This loosens the aligner in a way that makes the rest easier to remove without stressing the plastic or your front teeth. Use Your Fingertips or an Aligner Removal ToolUse clean, dry hands to get a good grip. If your nails are short or it's difficult to grip, try a tool like OrthoKey or PUL aligner remover, these are small, hygienic, and designed for safe removal. Remove Slowly and EvenlyDon't yank from one side only. Pull evenly from both sides to avoid cracking or bending the aligner. Try a Paper Towel for Better GripIf your hands are slippery or the aligner is tight, wrapping your fingers with a paper towel can give you extra grip and control. Use Warm (Not Hot) Water FirstSwishing warm water in your mouth for 10–15 seconds can slightly soften the aligner, making removal easier. Never use hot water—it can warp the plastic. Take Your TimeEspecially for new aligners, they may feel tight in your mouth. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging them or irritating your gums. How to Brush Your InvisalignIn addition to brushing your teeth, brusing your Invisaling aligners is important to keep them clean, clear, and odor-free: Use a Soft-Bristled ToothbrushA separate soft toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth) is ideal. Gently brush the inside and outside of the aligners to avoid scratching them. Avoid ToothpasteDon't use regular toothpaste on your aligner trays, it often contains abrasives that can scratch and cloud the aligners. Instead, use clear, gentle liquid soap or a cleanser made specifically for aligners. Brush at Least Twice a DayClean your aligners every time you brush your teeth, ideally after meals and before bed. This helps prevent plaque, odor, and staining. Use Lukewarm WaterRinse and brush your aligners with lukewarm—not hot—water to avoid warping the plastic. Soak RegularlyOnce a day, soak your aligners in Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, or a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for 15 to 30 minutes. After soaking, brush and rinse them thoroughly. Avoid Colored or Scented SoapsThese can leave behind a residue or tint that makes your aligners look cloudy or taste odd. Store Aligners in a Clean CaseAfter cleaning, store them in a dry, ventilated case to keep them hygienic and protected. Invisalign Raleigh NCPatients with questions regarding Invisalign or how to maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing them should contact our Raleigh Family Orthodontics office to find out more. Call our number today at (984) 254-0585 to schedule your office visit. |
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