Invisalign and Oral Hygiene: What You Should Know

Invisalign straightens teeth using clear, custom-made aligners, offering a comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces. The aligners are also removable, making it easier to maintain oral health throughout the treatment process. Here is what you should know about Invisalign and oral hygiene to ensure a healthy and successful journey towards a straighter smile.

Daily brushing and flossing

Unlike traditional metal braces, which can make brushing and flossing more challenging, Invisalign aligners are removable. This convenience allows patients to maintain their regular oral care routine, including brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing once daily.

Dentists typically recommend that patients wear their Invisalign aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily. However, they must remove the aligners when they eat or drink something other than water. Once finished, they should brush and floss their teeth before reinserting the aligners. This can prevent saliva, bacteria, and food debris from accumulating on the teeth while keeping the aligners in good shape.

There are situations when brushing and flossing immediately after eating are unrealistic, such as going out to dinner with friends or colleagues. Before putting in the trays, the individual should rinse their mouth completely. Keeping a travel toothbrush and toothpaste on one's person can also prevent food debris from accumulating between meals throughout the day.

Limit consumption of staining foods or beverages

In contrast to traditional metal braces, patients do not need to restrict what they eat or drink. However, they should try to limit the foods and beverages they consume during Invisalign treatment that cause staining. These may include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Dark sodas
• Acidic fruits (e.g., grapefruit and blueberries)
• Juice

Instead of consuming staining beverages, drink water throughout the day. Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential for overall health and oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment. Drinking plenty of water also helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and bad breath.

Cleaning the aligners

Just like cleaning their teeth, patients should also clean their Invisalign aligners regularly to prevent bacteria and food debris from accumulating. Avoid using hot water or abrasive toothpaste, such as whitening toothpastes or those that contain baking sodas. These can damage the aligners' material and affect their long-term effectiveness.

Instead, patients can clean their aligners by gently brushing them with a toothbrush and mild antibacterial soap. Additionally, they can use a special Invisalign cleaning kit recommended by their dentist or orthodontist. These special cleaning solutions allow patients to deep clean their aligners and ensure they are ready to be worn throughout the day.

Visit the dentist regularly

Most patients will need to visit their dentist every four to six weeks during their Invisalign treatment. These visits help the dentist evaluate the treatment progress and ensure the patient's teeth are moving into their desired position, making changes as needed. They will also check for any sudden changes in the patient's oral health and recommend oral hygiene tips or techniques to lower the risk of tooth decay or gum disease during treatment.