Many people who are dissatisfied with their smile turn to Invisalign treatment to improve the alignment of their teeth. If you choose Invisalign, you will need to be extremely vigilant about your oral hygiene. Here are some tips that many dentists give their patients to help them keep their mouths clean throughout their treatment.
7 Tips for Clean Teeth During Invisalign Treatment
1. Brush Whenever You Eat
Brushing your teeth regularly is always critically important for good dental hygiene, and that is particularly important when you have Invisalign. During this time, you should be brushing after eating or drinking anything other than water. If you are on the go and cannot brush right away, be sure to swish your mouth out with some water first and brush once you are able to.
2. Avoid Food and Drink That Causes Staining
Tooth stains are not linked to tooth decay, but they are still a clear indication that your mouth is not as clean as it could be.
To keep stains at bay during Invisalign treatment, avoid dark-coloured foods and drinks, including:
- Coffee and tea
- Wine
- Dark-coloured sodas
- Tomato sauces
- Curries
- Berries
- Soy sauce
If you consume any of the beverages listed above, drink them through a straw to keep them from making contact with your teeth.
3. Floss Regularly
Brushing your teeth is extremely helpful for keeping your mouth clean, but you will be missing many of the food particles and bacteria that can linger between your teeth if you do not floss as well. For a truly reliable clean, be sure to floss at least once a day, preferably after every meal.
4. Rinse with Mouthwash
Want to add an extra layer of bacteria-killing protection to your oral hygiene routine? Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day. This will help to keep your mouth clean between brushing sessions.
5. Remove Your Trays
Invisalign trays must stay in your mouth as much as possible to do their job, but there are exceptions to this rule. Every time you eat or drink something or brush your teeth, take your aligners out. Food and drink can get stuck in the aligners and feed the bacteria in your mouth. The plastic trays will also block your toothbrush’s bristles from making contact with your teeth and keep you from achieving a good clean.
6. Clean Your Trays
Without proper cleaning, your Invisalign trays will harbour all of the bacteria you regularly brush out of your mouth. There are several ways to clean your aligners, including hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, and clear, unscented soap. Clean your aligners at least once a day using your method of choice and a toothbrush you only use for this purpose. Be thorough and consistent – the longer you let bacteria sit on your trays, the more it will grow and fester.
7. Store Your Aligners in Their Case When Not in Use
Aligners that are kept in pockets or abandoned on countertops quickly become exposed to dirt, germs, bacteria, and other harmful substances. Keep yours away from these contaminants by storing them in your plastic case when you are not using them, even if you only plan on having them out for a few minutes. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Get Professional Invisalign Treatment at Trillium Smile Dentistry
If you are interested in straightening your teeth with clear aligners, visit Trillium Smile Dentistry for the expert treatment you need. Dr. Tousi is a leading Invisalign provider in Mississauga whose many patients swear by her ability to get excellent results for even the most challenging cases. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or use our online form to book a consultation and see what she can do to help you improve your smile.
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