Invisalign offers a number of benefits over traditional orthodontics. Patients love that they are unnoticeable, comfortable and removable. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign wearers are not presented with extra challenges when brushing and flossing. This is a remarkable advantage towards the health of your smile during orthodontic treatment. However, it doesn’t mean that you get a free pass to neglect the health of your teeth and gums all together.
Although Invisalign trays can be removed for brushing, there are still some things to watch out for. The most significant step you can take towards a healthier smile while wearing Invisalign is to taking diligent care of your aligner trays as well as your teeth.
Most patients have their aligner trays for about two weeks before they get a replacement. That may not seem like a long time, but it is plenty of time for bacteria to harbor inside your trays, especially if your tray gets scratched. Your trays can also seal food particles into your teeth that you may have missed with brushing and flossing. This creates a welcoming environment for tooth decay and even gum disease.
During Invisalign therapy, you can expect to wear your trays about 22 hours per day. Therefore, follow these care tips to ensure your smile stays healthy while it gets straighter:
- Use denture cleaner and a soft-bristle toothbrush to daily clean your trays
- Store your trays in their case when they’re not in your mouth
- Always brush, floss, and rinse your teeth immediately before putting trays back in
- Don’t let trays get dry for long periods of time
- Avoid smoking while undergoing Invisalign treatment
If you have further questions on how to protect your teeth during Invisalign, please give us a call. Park South Dentistry is pleased to offer the latest treatments in modern dentistry, and we are committed to making sure our patients take full advantage of treatments like Invisalign.
