Patients who want straighter teeth no longer have to rely on traditional braces to achieve a more beautiful smile. Invisalign® clear aligners now make it possible to straighten teeth with less discomfort while using a more discreet approach. These trays are easy to wear and care for but do come with simple suggestions for keeping the teeth as well as the trays clean.
Invisalign®trays are completely removable, which means patients who use them do not need any additional oral hygiene tools or techniques other than what is required for traditional brushing and flossing. However, when and how often brushing occurs will likely change during treatment.
Dental professionals recommend brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Flossing should also take place during one of these dental hygiene sessions. In addition, Invisalign® patients should brush their teeth after every meal.
The clear aligner trays must be removed when consuming anything other than pure water. This helps prevent damage and discoloration. However, if patients do not brush after eating or drinking and before putting the trays back in place, food particles could become trapped against the material and lead to staining. In addition, these particles and bacteria cannot be rinsed away from the tooth's surface when blocked by the trays, which increases the chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Brushing and flossing teeth alone are not enough to keep aligner trays in good shape. Every night, patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to clean the trays thoroughly. In addition, most dentists recommend using an Invisalign®cleaning system or solution to help remove plaque buildup on the trays. This helps keep the aligners clear for an improved appearance while controlling odors as well.
The fact that the trays are removable makes eating and daily hygiene much simpler. However, it can be tempting to remove the appliances and leave them out for longer than is recommended. Doing so will slow down treatment progress. It is recommended that Invisalign® trays be worn for at least 22 hours every day, which means patients need to replace them as soon as possible after eating and brushing.
In general, no dietary changes are needed when using clear aligner trays. However, some patients may notice some discomfort, especially for the first few days after receiving a new set of trays. Dentists often recommend avoiding hard, tough, or chewy foods during treatment, as these can be difficult to enjoy and often make the discomfort worse. In addition, it can be beneficial to limit certain beverages, including:
Beverages with too much sugar can lead to cavities and others that are dyed or darker in color can stain teeth and the trays.
Invisalign® aligners are easy to use and easy to care for. Following these simple practices will help protect the trays and the patient's teeth for an improved treatment outcome. In addition, patients should see a dentist every six to eight weeks for evaluation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.thegalleryofsmiles.com or call Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles at (713) 979-4127 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Houston, TX.
Considering Invisalign®? Modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of many types of teeth straightening options. Clear aligners are offered by a number of brands, with Invisalign® being the most popular. However, individuals who are considering teeth straightening may also consider braces, which are known to be the standard method for correcting crooked teeth, crowded…
As an alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth, Invisalign® has been available for several decades. During that time, it has become very popular because of the advantages it has over traditional braces. Nevertheless, not everyone is a candidate for clear aligners, and braces have some advantages that make them the better treatment option for…
Many people know that Invisalign® involves wearing a series of clear aligners that slowly straighten the teeth. However, not everyone knows about some of the tools that Invisalign uses to make that possible.One such tool is Invisalign attachments. These tiny dots that can be attached to your teeth are often necessary for treatment. You may…
Invisalign® is a new alignment procedure in the field of orthodontics. Compared to braces used since the 1800s, Invisalign has a lot of advantages. Its late development includes the use of later and more advanced technologies. Here is a quick discussion about Invisalign orthodontic treatments.The process of teeth alignment is more than an appearance issue.…
Dental implants are an option for people who need to replace one or more missing teeth. The process involves several steps during which a metal post is surgically mounted into the jaw. The replacement tooth or crown is then secured to the implant, holding the new tooth firmly in place.Missing teeth can have an adverse…
One of the requirements for a patient to be able to get a dental implants procedure is that the patient must have sufficient jaw bone to anchor the implant. Some patients who do not have adequate bone mass may be able to get implants by first having a bone graft procedure.A dental bone graft procedure…
