The best NHS dentist in Hawick is as this information may change frequently and is subjective to personal opinion. However, I can provide you with some tips and best practices for caring for your teeth during Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Although this treatment is known for being more discreet than traditional metal braces, it still requires special care to ensure that your teeth stay healthy throughout the treatment process. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind while undergoing Invisalign treatment.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
One of the most important things you can do during Invisalign treatment is to keep your aligners clean. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause bad breath, cavities, and other dental problems. To clean your aligners, rinse them with warm water every time you remove them from your mouth. You can also use a clear anti-bacterial soap to gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush. Avoid using hot water, as this can warp the aligners.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Invisalign aligners can trap food particles and bacteria against your teeth, so it’s important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day, taking care to clean between each tooth and along the gum line. You can use an interdental brush to help clean between the teeth where the aligner may make it difficult to floss.
Avoid Eating or Drinking Anything Other Than Water with Your Aligners In
When you’re wearing your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to avoid eating or drinking anything other than water. Food particles and sugary drinks can get trapped in the aligners and cause tooth decay. Drinking sugary drinks can also cause discoloration of the aligners. If you do need to eat or drink something other than water, remove your aligners first and be sure to brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Keep Your Mouth Hydrated
Dry mouth can be a problem during Invisalign treatment, especially if you’re wearing your aligners for most of the day. This can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of tooth decay. To combat dry mouth, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help keep your mouth hydrated and flush away any food particles and bacteria that may be trapped in the aligners.
Don’t Skip Your Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during Invisalign treatment. Your dentist will be able to monitor your progress and check for any signs of decay or gum disease. They may also recommend additional cleaning or treatment if necessary. Be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist throughout your Invisalign treatment.
Avoid Smoking and Chewing Gum
Smoking and chewing gum can both be detrimental to your oral health, especially during Invisalign treatment. Smoking can stain the aligners and increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Chewing gum can cause the aligners to become misshapen or dislodged, and can also cause tooth decay if the gum contains sugar. If you must smoke, do so after removing your aligners, and avoid chewing gum altogether.
Store Your Aligners Properly
When you’re not wearing your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to store them properly to prevent damage or loss. Keep them in their case when they’re not in your mouth, and avoid leaving them out in the open where they can be damaged or lost. It’s also important to keep the case clean by washing it with soap and water every day. You don’t want to store your aligners in a dirty case, as this can increase the risk of bacteria buildup.
In addition, it’s important to keep your aligners away from pets, especially dogs. Dogs are notorious for chewing on things they shouldn’t, and your Invisalign aligners can be a tempting target. Not only can this damage your aligners, but it can also be harmful to your pet if they ingest any pieces of the aligner.
If you do lose or damage an aligner, be sure to contact your dentist or orthodontist right away. They may need to create a new set of aligners for you to continue with your treatment. In some cases, you may need to wear your previous aligner until a new one can be made.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your teeth during Invisalign treatment is important to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and your treatment is successful. Keep your aligners clean, brush and floss regularly, avoid eating or drinking anything other than water with your aligners in, stay hydrated, don’t skip your dental check-ups, avoid smoking and chewing gum, and store your aligners properly to prevent damage or loss. By following these tips and best practices, you can enjoy a successful Invisalign treatment and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
