At Eastern Virginia Orthodontics, we offer an array of options for our patients to help them achieve straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. Because Invisalign is a clear set of aligners that are virtually unnoticeable and removable, many choose it when they have crooked or crowded teeth. These are some of the best ways to protect your oral health during Invisalign treatment.
Remove Invisalign When Necessary
Remove your Invisalign trays whenever you eat or have to practice your oral hygiene routine. Eastern Virginia Orthodontics recommends that you leave them in 22 hours per day to get the best results from your treatment. However, situations such as eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, flossing, and cleaning your aligners warrant removing them. This not only protects your Invisalign but also protects your oral health.
Brush After Eating
Your Virginia Beach military orthodontist advises you to brush your teeth after eating. This doesn’t just mean after every meal; you should brush even after having snacks. Brushing your teeth every time you eat allows you to eliminate as many excess food particles as possible and prevent bacteria buildup between your teeth and under the gums. It also helps to keep your Invisalign aligners clear of food pieces.
Floss Once Daily
Flossing should be a regular part of your oral hygiene routine. Do it once per day using a 16-inch thread of waxed dental floss. Carefully move the floss between your teeth and under the gum line, cradling each tooth on either side. It can help to eliminate food particles and prevent tartar and plaque buildup that could lead to the development of periodontal disease.
Rinse Out Your Mouth
Rinse out your mouth with mouthwash after each time you brush your teeth. Ask your Virginia Beach military orthodontist which kind they recommend. If you’re out and about, you can rinse using plain water. However, you can also get some small sample bottles of mouthwash and rinse your mouth out anywhere that has a bathroom.
Regularly Clean Your Aligners
Invisalign must be cleaned at least two times per day. You can do that using a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner or a special Invisalign cleaner. Avoid using hot water or mouthwash as they can damage your aligners. Soak them for 15 minutes to remove any excess food particles.
Here at Eastern Virginia Orthodontics, we want to offer you the best treatment to help you reclaim your best smile. If you’re interested in trying Invisalign, contact our Virginia Beach office at (757) 340-2881 to schedule an appointment.
