How to Properly Care for Your Invisalign Trays
Patients who visit Dr. Bruce Wilderman at his practice serving the greater Philadelphia area know that they will receive high-quality dental care using the latest techniques and technologies. One of the most popular advancements in dental care is Invisalign, an orthodontic treatment that doesn't rely on brackets and wires. Since a number of patients have expressed sincere interest in Invisalign, let's now consider what Invisalign is and how patients can properly care for this state-of-the-art orthodontic system.
About Invisalign
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment, using clear plastic aligners in order to adjust the overall position of the teeth along the dental arch. These clear plastic aligners are custom molded to a patient's teeth, designed by a computer in order to achieve proper adjustment of the dental arches. Each aligner is worn for two weeks at a time, at which point a new aligner is provided to aid in the shifting of the teeth.
The results of Invisalign treatment are comparable to traditional orthodontics, though the important difference is that patients with Invisalign trays do not have to deal with brackets and wires as they have their teeth straightened.
When Patients Should Wear Their Aligner Trays
Patients should wear their aligner trays as much as possible in order to ensure a successful treatment.
The only times that a patient should NOT wear their aligner trays are:
- Whenever a patient eats
- Whenever a patient is drinking
- Whenever a patient is cleaning his or her teeth
When your aligners are out and you are cleaning them, consider these helpful tips.
Proper Cleaning of Your Teeth
Patients will want to brush their teeth and floss before they put their Invisalign trays back on. By removing food particles from their teeth, patients will avoid potential issues with tooth decay and cavities as they undergo Invisalign treatment. This is especially important to do after patients have just finished eating something sugary/starchy or have just finished drinking a beverage other than water.
Cleaning Your Invisalign Trays
As for cleaning the Invisalign trays themselves, brushing the trays gently and soaking them in water is ideal. Your dentist or orthodontist may also recommend using denture cleaner to help with the overall cleaning of the trays and help with the removal of any food particles or bacteria in the nooks and crannies.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
While you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, it's important that you avoid smoking and the use of any tobacco products whatsoever. This will help keep your aligner trays clean and will also help prevent issues with tooth decay, tooth discoloration, and gum disease as you are undergoing Invisalign therapy.
Attend Regular Dental and/or Orthodontic Visits
As you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, you will have periodic follow-up visits with your dentist or orthodontist. Be sure to attend all of these dental visits as scheduled. This will allow you to have the progress of your treatment monitored and assessed, and for any issues with dental health to be addressed as they arise.
Learn More About Invisalign
If you would like to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help you address your orthodontic health needs, it's important that you contact our advanced dental care center today.
