Keeping your oral health in check is crucial, especially when using invisible aligners for straightening your teeth as neglecting proper dental hygiene can lead to stained teeth, bad breath, gum irritation, and much more. An NIH research study clearly outlines the impact of clear aligners on oral hygiene when undergoing orthodontic treatment.
In this blog, we will discuss ways to improve your oral health while undergoing clear alignment treatment.
Table of contents
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What Are Invisible Aligners?
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Invisible Aligners and Oral Health
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Are Invisible Aligners Suitable For Me?
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Oral Health Practices With Invisible Aligners
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Cleaning Your Aligners
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Remove Aligners
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Rinse Thoroughly
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Use Recommended Cleaner
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Rinse Aligner Again
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Let Aligners Dry Out
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Check for Damages
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Conclusion
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FAQs
What Are Invisible Aligners?
Invisible aligners are dental appliances made from BPA-free plastic that gradually apply pressure and move the misaligned teeth to the desired location.
Made from BPA-free plastic, invisible aligners offer easy removability and are recommended by licensed orthodontists to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours on regular basis.
Invisible Aligners and Oral Health
While invisible braces do provide a simple and effective way to fix your misaligned teeth, they are still prone to bacterial growth and plaque accumulation if not properly cleaned, which can cause weakened enamel and gum irritation.
Are Invisible Aligners Suitable For Me?
Malocclusion is among the most prevalent dental issues faced by both adults and children. According to a research study by NIH, “Approximately 93% of adults and 39% of kids face some form of malocclusion.” If you’re looking for the ideal alignment treatment, then clear aligners offer solutions for a wide range of dental issues ranging from mild to moderate gaps, crowding, and targeted bite cases.
Overbite
Overbites are a common type of malocclusion in which the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. As a result, your jaw appears misaligned. Moreover, symptoms of an overbite condition include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, wear and tear of teeth, etc.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth occur when there is limited tooth space in your jaw, leading to an asymmetrical smile pattern.
Teeth Gapping
Teeth gapping is an orthodontic condition where visible gaps in your teeth are observed, which can lead to future dental issues, including crooked teeth and gum-related infections.
Oral Health Practices With Invisible Aligners
Neglecting your oral health during aligner treatment can lead to serious teeth plaque buildup and various oral health problems such as bad breath, gum diseases, and cavities. To ensure your smile stays clean and healthy throughout the clear alignment treatment, here are a few hygiene practices you should consider:
Brushing
To avoid the increased risk of gum diseases and cavity issues during your alignment treatment, it is recommended by orthodontists across the world to brush after breakfast, before placing aligners in your mouth, and before your bedtime.
Ensure that you follow proper brushing methods, use light bristles toothbrushes, and brush your teeth gently. You must also floss in order to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth. If you don’t floss, this increases your chances of plague as aligners “trap” various food particles in your teeth.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks
When undergoing aligner treatment, avoid sugary or acidic drinks, as they can not only stain your aligners but can also lead to potential bacterial growth and erosion of tooth enamel.
Regular Dental Visits
Checking up with your dentist every now and then can prove to be beneficial for your oral hygiene when going through aligner treatment, as they can provide you feedback on your current dental health along with informing you of any concerns that need to be addressed.
Proper Rinsing
Cleaning all the food debris and plaque from your mouth before using aligners can significantly improve your oral hygiene when using invisible aligners. Moreover, rinsing can also help ensure you do not suffer from dry mouth as it also acts as a naturally produced cleansing agent.
Use Oral Products as Recommended
When going for an oral health assessment, the dentist might recommend hygiene products during your orthodontic treatment, such as a fluoride mouthwash for use after brushing or a prescribed toothpaste gel for thorough teeth cleansing.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Properly cleaning and maintaining your aligners can lead to better oral hygiene. Here are the steps you can take to ensure your aligners remain clean after use.
Remove Aligners
You can begin by removing your aligners gently from your mouth to avoid doing any damage to them.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse your aligners under warm water. Avoid using extremely hot water as it can harm your aligners.
Use Recommended Cleaner
Your dentist or orthodontist may suggest the use of a prescribed cleaning solution for your aligners. If so, simply soak your aligners in the provided dental cleaner for about 15-20 minutes.
Rinse Aligner Again
After completing your brushing, you need to rinse the aligners with warm water again.
Let Aligners Dry Out
Before you proceed to put aligners back in your mouth, let them dry out on a clean surface. Ensure your aligners get completely dried out.
Check for Damages
You need to inspect your aligners for any possible damage. If you find any warps or cracks, contact your aligner supplier immediately for timely replacement.
Conclusion
Cleaning your aligners regularly can help maintain ideal oral health. It not only lowers your chances of suffering from dental problems such as weakened tooth enamel but also helps avoid having decay and gum related issues. For an enhanced hygienic experience, it is best to clean your aligners before and after every use to ensure they stay germ-free.
FAQs
1. Do Invisible Aligners harm oral health?
No, using invisible aligners does not affect oral health. However, it is better to consult with a licensed dentist or an orthodontist before starting any treatment.
2. How can I get the best orthodontic treatment without comprimisng my oral health?
For the ideal aligner treatment, always choose reputable provider such as ALIGNERCO.
3. Are clear aligners an effective invisible orthodontic appliance?
Yes, known as an ideal alternative to braces, indivisible orthodontic appliances such as clear aligners provide effective alignment treatment to users.
4. Can clear aligners treat gaps between teeth?
Yes, clear aligners are an effective orthodontic appliance for treating your teeth gaps. Furthermore, orthodontic patients are required to wear aligners for the prescribed time for consistent pressure on the teeth to help close those gaps.
