How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene While Wearing Invisalign® Trays

Invisalign clear aligners are a popular choice for achieving a straighter smile without the hassle of traditional braces. Like any orthodontic treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene during your Invisalign treatment is important for preventing issues like cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Fortunately, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and make it easy to keep up with your regular oral hygiene routine.

At Junée F. Gardy DDS, PA in Naples, FL, Dr. Junée F. Gardy helps patients enjoy successful Invisalign results while keeping their teeth and gums healthy. Keep reading to learn how to care for your teeth and aligners during Invisalign treatment.

Are there any risks with Invisalign?

Wearing Invisalign trays creates an enclosed environment over your teeth, which can trap food particles and bacteria if proper care isn't taken. This increases the risk of:

• Plaque buildup
• Cavities
• Gum inflammation or gingivitis
• Staining on the teeth

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment ensures your teeth stay healthy and strong, while also helping you achieve the best Invisalign results possible.

How do you clean Invisalign trays properly?

Cleaning Invisalign aligners is just as important as brushing your teeth. Follow these steps for keeping Invisalign trays clean:

• Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water before reinserting them
• Brush your trays gently with a soft toothbrush
• Avoid using hot water, which can warp the aligners
• Use a specialized cleaning solution or crystals recommended for Invisalign to remove buildup

Cleaning Invisalign trays daily prevents bacteria and plaque from accumulating on the aligners and transferring to your teeth.

Do I have to brush my teeth before putting Invisalign back in after eating?

Invisalign treatment requires some additional steps in your oral hygiene routine to ensure your teeth and gums stay in great condition. Whenever possible, patients should brush their teeth after eating before reinserting Invisalign trays to avoid trapping food and other particles against the teeth for extended periods of time. Some tips for dental hygiene with Invisalign include:

• Brush your teeth after every meal
• Floss daily to remove debris between your teeth
• Use fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods that can contribute to tooth decay

Proper oral hygiene not only keeps teeth healthy but also prevents discoloration or staining that could compromise the clear appearance of aligners.

Can teens get Invisalign?

Invisalign Teen® is designed specifically for younger patients, offering the same benefits as standard Invisalign aligners with additional features like compliance indicators. Teens can follow the same hygiene practices as adults, ensuring they brush after meals and clean their trays regularly. At Junée F. Gardy DDS, PA, Dr. Gardy provides guidance to help teens maintain their oral health and achieve a confident, healthy smile with Invisalign Teen. If you have other questions about Invisalign for teens or adults, don't hesitate to ask.

Get straighter teeth the easier, more convenient way with clear Invisalign treatment in Naples, FL

Achieving a straighter smile with Invisalign doesn't have to come at the expense of your oral health. With guidance from Dr. Junée F. Gardy and a dedicated dental hygiene routine, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile throughout your Invisalign journey and beyond. Contact Junée F. Gardy DDS, PA in Naples, FL, today to schedule a consultation and learn more about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen options.