How To Achieve Better Oral Health With Invisalign

Traditional metal braces are a highly effective orthodontic treatment, especially for those with severely crooked teeth. However, one of the drawbacks is that it can be harder to keep those pearly whites clean underneath the bands and brackets. You also typically need special flossing aids to get in between the teeth and dislodge stuck food particles. For those with mild to moderate misalignment, Invisalign is a great choice. And you can likely maintain better oral health with Invisalign than with metal braces.

One of the reasons so many people like Invisalign is that they are more discreet than metal braces. Invisalign consists of removable clear aligners that you wear for 20 to 22 hours daily. The trays are removable for eating and cleaning, making it easier for you to brush and floss.

While it is possible to take good care of your teeth when you have braces, there is no question it is a bit harder. Patients often need an interdental brush to get at those hard-to-reach areas. Plus, food tends to get stuck in your braces while eating. And, of course, we’ve all heard that patients with metal braces have food restrictions too. For example, you must avoid sticky candies, crunchy foods like popcorn and chips, hard foods like nuts, and foods you must bite into like corn on the cob.

Cleaning your teeth with Invisalign is easy.

Invisalign clear aligners are designed for you to remove when you enjoy a meal and when it is time to brush and floss your teeth. Cleaning your teeth when you have Invisalign is the same as how you would clean your teeth without.

• Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a dentist-recommended toothpaste. You can watch the proper method to brush your teeth in this video from the American Dental Association.
• Floss between all of your teeth at least once daily, preferably before bed and after eating for the day. And we know that flossing can be a tricky technique to get right. This video shows you how to properly wind the floss around your index fingers and ensure you are getting all sides of your teeth, including the back.
• Rinse your mouth with fluoridated mouthwash to wash away food particles loosened during the brushing and flossing process.
• If your teeth are still crooked and you aren’t that far along in your Invisalign treatment, you might consider a water flosser to help you get food particles out between your teeth. Water flossers, such as the Waterpik, are great alternatives to traditional floss.

The cool thing with Invisalign is that your only extra step is cleaning the trays themselves.

Invisalign treatment is a breeze for patients.

The best candidates for Invisalign orthodontic treatment are older teens and adults whose jaws are no longer growing and who have the necessary dedication and responsibility to wear their Invisalign aligners as directed.

You must wear your Invisalign aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. When your aligners aren’t in, they aren’t doing anything to straighten your teeth. So remember to put them back in when you are done eating. Not wearing aligners as directed can result in extended treatment time. Most patients complete Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months. Metal braces can take as long as two years.

If you are more prone to decay, Invisalign is a breeze because you can effectively clean your teeth twice a day. And since you should clean your aligners twice a day, too, it ensures you aren’t trapping food particles in those areas where bacteria love to hide and fester.

Contact Tomasik Family Dental and see how Invisalign can be a breeze for you too.

We’re convinced that you’ll love Invisalign as much as we do. Not only is it highly effective in straightening your teeth, but it’s also easy to commit when you see how easy it can be. If you are ready for a straighter smile, request an appointment with your Invisalign dentist in Lakeway, Texas. We look forward to helping you attain your brightest, straightest smile.