Everyone loves a beautiful smile. A smile boosts self-esteem and says a lot about one’s health. With the advancement in dentistry, people no longer have to wear braces to straighten their teeth. Invisible aligners are comfortable, removable, and essentially invisible. While these aligners are aesthetic and convenient, good oral hygiene is crucial while these aligners are being used.
At DentAesthetica Dental Clinic in Gurgaon, a lot of patients are eager to start their aligner journey, but I often get the question, “How do I keep my mouth clean while I have these aligners on?” Here are a few ways to keep that smile beautiful and healthy.
Invisible aligners are clear, removable orthodontic trays that are made from a medical-grade plastic, fitted to snugly slip over the teeth. They are designed to shift teeth strategically over time through a series of customised trays. Every few weeks, patients switch their trays or aligners. Aligners are removable, unlike traditional braces, which means you can take them out while eating, brushing, and flossing.
Eating your favourite snacks in your aligners is music to your ears; however, this convenience comes with a little responsibility. If you don’t follow proper hygiene practices, food particles and bacteria could get stuck in your teeth and aligners, leading to bad breath, cavities, and even gum infection.
Significance of Oral Hygiene in Aligner Therapy
Whenever you have your aligners on, think of them as a sealed environment around your teeth. This is beneficial as then your aligners make uncontrolled teeth movement easy. It then is a little tricky if your mouth is not clean, as the food and plaque remain sealed in contact with your enamel.
This is exactly why regular brushing and cleaning are a must, as it will guarantee the hygiene of your mouth and the aligners, and will make your treatment go as smoothly as possible. Then you shine with a healthy smile, and also your aligners will not embarrass you.
Tip 1 – Brush and Floss Before Putting Your Aligners Back In
You’d be surprised how easy this step can be overlooked, especially during a busy day. Remember to brush your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners in. If you don’t have time for a full brush, please rinse your mouth thoroughly with water in order to wash away food particles.
Flossing helps remove food particles your toothbrush misses. If you don’t floss, you are sealing food particles in your aligners and breeding bacteria.
Tip 2 – Clean Your Aligners Every Day
Just like your teeth, your aligners also need cleaning. Rinsing your aligners under water is not enough. Clean aligners are part of your aligner care routine. Use a soft toothbrush and clear unscented soap, or aligner cleaning solution. Avoid using toothpaste, as it is abrasive and will leave scratches, making your aligners cloudy.
If you want to go the extra step, you can soak your aligners in a cleaning solution your dentist recommends for odour removal and clarity.
Tip 3 – Do Not Eat or Drink With Your Aligners On
One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting to take off their aligners when drinking or eating. Drinking coffee, tea, or juice while wearing aligners will stain them, making them more noticeable. And your aligners will not be more comfortable after drinking hot beverages, as they warp the plastic. Eating with your aligners also traps food and smells, which will make your aligners and your teeth smell.
Remember, for anything other than water, aligners need to be removed. It may seem unnecessarily troublesome, but your teeth will appreciate the effort.
Tip 4 – Drink Water and Eat Healthy
When wearing aligners, people often feel like their mouth is dry, as there is less airflow around the teeth. Drinking water is important to keep your mouth and the rest of your body healthy. It is also important to keep the mouth clean and to keep bacteria levels down.
Sugary snacks and drinks should be kept to a minimum, as they can cause cavities, and the aligners will be on for long periods of time.
Tip 5 – Get Your Dental Check-ups Done Periodically
Though invisible aligners are mostly self-managed, self-care does not mean self-treatment. At DentAesthetica, we ask self-managed patients to come in periodically for progress and health checks. Professional cleaning is not just for surface beauty; it is done to remove plaque and ensure healthy gums.
Your dentist can inspect your aligners for proper fit and whether they are harming your gums and teeth.
Tip 6- Maintain a Personal Hygiene Kit
A mini travel kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and travel-sized mouthwash saves the day for the busy brusher. You can also use your aligner case instead of wrapping them in a napkin. Oval napkin wraps are the major cause for aligners to go missing at lunches!
Invisible aligners are a remarkable privilege. They should encourage comfort, ease and, most of all, the discipline to maintain proper hygiene, limit excessive eating, and go for self-managed oral checks. You will be treated to a beautiful smile!
At DentAesthetica Dental Clinic in Gurgaon, we have successfully supported a large number of patients in their aligner journeys. From the initial fitting to the finish line, our professionals always take the time to explain the entire process, so that you can attain your desired smile safely and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I clean my invisible aligners?
You should clean your aligners at least two times a day, in the morning and before bed. They should also be rinsed every time you take them off to avoid plaque and odour.
2. Can I use toothpaste to clean my aligners?
Toothpaste can be avoided as it can be too abrasive and create small scratches on the aligners, which in turn can make them look cloudy. Instead, you can use mild soap, an aligner cleaner, or the solution prescribed by your dentist.
3. What will happen if I forget to brush before putting my aligners back in?
Forgetting to brush once in a while will not be a problem, but if it becomes a habit, it can result in plaque, bad breath, and cavities. Always make sure to brush or at least rinse your mouth before putting in your aligners.
For those interested in starting the invisible aligners journey or would simply like professional advice on keeping their teeth healthy during treatment, visit DentAesthetica Dental Clinic in Gurgaon. One good habit is all that stands between you and your ideal smile!
