How to Protect Your Oral Health during Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is probably the most wonderful way to achieve a straighter and healthier smile. It involves using clear aligners that gradually help shift crooked teeth and align them in their usual position. 

While putting the invisible aligners on for most of the day is essential, there are also certain measures that need to be practised for overall oral health promotion. This blog explains some of the main ones that are a must during Invisalign treatment. Read on.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign are transparent aligners; made of a clear, biocompatible plastic. They fit snugly to your dentition, giving slow and gradual pressure to move the misaligned teeth into proper position.

However, one of the disadvantages that Invisalign shares with fixed braces is an increased risk for dental cavities and gum disease. Although the risk is lower for Invisalign, the plastic barrier does not allow the saliva from reaching the gums and teeth. This can pave the path for harmful bacteria to invade the gums. 

Also, in some patients, aligners aggravate TMJ problems. The thickness of the plastic gently alters the way the teeth come together while biting. Although this does not affect the temporomandibular joint much, individuals with an existing dysfunctional TMJ may face worsened symptoms.

Now, the question arises – what can help ensure the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw joints remain healthy while your Invisalign treatment goes on. In the following section, we have enlisted a few measures for this.

Top 6 Tips to protect oral health while undergoing Invisalign

1. Maintain regular oral care

Following a good oral hygiene routine at home is the best method to promote dental health when you are wearing clear aligners. Invisalign prevents saliva from reaching the teeth and gums, thus diminishing its protective effect against harmful microbes.

Since aligners are meant to be worn for at least 22 hours each day, the risk increases even more. So, it is essential to brush twice a day, preferably after waking up (morning) and before going to sleep (at night). This must be followed before popping the aligners back into the mouth. Also, employ the right brushing technique – gentle, circular motions that lightly cleanse the gum line.

Besides brushing, you must also floss the teeth. It is one of the best ways to eliminate plaque and stuck food remnants in between tooth gaps. This holds special importance when you are undergoing Invisalign treatment; for the aligners potentially ‘trap’ the debris, and keep it intact.

2. Attending regular dental visits

Invisalign aligners need to be changed after every two to three weeks, and this requires visiting the orthodontist. He helps evaluate the treatment’s progress and suggests necessary changes that can enhance dental health. These sessions necessarily involve monitoring tooth movements, checking for decays and gum problems and implementing dental cleanings.

3. Staying away from beverages (especially sugary) while wearing aligners

Getting accustomed to transparent aligners is comparatively easy than keeping them off. It is a common thing for people to forget the aligners in their mouths, leading them to drink beverages unknowingly. The disadvantage is that these drinks seep below the aligners and come into contact with the teeth. Over time, the sugars and acids accumulate, harming the enamel and causing dental decays. The only exception is water – you can drink it as much as you want leaving the aligners intact. Water acts as a natural cleanser keeping your aligners plus the mouth fresh.

4. Rinsing the mouth before putting the aligners back

The best you can do is: cleaning all the stuck food debris and plaque from the teeth before popping the aligners back over the mouth. However, it is understood that brushing and flossing may not always be possible. In such cases, you must swish plan water in your mouth vigorously – this will wash loose food remnants away. 

5. Using your dentist’s recommended oral hygiene products

When your dentist evaluates your teeth and mouth for cavities or gum diseases, special oral care products will be recommended. It is best to follow his advice during the course of Invisalign treatment as that can lead to better results. Also, your teeth and gums will be less vulnerable.

Usually, a fluoride mouthwash is prescribed that needs to be used after brushing and flossing. By swishing it before reinsertion of the aligners can help flush out the unwanted debris. Also, you can accumulate fluoride over your teeth for strengthening purposes.

Sometimes, additional prescription for special toothpastes and whitening gels may be recommended for home oral cleaning routine. Whatever might be the recommendation, it helps to ensure well-being of your teeth and gums throughout this special orthodontic treatment. Following such simple instructions will help maintain your oral health while straightening misaligned teeth.

6. Not ignoring TMJ symptoms

Although this does not hold true for every Invisalign patient, but everyone must be aware of the signs and symptoms that may arise with aligner treatment. If you notice any of the following symptoms below, inform your dentist immediately so that prompt steps can be taken.

• Painful sensation in or the front part of the ears
• Persistent ringing in the ears
• Abnormal clicking or popping sounds while opening or closing the jaw (particularly during chewing)
• Close locking of the jaws, making you unable to open the mouth
• Opening of the jaws associated with a tight ‘lock’ where you are unable to close the teeth

Upon noticing any of such signs during your Invisalign treatment, it is best to stop wearing the aligners. You can simply try putting single aligners (either the upper or the lower set) for the time being to check if the symptoms disappear. If you have severe TMJ problems, then you may need to use the traditional braces instead of Invisalign aligners.

Conclusion

With several clinics being available in London for Invisalign treatment, it is easier to obtain a more personalised approach to teeth straightening procedures. Thus, do not sit back if you are suffering from crooked teeth – book an orthodontic consultation for professional guidance.