Should You Floss your Teeth with Invisalign®?
Jan 01, 2023
What Is Invisalign?
It is a type of teeth aligner that orthodontic dentists use to straighten teeth. In orthodontics, Invisalign® is the most preferred and popular alternative to traditional metal braces. They have different features other than metal brackets and wires.
Instead, Invisalign in Wenatchee, WA, features a transparent plastic-like material fashioned into a wearable and removable tray. It covers all your teeth, applying controlled pressure that gradually shifts teeth.
How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?
Invisalign aligners at Confluence Dental Wenatchee are not like any other appliance for moving teeth. Some of the outstanding features of Invisalign braces are:
- They are customized to fit like a glove – dentists in Wenatchee, WA, design Invisalign after the impressions of your teeth. Therefore, they will fit perfectly, so they can apply the necessary pressure to move your teeth.
- They are virtually invisible – the transparent plastic-like material allows you to flaunt your smile throughout your treatment without disclosing more about your treatment.
- They are removable – you can wear and remove the clear aligners any time you want.
- You have to wear them for a specific amount of time daily – orthodontists usually recommend wearing your invisible braces for between 20 to 22 hours daily. The longer you wear your aligners in a day, the quicker the success of your teeth-shifting treatment.
- You need different aligning trays – the first tray of invisible aligners you wear will not be the same one you use throughout your treatment. Instead, you need to replace your aligners every six or so weeks. The initial tray will feel looser, while the new one is more snug to keep shifting your teeth.
- Treatment takes a while – typically, orthodontic treatments in any dental clinic take several months to realize desired results. Invisalign braces can move your teeth after about 6 to 18 months of wearing them.
- Retainers maintain the results of your treatment – after a few months of wearing them, you need to get retainers. They are orthodontic devices that hold your teeth in place after wearing braces. They are crucial to prevent your teeth from shifting to their original positions.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign
Orthodontic treatments with Invisalign are quite successful. However, some factors are crucial to attaining success within a short period, yet with optimal results. They include:
- Wear your aligners for long periods daily – while you can remove your aligners as you wish, ensure you maximally wear them to keep your teeth shifting within the projected period. Wear your clear aligners during the day and at night, targeting at least 20 hours daily.
- Avoid hard foods – ideally, you can eat whatever you want when you undergo orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. However, eating hard foods places unnecessary pressure on your teeth, which can compromise their positioning during the treatment. Besides, your teeth and gums will feel sore and tender during the shifting period. There is no need to place more pressure when you can avoid it.
- Quit smoking and taking alcohol – they can discolor your teeth aligners, damage teeth, and increase inflammation in your gums.
- Keep your aligners clean – it is not just about brushing your teeth. You must alps care for your clear aligners to keep them clean and stain-free. Besides, Invisalign aligners can catch stains, making them conspicuous when you smile.
How Should You Clean Your Invisalign Aligners?
Cleaning Invisalign is a crucial part of undergoing a successful procedure. The dentist should give you a brief understanding of how you can clean your teeth aligners while recommending the best cleaning products.
Guide to Flossing Teeth with Invisalign
Cleaning your aligners is just one part of your dental hygiene. Once you begin your orthodontic treatment, you must heighten your oral hygiene by caring for your teeth as well as the Invisalign aligners. Flossing during Invisalign treatment is crucial because you cover your teeth with an aligner for up to 22 hours a day. For such a long period, plaque can easily hide between your teeth if you skip flossing. Some tips for flossing with Invisalign are:
- Use gentle motions – your teeth and gums are tender and sore due to the movements. Gentleness will avoid hurting your gums.
- Use the correct technique – work the dental floss around your teeth by creating a “C” with the string. Once it’s in place, use an up-and-down motion to remove plaque and food particles.
- Floss daily without fail.
- Rinse your mouth after flossing to remove the loose debris in your mouth before wearing your clear aligners.