Thanks to advancements in orthodontics, you no longer have to live with crooked or misaligned teeth. If you’re unsure about traditional braces, you can go for another popular option, such as Invisalign. The process may last about a year on average, and you must maintain your oral health during that time. Here are ways to maintain oral hygiene with Invisalign.

Don’t Eat or Drink With Them

According to the official Invisalign website, over 15 million people use Invisalign to improve their smiles. One of the many benefits of this type of treatment is that you can remove them to eat and drink. It’s important not to eat or drink with them on. This is because if you drink while using the aligners, you may accidentally stain them. Drinking hot liquids, such as coffee or tea, with them on may also cause the plastic to warp. You can also damage them when eating, which can set back your treatment.

Brush After Every Meal or Snack

After removing them before a meal or snack, don’t make the mistake of putting them right back on afterward. Before you put the aligners on after your meal or drink, you should brush your teeth first. Otherwise, your teeth will sit with food particles in these aligners for several hours. It can exacerbate decay or gum issues as a result.

Clean the Aligners

Don’t forget to clean your aligners as directed. Invisalign often comes with a cleaning kit that you can use for a weekly deep cleaning soak. However, you must clean them daily with a toothbrush, lukewarm water, and mild soap. Don’t use mouthwash as it can also warp and discolor the plastic.

Maintain Dental Appointments

Throughout treatment, go to all your scheduled dentist appointments. After all, your smile still needs a regular check-up to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Plus, you need to visit your cosmetic dentist to switch out your aligners every couple of weeks. Your cosmetic dentist can make sure your teeth are correctly aligned and no underlying issues have developed. As you can see, there are several steps to ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums while undergoing this process using Invisalign. Straight teeth can improve your smile, confidence, and overall health, so it’s worth the effort. Contact Encino Friendly Dental Center today to set up a consultation to start treatment.