Being able to brush without navigating around brackets and wires (and having the freedom to eat their favourite foods) are things most teens enjoy about Invisalign treatment. But, oral hygiene is still critical to successful treatment. Here, our BC orthodontists provide oral hygiene instructions for teens with clear aligners.
Oral Hygiene with Invisalign Teen
For busy, image-conscious teens who need orthodontic treatment, Invisalign's clear aligners can be appealing for a few reasons. The fact that the smooth plastic aligners are transparent means there's no need for concern about the aesthetics of the brackets and wires that come with braces.
Plus, since clear aligners are removable, teens often find it easier to brush, floss and maintain their current oral hygiene routine. And being able to eat all their favourite foods means your teen may feel as if they're missing out on less than they would if they had to cut out popcorn and other popular snacks and treats.
However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is still critical once your teen receives their Invisalign clear aligners, since the success of their treatment depends on their commitment to keeping their mouth clean and cavity-free.
Practicing great oral hygiene habits during Invisalign treatment is critical to maintaining oral health - and good quality of life. In this post, you'll find some facts about Invisalign Teen and tips for maintaining oral hygiene during treatment. Here are some tips to share with your teen:
1. Brush right away or drink water after eating.
Placing your aligners back in your mouth immediately after finishing a meal means dangerous bacteria will mix with food particles and get trapped between your teeth and the aligner. Acid is produced and attacks the teeth, resulting in cavities and tooth decay.
To avoid that, it's important to take some time to brush and floss. If this isn't possible, drink water to rinse your mouth. Our BC orthodontists recommend carrying a travel toothbrush and toothpaste if you plan on dining out.
2. Rinse your aligners every time you remove them.
Along with keeping your teeth clean, maintaining and cleaning your aligners is another important element of oral hygiene care with Invisalign. When you take your aligners out to brush or floss your teeth or eat, rinse them to remove dried saliva and any plaque that may have accumulated. This will also eliminate lingering bacteria and odors.
Soak your aligners in special Invisalign cleaning products, denture cleaner or retainer cleaner. You might also opt to use a soft-bristled toothbrush topped with non-abrasive toothpaste, a cloth or cotton swab. Use only warm water, as hot or cold water can change the form of your custom-made aligners and jeopardize your treatment process.
3. Cut or limit stain-causing foods and beverages from your diet.
While you won't have any restrictions on what you can eat or drink while undergoing Invisalign treatment, limiting your intake of foods and beverages that are known to cause stains can help keep your smile white and bright while it's being straightened.
Here are some items you might want to limit to prevent staining to your teeth or aligners:
- Juice
- Soy or red pasta sauce
- Tea
- Coffee
- Wine
- Juice
- Soda
- Acidic fruits such as grapefruit
4. Store your aligners in a case.
Whenever you take your aligners out for any reason, it's critical to store them in a case to keep them clean and safe from damage. If left on a sink or table, they can pick up bacteria and germs that can make their way into your mouth. Your Invisalign aligners come with a special case to store them in.
5. See your orthodontist for regular check-ins.
Another important aspect of treatment is checking in with your orthodontist at My ORTHODONTIST every 4 to 6 weeks. During these appointments, you and your orthodontist will address any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment, oral hygiene or other issues and make adjustments as required.
Invisalign Treatment for Teens at My ORTHODONTIST
At My ORTHODONTIST, we understand teens and their parents have specific concerns when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Specific orthodontic issues, lifestyle factors, current oral health and other aspects are considered when choosing the most appropriate treatment option for each patient. Invisalign has become a household name for orthodontic treatment among teens, adults and children who are aiming to straighten their smiles.
When you and your teen come in for a consultation with our orthodontists at My ORTHODONTIST, we can assess their orthodontic issue and discuss any questions or concerns you may have about treatment options and oral health. We look forward to explaining how Invisalign and other orthodontic treatment options can help address any orthodontic problems
If you or your teen are curious about Invisalign and are interested in learning more (and perhaps having your mind put at ease) about treatment times, common myths and misconceptions, whether braces would be the correct orthodontic treatment for your teen's orthodontic condition or other topics, please don't hesitate to read our Invisalign FAQs or contact us.