When you have Invisalign braces there are steps you can take to properly eat and drink without damaging your aligners. Here are some helpful tips to make eating and drinking with Invisalign braces more comfortable and less worrisome.
Remove Your Aligners
One of the easiest ways to ensure that you don’t damage your aligners while eating is to simply remove them. Take your aligners out before eating and drinking then clean them thoroughly with a toothbrush and warm water. Remember to always brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Avoid Staining Beverages
If you choose to drink beverages while wearing your aligners, try to avoid staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. These beverages can discolor your aligners and make them more noticeable over time. Stick to clear beverages like water or sparkling water.
Cut Your Food into Smaller Pieces
When eating, try cutting your food into smaller pieces. This will help you chew more easily and reduce the risk of damaging your aligners. Avoid biting into hard or crunchy foods, which can cause your aligners to shift or crack.
Rinse Your Mouth After Eating
After eating, rinse your mouth with water to remove any food particles or residue. This will help keep your aligners clean and prevent bacteria from building up. Preventing bacteria buildup is important when you have Invisalign braces, as it can help keep your aligners clean and prevent oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Keep Your Aligners in a Safe Place
When you remove your aligners keep them in a safe place. Avoid placing them on a napkin or tissue, this can lead to them easily being thrown away or lost. Instead keep them in their case to prevent damage or loss.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when you have Invisalign braces. Be sure to brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Here Are Some Tips for Brushing and Flossing With Invisalign Braces:
Brushing:
- Remove Your Aligners: Take your aligners out before brushing your teeth.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Brush: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and aligners to prevent damaging them.
- Brush Thoroughly: Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, focusing on all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Rinse and Clean Your Aligners: After brushing rinse your mouth and your aligners with water. You can also choose to use a mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals to clean your aligners.
Flossing:
- Remove Your Aligners: Take your aligners out before flossing.
- Choose the Right Floss: Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to floss between your teeth and under your aligners.
- Floss Carefully: Be gentle when flossing to avoid damaging your aligners. Use a back-and-forth motion to slide the floss between your teeth and remove any food particles or plaque.
- Rinse Your Mouth: After flossing rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining debris.
- Clean Your Aligners: Before putting your aligners back in it is best to clean them with a toothbrush and mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals.
Follow Your Dental Professional’s Instructions
Finally, make sure to follow your dental professional’s instructions for wearing and caring for your aligners. They will provide you with specific guidelines to ensure that your treatment is successful.
We at Art of Dentistry Institute want to ensure that your desired results are achieved in the best possible way. To find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign in the Orange County area including Irvine Invisalign and Newport Beach Invisalign, contact us to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!