647-795-5806
So, you’ve decided you want Invisalign with Dr. Hughes? Teeth straightening is an investment in your smile, and can bring you a whole host of benefits during and after treatment. But many of our patients also ask us questions about how to best care for their teeth while undergoing Invisalign. Do they need to make any dietary changes? Do they need special tools to keep their teeth or aligners clean? A lot of these questions can be answered by a few simple tips. Read along as we explore dental tips to keep in mind during your treatment.
The Right Toothbrush
Did you know that toothbrushes have different bristle types? The two most common ones are the hard and soft bristles, but soft-bristle toothbrushes are preferable. They don’t erode the enamel, and are more comfortable for your gums as well. Don’t worry too much about the shape of the handle though; it’s all about your brushing techniques, and not the toothbrush itself.
Sugar-Free Gum
One of the great advantages of Invisalign is that you can eat your chewy or sticky snacks (just be sure to remove the aligner before your do so). This includes treats like sugar-free gum! Chewing gum is good exercise for your jaw and muscles, but chewing sugary gum can wreak havoc on your teeth. But with sugar-free gum, you can chew to your heart’s content and won’t leave residue that bacteria will scoop up. As we said above, just make sure that you’re not wearing your Invisalign aligners when chewing gum.
Flossing with Invisalign
Another trait that makes Invisalign stand apart from metal braces is how easy it is to care for your teeth. With metal braces, patients had to get special tools to floss between their teeth, but with Invisalign you don’t need to worry about that. You can remove your aligner for your daily oral regimen, and that includes flossing easily. When flossing, be sure to run the floss around each side of your tooth and under your gums for deep clean.
Warning Signs of Tooth Decay
With all this freedom to eat what you want with Invisalign, one can get a little carried away from the choices available. That’s why it’s also important to keep up good oral habits and check your mouth for signs of decay. These warning signs include:
- Dark pits or holes in your teeth
- Brown or black stains on the tooth
- Temperature sensitivity (pain when you eat something hot or cold)
- Pain when you bite
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms during your Invisalign treatment, please let us know right away so we can take a look at the condition of your teeth.
Is Invisalign Right For You?
Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to care for your teeth while wearing Invisalign, find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment here in Toronto. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and discover your candidacy for this unique treatment.
