The most sought-after teeth aligners are the clear ones because of their comfort and low visibility. But for them, oral health should be observed keenly while in the process of using the braces. Patients undergoing aligner treatment at a dental practice in Wichita Falls should consider paying close attention to oral hygiene practices. Below are some tips that will assist a person in maintaining healthy teeth while using clear aligners.
In What Ways Do Clear Aligners Affect Hygiene of Teeth?
One of the disadvantages that are associated with clear aligners is that they make it slightly difficult to clean the teeth properly. However, unlike ordinary braces which are bonded to the patient’s teeth, aligners are removable and thus will not hinder proper dental hygiene.
However, users need to remove the aligners often for cleaning and as a result, one has to be very disciplined. Bad breath can also develop in the gaps between your teeth, it’s good to clean your teeth before putting the aligner back again to avoid the buildup of bacteria.
Which are Among the Key Practices You Should Undertake for Cleaning to Be Effective?
In order to keep the aligners clear and your teeth healthy, start practicing a proper hygiene schedule. Clean the aligners with a toothbrush and then rinse the aligners with warm water. Do not make use of hot water in washing the dishes because it will cause the plastic to change its shape.
Also, it is advisable to use mild soap to wash the aligners so that it can clean the aligners without scratching them by removing any kind of buildup. Also, do not forget to brush your teeth at least twice a day, therefore floss daily to get rid of the plaque and residues of food materials in between teeth.
How Effective Is Diet in Eradicating Tooth Decay?
Nutrition has direct implications on dental health and it becomes even more critical when using clear aligners. That is why it is better not to consume many sweets or foods and drinks that are rich in acids, as they negatively affect the teeth and cause caries. This is why you should go for better kinds of food such as fruits, vegetables, and cheese among others.
If you are to take some foods that may be likely to deposit on the teeth, make sure to take some water to rinse your mouth with. This is useful in relieving the tongue from food deposits and sugars that trigger decay.
Should You Use Additional Oral Care Products?
There are other oral care products that can be included in the routine in order to extend its effectiveness. Fluoride-containing toothpaste is advisable for use because it strengthens the enamel on the teeth and therefore reduces vulnerability to the formation of cavities. The use of fluoride or antimicrobial-containing mouth rinses may also be helpful.
Some patients use interproximal brushes or water flossers to clean hard-to-reach areas which manual brushing might not efficiently clean, besides contributing to the overall dental hygiene of their patients throughout the aligner treatment.
Why It is Essential to Undergo a Routine Dental Examination?
If you are getting clear aligners or any other orthodontic treatment, you should pay a dentist a visit every six months, at least. Arrange the visits on a half-yearly basis or depending on the dentist’s advice. At these visits, your dentist is able to evaluate your brushing and flossing effectiveness, assess the state of your enamel, and offer prophylactic oral hygiene.
In addition, they are available to give you recommendations depending on your case so that you get to have a healthier smile during the process of using the aligner.
Conclusion
Caring for teeth when using clear aligners must be done with a lot of diligence to prevent tooth decay. When you clean yourself, eat right, use the right oral treatment products, and do not forget the scheduled visits to the dentist, then you will be treated well. Maintaining a consistent course of oral hygiene during this time will not only improve the performance of your aligners but guarantee that all the efforts put in to make your smile look healthy and beautiful for many years will yield positive results.
