While you’re at home, you need to take steps to clean and care for your smile, and that includes any orthodontics you may be using! In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist, Dr. Cabal, is offering tips on keeping your Invisalign® aligners clean and brushing and flossing properly, so you maintain optimal oral health even if you’re stuck at home!
Cleaning Your Invisalign® Aligners
Each morning when you wake up, you brush your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste (or at least, you should). Be sure to take time to clean your aligners with soap and water at this time as well, as bacteria can accumulate in them over night. Never drink anything other than water while you wear them, and always remove them before meals. After you eat, rinse them again before placing them back into your mouth. Find time each day to soak them as instructed by your orthodontist. Another tip: Don’t wash them with scented soap or toothpaste with colors, as this could discolor your aligners. We will be happy to address any questions you have about cleaning your aligners and keeping smiles healthy throughout the treatment process!
Brushing and Flossing If You Have Braces
Before brushing, be sure you remove any bands or elastics. Clean around your brackets and move the toothbrush up and down over the wire as well. Now, move onto your teeth. You should brush them for two minutes each session, once when you wake up and again before going to bed. Then rinse your mouth thoroughly.
When you floss, use waxed tape, as unwaxed tape could become caught in your orthodontics or shredded and torn by them. Bring them tape under the wire and gently move up and down each side of the teeth and under the gum line in a “c” motion. This removes the trapped tooth particles a toothbrush may not reach. Do this every night before going to bed. By caring for your teeth like this, you limit the risks of teeth stains, tooth decay, and even gum disease!
If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message online or call. If you encounter an emergency situation, such as damaged orthodontics or broken aligners, then let us know, as this could cause discomfort or impact your treatment process.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about caring for your smile or cleaning your orthodontics. To schedule a consultation and learn more, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, and all surrounding communities.
