My Invisalign treatment Journey

Saturday, April 16, 2011

How to brush & floss braces

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Tooth Brushing


Tooth Brushing

When:   2 times per day and rinse after each meal.

With:   A soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

How:   Use  a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Use circular motions  around the gum lines and the surfaces of your teeth, 10 Seconds on each  tooth. At an angle, work bristles of brush over, under and past the  wire that runs From one tooth to another. Then brush the chewing  surfaces of your teeth and brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth  as well. Rinse thoroughly.


Dental Flossing

When:   At least 3 times a week.

With:   Dental floss and floss threader.

How:   Insert  floss into threader. Place threader between gums or under the wire.  Floss using an up and down motion along the teeth. When you are  finished look in the mirror to be sure your teeth and braces are shiny  and your gums are firm. If your gums are sore and/or bleeding, rinse  them with salt water. These problems will quickly disappear with proper  oral hygiene.





Additional Aides to Keep Your Teeth Clean and Healthy

      * Water pik
      * Anti-plaque, pre-brushing rinse
      * A fluoride rinse or gel for extra protection
      * Interplak or Rotadent mechanical toothbrushes





Waterpik Tip

The Waterpik can be an incredible help when cleaning a permanent retainer or traditional bracket style braces. I definitely recommend getting the more powerful counter top model. You'll find that after a few uses, not only will it be easier to clean between teeth, but your gums will be healthier as well.



I watch some TV, I've found it to be effective to sit down in front of the TV daily with a toothbrush without toothpaste, and massage the teeth and gums with the toothbrush bristles for about 30 minutes. Thirty minutes gives you plenty of time to do a good job, and makes TV time more productive. Brushing while listening to music or studying is also accptable. The most important time to brush is just before going to bed.  So PLEASE take your time and do it right♥.



-♥Essie☺

Invisalign Aligner/Braces Care

Invisalign Braces Care



Taking care of Invisalign clear aligners is very simple. Every time you brush your teeth you can brush your aligners as well. They can also be soaked and cleaned in a denture cleaner while you are busy eating. The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign cleaning kit. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.



It is not advisable to remove your aligners at night.



Thanks to the removable nature though, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you’re required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and proper hygiene. Beside's it's just NASTY!!!! :D


I discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.




You cannot chew gum while wearing your aligners. It will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.

DO NOT EAT M&M's W/ the aligner in --I learned that from experience
If you eat with the aligner in the food will get stuck inside of the aligner where other can see and it's not a pretty site :( **people will stareeeeee

Trays May Cause Some Irritation To The Lips, Tongue, And Cheeks
IF THIS OCCURS:
•Use wax to stop the irritation
•Buff trays with an emery board to smooth rough edges
•Rinse with warm salt water to help heal irritation
•Products like Zilactin-B or a peroxide based rinse can be helpful, and are available over the counter

Things TO DO During Invisalign Treatment:
•Wear each set of trays for at least 2wks, unless otherwise instructed
•Wear each set of trays for 18- 20 hours a day, unless otherwise instructed
•Use denture cleaner tablets to clean trays at least once a day
•Always place trays in case when not in your mouth
•Always remove trays by starting from the back molars
•Always place trays in from the front of your mouth first, and then move to the back molars
•You may drink water while wearing trays or use a straw for dark liquids
•If possible, brush or rinse before placing trays back in your mouth
•Clenching into trays w/ your aligner chewies during the first 2-3 days helps teeth move faster and relieve pressure. Only clench for 30-40 sec each quadrant, and repeat for 5-10 min, but only do this if you have no history of jaw problems
•Wear trays as instructed in sequential order
•Keep 2 to 3 of your previous trays in a clean plastic bag

Things NOT TO DO During Invisalign Treatment:
•Throw away trays
•Leave trays out of mouth for long periods of time
•Chew gum with aligners in your mouth
•Leave trays in hot vehicle, or boil them (They are plastic!)
•Leave trays sitting out for pets or small children to chew on
•Wrap trays in a napkin (You will throw them away!)
•Place trays in your pocket without a case
•Have dental work done while in treatment, EXCEPT for regular checkups and cleanings
•Eat while wearing trays
•Remove trays from the front teeth first
•Drink dark teas, coffee or soda with trays in (Use a straw)
•Set trays on table at a restaurant
•Bite trays into position, this may damage them
•Use mouthwash or toothpaste on trays(the invisalign will become foggy/discolored- really unattractive & nasty/dirty look)

Teeth may begin to feel slightly mobile or loose during treatment, this is normal.


Non-compliant wear of aligners may result in the need for new impressions and additional fees. So were the aligner as instructed by your ortho. Beside not listening to is like giving away however many Thousand$$$ you spent on them... I paid about $6,000(I'm a college student w/ no dental plan... so you can only image I follow everything to a T and always asking questions

-♥Essie