The impact of Invisalign® on oral health

If you’ve been considering tooth straightening to help you transform your smile, you’ll likely be aware of Invisalign®. But can this treatment impact your oral health? And how should you go about maintaining your oral hygiene throughout?

Our Invisalign® experts explore this below - you won’t want to miss this! 

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a convenient tooth alignment solution that has made seismic waves in orthodontics in recent years. 

Providing discreet straightening for those eager to elevate their smile, Invisalign® treatment uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually shift misaligned teeth into more desirable positions.

These trays are bespoke to each patient’s mouth and are worn throughout the day, only to be removed when eating and brushing.

Thanks to the inconspicuousness of Invisalign®, this procedure is often viewed as a more appealing alternative to metal braces.

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What effects does Invisalign® treatment have on oral health?

Prevention of plaque and decay

Invisalign® trays lower the potential for plaque build-ups. Plaque is a harmful sticky bacteria that can cause tartar, a significant factor in the development of tooth decay that often results in severe discolouration, infection and loss of the tooth.

Unlike traditional braces, removable clear aligners reduce the chances of plaque deposits by providing better access for cleaning during treatment.  

Reduced risk of periodontal disease

Misaligned teeth can increase the risk of periodontal disease developing as they’re more difficult to clean properly. 

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, can lead to significant dental issues such as shrinking gums, bad breath or even tooth loss.

However, by gaining straighter teeth with Invisalign® treatment, brushing and flossing become easier as the entire tooth is more accessible. This helps to reduce the plaque and bacteria build-ups that cause unhealthy gums.

Enhanced dental alignment

Those who undergo the Invisalign® procedure gain a more aligned smile, which offers functional benefits as well as aesthetic ones.

A straighter set of pearly whites creates an even bite which helps to improve chewing function and prevent stress on your teeth and jaw joints, boosting their longevity.

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Can Invisalign® have negative effects on your oral health?

While Invisalign® has a mostly positive impact on dental health, there are a few considerations to think about:

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Gum irritation

Although fairly uncommon, Invisalign® can sometimes cause gum irritation. This may be due to the aligner trays that don’t fit correctly, or the edges of the plastic rubbing against your gums.

However, if you go to a reputable and experienced Invisalign® in Norwich provider such as us, you can relax knowing your custom clear aligners will perfectly fit the size and shape of your teeth. You can also use orthodontic wax to reduce Invisalign® gum pain if it occurs.

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Reduced alignment if not worn correctly ‍

Your teeth may fail to align as intended, making oral care more difficult.

But, you can easily alleviate this problem by wearing your aligners as instructed by your Invisalign® dentist. This means keeping them in at all times except while eating and brushing your teeth.

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Does Invisalign® cause bad breath?

Bad breath can be embarrassing, leading to insecurities and impacted self-esteem that can hinder your social and professional life. 

However, as Invisalign® is removable, it makes brushing your teeth and cleaning the trays easier, making maintaining fresher and better breath simpler.

So, how do you care for your plastic aligners?

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Caring for your Invisalign® properly to avoid bad oral health

If you decide to opt for this treatment, you need to follow our expert-approved Invisalign® care tips:

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Clean your aligners

You should clean your Invisalign® aligners every time you brush your teeth. All you need to do is rinse with cold water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food debris. 

For a deeper clean, soak your aligner in cleaning crystals for at least 20 minutes every day to remove plaque and bacteria. Doing this will help to keep them clean, odour-free and hygienic. 

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Avoid sugary drinks ‍

To prevent odours and plaque build-ups in your removable trays, try to only drink water whilst wearing them. 

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Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine

The cleaner you keep your mouth and teeth, the better it is for your plastic aligners. Be sure to brush and floss your pearly whites twice a day and use mouthwash to clear away bacteria. 

To summarise, Invisalign® has mostly positive impacts on your oral and dental health, both during and after treatment. So, why not start your Invisalign® journey today?

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Book a consultation for Invisalign®

If you desire a straighter and more aesthetically pleasing set of teeth, why not get in touch with us to schedule a consultation for Invisalign®?

We’re an award-winning Invisalign® diamond provider with years of experience in the field, so you can relax knowing your new smile is in the best hands.

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