Simplify Cavity Prevention with Invisalign
Proper oral hygiene is necessary no matter your orthodontic solution, however, there is a treatment that makes keeping up with your hygiene a bit easier: Invisalign. Invisalign involves a series of clear plastic aligners custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually move them into position. The aligners can be taken off as needed, whether you are taking photos for a special event, eating a meal, or brushing and flossing!
Whether you decide to pursue traditional braces or cutting-edge Invisalign, read these tips for preventing cavities and caring for your teeth throughout your treatment with our expert orthodontists in Albany and the rest of the Capital Region.
Brush After Every Meal
Regardless of your orthodontic treatment method, it is essential to maintain consistency when brushing your teeth. While it may be an adjustment learning how to brush around your braces, your effort will pay off in cavity prevention! If you are looking for a way to make dental hygiene easier to keep up with, consider Invisalign, as your aligners can be removed, allowing you to brush your teeth with no obstacles.
We recommend brushing your teeth after you finish eating. Your toothbrush should be small and flexible, able to navigate around your braces. For best results, brush using the following technique:
- Use a circular motion to brush the teeth, focusing on the outside and inside of your teeth.
- Spend time brushing the crowns of your teeth, where you chew your food.
- Be sure to brush around all wire brackets to remove food particles.
- Don’t forget to brush your gums, tongue, and cheeks.
- Rinse and spit as needed.
- Brush for a minimum of two minutes.
Floss At Least Once a Day
Flossing with braces doesn’t have to be as tricky as it might seem. A water pick can make flossing a breeze, but even without one, you can properly floss your teeth. If you have traditional floss, take enough of it out to wrap around each index finger. Use floss threaders or move the floss by hand under the wires to get between the teeth, and floss using a “C” motion.
Even with all the tricks mentioned above, many people find that flossing with Invisalign is easier, as you can simply remove your aligners and floss your teeth normally. No matter which orthodontic treatment you choose, however, you’ll come to find that as your teeth are brought into alignment, it becomes easier to floss between them.
In addition to flossing daily, we recommend bringing floss wherever you go in case you need to remove something from your teeth or brackets when you’re not at home.
The Benefits of Treatment with Adirondack Orthodontics
In addition to helping you achieve your ideal smile, braces bring you to our office for routine visits. Our Albany orthodontists will examine your teeth during these appointments, adjusting your braces and monitoring the health of your teeth. We will be able to identify any issues, like developing cavities, before they get worse. However, the proper brushing and flossing techniques will keep your teeth in great shape and save you from needing any fillings.
If you need more information on the proper care methods, don’t hesitate to contact us or ask during your next appointment at Adirondack Orthodontics! Still haven’t started your journey to your ideal smile? Set up a consultation to get braces in Albany or any of our other Capital Region locations today!
