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Starting your orthodontic journey is exciting and a major step toward achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. But keeping your braces or Invisalign aligners in top shape requires a bit of know-how and a few extra steps in your day-to-day routine. With a bit of effort, you’ll be able to protect your teeth and braces or aligners, keeping your treatment on track and minimizing any potential setbacks. Here’s your go-to guide for caring for braces or Invisalign, with tips designed to help you stay comfortable, on schedule, and smiling!
Mastering Oral Hygiene: Brushing and Flossing
Maintaining good oral hygiene is a must when you’re wearing braces or Invisalign. Braces create spaces where food particles can easily get trapped, while Invisalign aligners need regular cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup. For braces, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and an interdental brush to clean around brackets, wires, and between teeth. You may also find a water flosser handy for getting into tight spots.
With Invisalign, remember to brush your teeth and rinse your aligners after every meal to avoid trapping food and plaque inside the trays. Clean the aligners themselves with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water (avoid hot water as it can warp the trays), and never use toothpaste, as it can scratch them.
Watching What You Eat
Food choices play a major role in keeping braces in good condition and your aligners clear. With braces, sticky and crunchy foods like caramel, gum, popcorn, and hard candies can damage brackets and wires, slowing down your progress. Instead, stick to braces-friendly snacks like yogurt, soft fruits, and smoothies.
Invisalign offers more freedom with food, but aligners must be removed before you eat or drink anything other than water. Eating with aligners in can cause discoloration, and it may even warp the trays if they’re exposed to hot foods or drinks. Just remember to store your aligners in a case while you’re eating so they don’t get lost or damaged.
Dealing With Discomfort
Some level of discomfort is common when you’re adjusting to braces or switching to a new Invisalign tray. With braces, sore spots from wires or brackets can be relieved with orthodontic wax placed over the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also helpful after a new wire adjustment.
Invisalign patients might feel tightness or mild soreness each time they switch to a new set of aligners, which is normal. Wearing your new aligners for shorter periods on the first day and gradually increasing the time can ease the transition. Both braces and Invisalign wearers can benefit from a soft diet for the first couple of days when their mouth feels tender.
Staying Consistent With Your Treatment Plan
Consistency is key when it comes to getting the best results from your braces or Invisalign. Braces need regular adjustments, usually every 4 to 8 weeks, to keep your treatment on schedule. Be sure to attend each appointment, as skipping can delay progress.
Invisalign wearers need to stick to their treatment schedule by wearing aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Skipping time or not changing aligners on schedule can lengthen the treatment timeline.
Protecting Your Braces or Aligners During Physical Activity
Protecting your braces or aligners is essential for active patients. For braces, wearing a mouthguard during sports or high-impact activities can shield your teeth and brackets from unexpected impacts. Specialized orthodontic mouthguards are available and made to fit comfortably over braces.
Invisalign users should remove their aligners during sports and use a standard mouthguard for protection. If you’re worried about losing your aligners during a game, keep them in a secure case when not in use.
Ready to Start Your Smile Journey With Stewart Smiles?
Caring for your braces or Invisalign may take a little extra effort, but the results are well worth it! At Stewart Smiles, we’re here to guide you through every step, from initial placement to achieving your beautiful new smile. Ready to learn more about starting your braces or Invisalign journey? Contact Stewart Smiles today to schedule your free exam!
