Why Do I Need Bone Grafting for My Dental Implant?
You’re excited about the prospect of getting a dental implant to restore your smile, but then you’re told you’ll need bone grafting first. What is a bone graft and why do you need one?
4 Invisalign® Cleaning Tips
Invisalign® has been a preferred method of tooth straightening for years. The clear, nearly invisible aligners are convenient, comfortable, and typically work faster than conventional braces. However, could they be contributing to tooth decay?
At the practice of Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili in Fairfax, Virginia, Dr. Yalamanchili provides Invisalign treatment for teens and adults, letting you enjoy a straighter smile in less time than with metal braces. Here’s what she wants you to know about keeping your aligners clean and your smile healthy during your treatment.
1. Regular Rinsing
Rinse your aligners in water every time you take them out, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This includes when you remove them to eat, for a photo, or any other time you need to take out your aligners for whatever reason. Plain water is fine for this type of rinsing your aligners before reinsertion. However, before going to bed, you need to do more than just rinse.
2. Brush properly
Your aligners need to be brushed just like your teeth do. Use a very soft bristled toothbrush and Invisalign cleaning crystals to clean saliva and food particle debris from your aligners. If you don’t have crystals you can use a mild unscented liquid soap, and rinse well. You’ll need to brush your aligners at least once a day every day.
3. Soak nightly
Every night before going to bed, soak your aligners in an Invisalign approved cleaning solution for 125 minutes. This soak will help remove stains and lingering biofilm that can cause cavities. Your dental provider will let you know what products they recommend for you to use to soak your aligners. Rinse in plain water after soaking, then reinsert your aligners for the night.
4. Have good oral hygiene
Your teeth still need the same attention they would if you didn’t have aligners. In fact, you’ll need to be even more careful about brushing and flossing since aligners can trap extra bacteria and food particles against your teeth during wear. Brush and floss after each time you eat if possible, or at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before reinserting your aligners.
These tips can help keep your aligners clean and ready for use, and your teeth protected from cavities while you’re having Invisalign treatment. The goal isn’t just an aesthetically pleasing smile, but teeth and gums that stay healthy throughout treatment and beyond.
Call us today at 703-213-5312, or book a consultation online to learn more about tooth straightening and Invisalign.
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