If you or one of your children have recently had braces or are using another orthodontic appliance, you may be concerned about dealing with orthodontic emergencies. You can feel confident knowing that true emergencies associated with braces are rare. Also, we are here to help and address any concerns you may have.
When to Schedule an Appointment for an Orthodontic Emergency
It is true that loose and poking wires can be frustrating and painful. However, if you schedule an appointment and have them looked at within a few days, you do not need to worry about any adverse impact on your overall treatment. Look at the common orthodontic emergencies below and some tips on managing some emergencies at home. Feel free to call us anytime if you or your child need to come in for a special appointment.
Tenderness and Soreness
After having braces put on or having an adjustment done, dealing with soreness is common. You may notice that your mouth just feels generally sore. Or you may notice a tender feeling when biting down on food. Or there may be pinpointed areas in your mouth that feel irritated, like your cheeks, lips, or tongue.
There are simple at-home treatments you can use to deal with the first few days of general soreness. Make a warm salt water mouthwash and rinse your mouth vigorously with it to relieve discomfort. If the soreness is severe, take a pain medication, like something you would use for a headache.
In areas that feel uncomfortable because they are coming in contact with the surface of the braces, use wax. We provide wax to all of our clients in the kits given to them after having braces applied. If these symptoms persist, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Loose Wires, Brackets, and Appliances
Loose wires can poke the inside of your cheeks and cause discomfort. A good solution may be covering the wire with wax. Or you may be able to put the wire where it is supposed to be using tweezers. If none of these solutions help, clip the wire and cover it with wax. Contact us to set up an appointment and have the wire repaired.
A loose bracket that has completely detached should be wrapped in a clean tissue. Call us right away to schedule an appointment and have the issue addressed. If it is attached to the wire, do not move it. Pull wax over it, and give us a call.
Any loose appliance that is poking or bothering you can be temporarily addressed using wax. Call us to find out what to do next. We will likely schedule an appointment where you can be examined and have a problem addressed.
A Poking Wire
A poking wire is a common complaint among those who have recently had braces applied or adjusted. You may be able to use a pencil eraser to adjust the wire into a position that is more comfortable. Cover it with wax and see if the pain goes away after a couple of days.
If you cannot adjust it, cover it with wax. Contact us to schedule an examination if you do not think it is just a matter of the area toughening up and getting accustomed to the wire.
In the United States, over 90 percent of adults will develop tooth decay to some degree. While statistics are showing some improvement with children’s oral health, tooth decay affects approximately 40 percent of kids between the ages of two and 19.
Preventing cavities, gum disease and tooth decay can be achieved with proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing, flossing and attending regular visits with a dentist or orthodontist.
Diet also plays a big part in oral health. We need certain vitamins and minerals in order to keep our teeth strong and healthy. Let’s talk a bit more about the vitamins and minerals that we need to have in our diets.
Calcium
You can keep your teeth strong and healthy by getting enough calcium in your diet. If you aren’t getting enough calcium, your body can actually take some from your bones and teeth.
Calcium-rich foods include dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese. Green vegetables and soy products are also high in calcium. There are also cereals that are fortified with calcium.
Vitamin D
This is one of the most important vitamins to add to your diet if you don’t think you’re getting enough. Your body can’t properly absorb calcium if you’re not getting enough vitamin D. It also helps with your immune function and bone health. Vitamin D can naturally be acquired through 15 minutes in the sun each day, or you can opt for fortified orange juice, fatty fish and milk.
Phosphorus
The majority of phosphorus that we consume will go straight to our teeth. This is another mineral that plays a big part in calcium absorption. It can also help repair tooth enamel. You can find phosphorus in plant-based foods like lentils, nuts, meat, eggs, seeds, soybeans and dried fruit.
Iron
Iron is used by the body to maintain a healthy level of red blood cells. When you have adequate red blood cells, your body will fight against infection and diseases. If you have a low functioning immune system, you’re at a higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. Look for iron in fortified cereals, bread, green vegetables, red meat and eggs.
B Vitamins
All the B vitamins should be part of a regular diet. This can help treat and prevent mouth sores and bad breath. You can get B vitamins naturally from spinach, leafy green, almonds and dairy products.
Vitamin A
While it’s also good for the eyes, vitamin A can help the body clean out bacteria from the mouth. It can also promote adequate saliva, which would flush out food particles from the mouth. Add in some oranges, leafy greens, dairy, poultry, eggs and red meat to your diet.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has the ability to perk up the blood vessels in your body that support your oral health. It can also boost your immune system. If you’re low on vitamin C, you may notice that you are more prone to bleeding gums and inflammation in your mouth. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best source of vitamin C.
Potassium
You can boost your bone mineral density and teeth density by increasing potassium through bananas, prunes, avocados and lima beans.
It may seem like a lot to process, but these vitamins and minerals will come naturally to your family when you’re eating a healthy diet. You can mix and match all kinds of different foods to get the results that you want. If you aren’t confident yourself or your kids are getting enough of a certain vitamin or mineral, a supplement can help round out a nutrition profile.
Contact Creed Orthodontics for more information on Orthodontics for children, teens and adults.
Did you graduate from a recognized post-dental school graduate program?
Any general dentist can offer orthodontic treatment, but they are NOT specialists in orthodontics. To be a specialists of orthodontics, dentist must have attended an orthodontic graduate program for 2-3 years after graduating from Dental School. An easy way to figure out if your orthodontist is indeed a specialist, you should figure out all of the treatments he provides. If your orthodontist offers treatments that a general dentist offers like dentures, fillings, and crowns then odds are that your orthodontist is not a specialist.
Orthodontics specialists usually stay in their field and only provide orthodontic services. So why does this matter? A Specialist of Orthodontics has at least two years more experience in learning and practicing orthodontics than a regular dentist. They study numerous cases, develop skills to properly diagnose patients, learn techniques on how to properly change the location of teeth, and most importantly study the growth and maturation of their patients. While they are in their program for those 2-3 years they are assigned their own patients to provide treatment to, but they are also supervised and observed by their professors assuring that they are learning how to do everything properly.
So if you’re looking to straighten your teeth with Braces or Invisalign, your best option is to visit an orthodontic specialist.
Cypress, Texas Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed is a board certified specialist in orthodontics and is an expert in dental braces and Invisalign for children and adults. We invite you to call 281-256-3838 or visit www.creedorthodontics.com for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation.
The Importance of a Proper Bite
When parents think of orthodontic care for their children most people imagine a preteen or teenager in need of braces. However, proper orthodontic care begins much earlier than the teenage years. As a matter of fact by evaluating children as young as 6, many parents can guide proper jaw development. By taking a proactive stance on the proper development of the jaw and bite alignment can save parents significant amounts of money down the road.
Understanding Interceptive Orthodontics
More often than not, orthodontic issues simply grow worse over time without any intervening treatment. For this reason, it is extremely important to address any bite or jaw development issues as soon as possible in order to “intercept” the problem. This is where interceptive orthodontics comes into play.
Interceptive orthodontics’ primary purpose is to locate and address orthodontic issues as soon as possible to prevent the continued growth of any undesirable issues.
How Interceptive Orthodontics Can Help Your Child
While Interceptive orthodontics is a wide ranging area of practice there are a few issues that tend to be most common.
For example, cross bites can begin to develop in children at a very young age. Cross bites occur when the upper jaw is too narrow. Luckily there are techniques and tools available to correct cross bites and to prevent them from worsening. A tool called a palatal expander is often the most used solution to “expand” the upper jaw. The palatal expander takes advantage of a gap in the bone of the palate that does not typically close until a child becomes a teenager.
The expander is placed up against the palate, pressure is consistently and gradually applies causing (over time) the gap in the bone to widen. As this gap is widened the body will gradually fill the gap with bone. By expanding the palate at such a young age, cross bites are more easily corrected.
To alter the movement of the jaw, our staff can also employ a Herbst appliance. This hinged tool, placed in the mouth, is designed to correct improper jaw movement. The Herbst appliance guides the lower jaw forward to foster proper bite development. Similar to the palatal expander, the Herbst appliance is most effective during early childhood (before the jaw has fully developed).
It is important to know that these are merely a few issues and a few tools our team is equipped with when practicing Interceptive orthodontics. Many children experience other developmental issues that could require the help of Interceptive orthodontics.
Start Today
Regardless of whether or not you believe your child has orthodontic issues presently, it is important to have their jaw and bite assessed by an experienced orthodontist. Our friendly and competent staff will be happy to help your child and answer any further questions you may have about Interceptive orthodontics. A proactive approach is always the best approach. Take a proactive approach to your child’s dental health and contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment with Creed Orthodontics in Cypress Texas.
Orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile is one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make. In a recent study, almost 80 percent of people who’d straightened their teeth with orthodontics described it as a life-changing decision. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, orthodontic treatment is all about investing in yourself to be your best self. For most, one of the biggest motivations behind treatment is aesthetics – boosting appearance to boost confidence and comfort. However, don’t forget that orthodontic treatment offers so much more than just better aesthetics in the mirror.
Health Benefits Of Straight Teeth
1. Gain A Healthy Bite With Straight Teeth
Orthodontic’s primary purpose is to create a healthy bite by straightening and properly aligning the teeth. Malocclusions, or bad bites, mean that the jaws are unable to properly meet. This may occur from misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, or crowding. In any case, malocclusions can cause major oral health problems, including:
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Wear and tear on tooth enamel
- Chewing difficulties
- Speech difficulties
- Jaw pain and TMJ
- Leaves protruding teeth more at risk for injury/loss with mouth injuries
Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist if you suspect a bite issue. If you have a malocclusion, your orthodontist may recommend orthodontic treatment, such as braces, to correct the issue and prevent/correct dental woes like the above.
2. Enables Proper Teeth Cleaning For Good Oral Health
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss for proper dental hygiene, which is necessary for a healthy mouth. Crooked and crowded teeth can make it a chore or even impossible to reach all the surface area of your teeth. Tooth decay and periodontal issues, such as gum disease, are inevitable if you allow bacteria to accumulate at your gum line and between crooked/crowded teeth.
Keep in mind that gum disease can cause tooth loss, bad breath, and bleeding and receding gums. It’s neither a pretty nor healthy picture. Don’t let crooked, crowded, misaligned teeth prevent you from the oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy. Your orthodontist can recommend treatment to give you a straight smile that’s easy to maintain with good hygiene and regular dental visits.
3. Gives Your Total Health A Boost
Extensive research has shown that a healthy smile greatly contributes to your total overall body health. How?
- Mental And Emotional Health
- When you’re happy, you smile. But, did you know that mental health experts say that just smiling can make you happy? If you have a beautiful and healthy smile, you’ll naturally smile more often. Straight teeth offer you the mental confidence to show the world, employers, friends, family, and so on your emotions through your smile. Such self-esteem and expression is critical for adolescents fitting in with peers, and it’s an asset for adults wanting to look and feel their youngest and be their most confident for personal and professional goals. If you feel your smile is holding you back from opportunities, it’s time to schedule an initial consultation with your orthodontist to discuss your orthodontic issues and treatment options.
- Physical Health
- Bad oral health doesn’t just impact your mouth. Your entire body can suffer. For example, crooked teeth create oral hygiene lapses that can lead to gum disease, and that excess bacteria in your mouth can then enter your bloodstream to cause havoc throughout the body. Oral inflammation, disease, and infections are linked to a number of systemic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Again, don’t allow bad oral health to cause issues with your physical health and well-being. Call your orthodontist today to learn how your teeth and body may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
It’s Never Too Early Or Late To Prioritize Straight Teeth
As you can see, the benefits of a straight and healthy smile apply to all age groups, and those benefits go well beyond just improving your look with orthodontic treatment. The ability to properly clean your teeth, enjoy a correct bite, and improve your total health aren’t facets you should consider optional or elective. These are musts to be your best self. The experienced team at Creed Orthodontics in Cypress, TX can help you make that investment in yourself. Give us a call today.
We are excited to announce that we will be reopening for routine care on Monday, May 11, 2020. We have missed all of our wonderful patients and their smiles, and we are thrilled that we will be able to see you soon. This pandemic has caused a lot of changes and disruptions in our daily lives. I know we each have our own aspects of daily life that we miss the most. I miss going out to eat the most although somehow that didn’t stop me from gaining a few pounds!
Hopefully, we are getting towards the end of this pandemic so that life can return to normal soon. For now, we are making the following changes in the office in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
1. We have always practiced the highest standards of infection control and universal precautions here at Creed Orthodontics, and we continue to do so. We have added additional personal protective equipment for our staff as recommended by the CDC. We are also increasing our disinfection protocols for non-treatment areas.
2. We have converted the toothbrush area into a hand washing area. Please brush your teeth at home before you appointment. We also ask that you wash your hands when you arrive for your appointment.
3. Please wait in your car until your appointment time. This will help us keep the number or people in the office to a minimum. If you need to speak with someone in the office, please call us from your car if possible. We will call you at the conclusion of you child’s appointment to communicate pertinent information. For parents who must come into the office with their child, please do not bring other siblings or family members and please wear a mask.
4. All patients will be asked a COVID-19 screening questionnaire before each visit. Anyone entering the office will be checked for an elevated temperature. If you have an elevated temperature, you will be rescheduled.
5. We are spreading patients out in the treatment area in order to practice social distancing. Unfortunately, this means we will not be able to see as many patients at the same time as before. Please be patient with us as we adapt to this slower pace.
Thank you for your continued trust in our practice. We know these changes are inconvenient, but we are trying to do all we can to resume patient care in the safest way possible. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Creed and Team
Online orthodontic services have been causing a lot of buzz lately, thanks in no small part to their large advertising budgets. They pitch a simple and time-saving treatment. All you have to do is make an impression of your teeth, or take a picture or scan and send it in. Before you know it, a package with alignment devices is mailed to your front door. After a few months of use, you have perfectly straight teeth. What could be easier?
There are a few things to consider before signing up with one of these services, however. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently released a flier with a list of questions to ask and factors to consider. The main drawback with direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies is the lack of an in-person evaluation before treatment and supervision during treatment. These are very important because a beautiful smile involves more than just the visible parts of your teeth.
Irreversible damage is possible with orthodontic treatment when not properly done. Some consumers have reported tooth loss, gum erosion and changed bites among other issues.
If you are looking into getting your orthodontic treatment online, here’s a list of questions you should ask according to the AAO.
Ask Questions, Get Answers
As part of your treatment, are comprehensive diagnostic records like x-rays taken before your treatment?
YES
- Does the treatment and fee include x-rays of your teeth and jaws?
- Does the treatment and fee include a clinical examination of your jaw alignment, teeth, bite, and the relationship of your teeth to the skeletal structures?
- Does the treatment and fee include taking photographs of your face, facial profile, mouth, and teeth?
- Does the treatment and fee include taking digital scans or other impressions of your teeth?
NO – are you comfortable starting orthodontic treatment without comprehensive diagnostic records? If you still want comprehensive diagnostic records taken, are you all right going to another dental professional to take them? If yes, what will that cost?
As part of your treatment fee, do you receive any in-person visits to a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office during your treatment?
YES
- How many?
- What occurs during these in-person visits?
- Is there a licensed dentist or orthodontist in the office to supervise the visits?
NO – are you comfortable with orthodontic treatment that does not involve any in-person visits with a dentist or orthodontist?
If a dentist or orthodontist is involved with your treatment, do you know the name of the dentist or orthodontist who will be specifically involved with your case (for example, is it available on the company’s website or elsewhere)?
YES
- What are his or her education and credentials?
- In what state is he or she licensed?
- In what state does he or she practice?
- What do other patients being treated by him or her have to say?
NO – are you comfortable not being able to research your dentist’s or orthodontist’s background, credentials, patient reviews, etc. before you begin treatment?
Is only one treatment type offered (such as invisible aligners or a certain appliance)?YES – how do you know that is the best treatment option for you, given your unique situation and oral condition, compared to other treatment models (such as braces)?
NO – how is the decision being made for the best treatment model for you, and who is making that decision?
How do you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment?
- Who is making that decision and how is it being determined?
- If the decision maker is a dentist or orthodontist not associated with your treatment, who pays for that assessment?
What are the possible risks (financial, health, etc.) associated with your orthodontic treatment?
Who can you speak with at the online orthodontic company about your orthodontic treatment?
- What is his or her education, background, qualifications and/or experience with orthodontics?
Who is responsible for detecting any issues that may occur during your orthodontic treatment?
- Is it you?
- If it is a doctor not associated with your treatment, who pays for those check-ups?
If an issue arises during your treatment, how will it be handled and who will be responsible for handling it?
If a doctor is involved with your orthodontic treatment, how can you contact him or her over the course of your treatment? How can you contact him or her if an emergency arises?
If an emergency arises, does the company have a dentist or orthodontist in your area that you can see in-person? If not, who would cover the costs associated with seeing a dentist or orthodontist in your area?
If you are injured or have another dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, how is it handled (litigation, arbitration, etc.)? State dental boards have their own complaint processes for patients who have had issues with orthodontic treatment. Contact information for your state dental board can be found at https://www.aaoinfo.org/aao/state-dental-board-info.
If you are injured or have a dispute involving your orthodontic treatment, what rights do you have against the person or company involved with your orthodontic treatment?
- Are you asked to sign any forms that seek to release them from liability?
Does the treatment model comply with the dental laws in your state?
- To check your state’s dental laws, click https://www.aaoinfo.org/state-laws-and-regulations
- Information for your state dental board can be found at https://www.aaoinfo.org/aao/state-dental-board-info.
Valentine’s Day can be lots of fun regardless of your age. Many people remember giving and receiving little cards and candy at school as a child on Valentine’s Day. For some people, it’s a tradition that lasts for many years. To some degree, it’s expected that you’ll enjoy the sweet treats that will likely be in abundance during this time of the year. While it’s fine in moderation, you’ll also have to take preventative measures to ensure your indulgence does not negatively affect your teeth.
There are tools you can use and practices you can incorporate to enjoy Valentine’s Day, which are especially important for children that have clear aligners, braces or other types of orthodontic devices. Why? Because it’s possible to cause damage that can end up delaying orthodontic treatment. The information below will help you understand what you should avoid, what you can eat and what you should do on Valentine’s Day so that your gums and teeth are protected.
Steer Clear of Sticky and Hard Candy
If you enjoy sticky and hard candy, you should definitely eat them in moderation because they are a common cause of cavities. This includes gum, caramels and lollipops that tend to damage your teeth more than other types of sweet treats. In fact, it can impact your teeth and your overall health if it isn’t eaten in moderation. There are different ways in which this type of candy causes a problem. For starters, hard candy can actually crack your teeth and this is an issue that can seriously delay orthodontia treatment. Sticky candy can get stuck in between your teeth and produce acids that lead to decay.
You can still enjoy candy on Valentine’s Day, especially chocolates that melt when you put them in your mouth. In fact, dark chocolate with 70% cocoa is beneficial to your overall health. Instead of hard and sticky candy, a box of dark chocolates would be a great gift for someone you care about on Valentine’s Day because it’s less likely to cause damage to their teeth. It’s best if you choose chocolates that don’t have caramel in the center.
Don’t’ Drink Sugary Beverages
If you are enjoying a meal for Valentine’s Day, stick with healthy drinks, such as milk, tea or water. You’ll want to avoid beverages that have a lot of caffeine or sugar. Some beverages can destroy the enamel that’s on your teeth and even result in discoloration. When wearing braces, this is all the more important.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
You probably know that you’re supposed to brush your teeth at least twice and day and floss at least once a day. On Valentine’s Day, you’ll need to increase the number of times you brush your teeth if you end up consuming a lot of candy. You should also use a mouthwash to make sure any hard to reach particles are loosened. After the holiday has passed, you can return to your regular frequency of brushing and flossing your teeth.
Benefits of Braces
There are a lot of issues that braces can resolve, such as overcrowding, jaw misalignment, teeth gaps, an underbite and an overbite. Cypress area Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed will know by the time your child is about seven years of age whether or not they need braces. If you think you or your child needs braces, a consultation with Creed Orthodontics can provide clarification on what’s required to enhance your smile.
When considering braces, it’s common for questions to arise. Getting braces at Creed Orthodontics in Cypress, TX can be exciting, especially when you consider the possibility of having a more vibrant smile. Below you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions concerning orthodontia.
1. Do I actually need braces?
When it comes to the issue of whether or not you need braces, it really depends on your situation. Generally, orthodontic treatments are elective and serve the purpose of resolving minor to moderate problems. There are some people that can benefit from braces because it will boost the level of confidence they have. However, there are some people that actually need braces because they have a severe underbite or overbite.
2. When should I schedule a consultation with an orthodontist?
It’s been recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that every child visit an orthodontist to get an evaluation by age 7. By the age of 7, there are a variety of problems that can arise and should be resolved. There’s a chance that an orthodontist evaluation will result in no treatments because it isn’t necessary. When it comes to adults, you can visit an orthodontist at any point to optimize your oral health.
3. Are shots involved in the process?
If you’re someone that’s afraid of getting shots, there’s no need to worry because you don’t typically need to get shots during orthodontic treatments. There are other related treatments that might end up requiring shots, such as surgical procedures.
4. Are braces painful?
Generally, there isn’t a lot of pain involved when getting braces, especially because of the new technologies that exist. However, you will probably feel soreness right after getting braces and for a few days following the procedure. Pain medication is usually prescribed. There is also the issue of your braces rubbing against your cheeks, lips and tongue. This friction can cause you to feel irritation. Orthodontic wax is often used to prevent pain.
5. Does my dentist have to provide a referral to an orthodontist?
While there is no requirement to have a referral from a dentist to see an orthodontist, you will need to check with your insurance to see if there are any limitations.
6. How many orthodontic appointments are necessary?
The initial process of getting braces will usually take several appointments. After that process, you will have appointments every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your unique situation. Sometimes the orthodontist will want to closely monitor your teeth and schedule more frequent appointments.
7. Can I eat any type of food when wearing braces?
While you can eat just about any type of food when wearing braces, there are some foods that should be eaten in moderation or avoided altogether. This includes anything that’s hard. The goal is to avoid foods that could break a tooth or your braces.
8. Will my teeth straighten over time without braces?
If you do not get braces, there isn’t much of a chance that your teeth will straighten out by themselves as time progresses. However, there is a chance that the spaces that exist between teeth with get smaller as time passes.
9. Can I get braces on just the top or bottom?
While there is a chance that you can get braces on only the top or bottom, it is sometimes problematic because it can result in a malocclusion, which is a bad bite that can cause damage to your tissues, teeth and jaw joints.
10. What is the purpose of elastics?
The purpose of elastics (rubber bans) is to correct problems with your bite. They are easy to install and you’ll receive instructions after getting braces.
Unsure of how best to care for your Invisalign® product during the holiday season?
If you need braces but don’t want to deal with all the wires and metal of traditional solutions, then Invisalign® is the right choice for you. Invisalign® aligners are transparent, simple to remove, easier to put back in, and far less noticeable than any other option out there. In this coming holiday season, there are a lot of activities out there that can damage or wear down your aligners if you aren’t careful. To help make sure that doesn’t happen, here are five quick and easy tips on how to make sure your Invisalign® aligners stay in pristine condition.
1. Clean Your Teeth and Invisalign® Every Morning
Right off the bat, you want to make sure you remove and clean your trays every single morning before you brush your teeth. It may be tempting to let a night or two pass without brushing, but you’re just giving bacteria an opportunity to build up and threaten your dental health and that’s not even considering the nasty smell that can assault you and everyone you talk to.
2. Rinse Your Aligners Every Time You Take Them Out
Whenever you take your aligners out, make sure you use cold water to get rid of pesky dry saliva. Whenever you’re having a meal, make sure to take them out to prevent any small food particles from getting lodged between your teeth and the tray. Not only can food get stuck in there, but it can also wear on your aligners and stain them, counteracting the most useful benefit of Invisalign®.
3. Always Clean Your Teeth Before Putting the Trays In
Make sure you always brush and floss before putting your Invisalign® in. A failure to do so can lead to significant plaque and the eventual possibility of cavities.
4. Soak Your Trays Every Day
Soaking and rinsing your aligners every day is a critical step in ensuring oral health and the continued effectiveness of your Invisalign®. Furthermore, make sure you aren’t leaving your aligners exposed to open air for prolonged periods. Keep them in their case whenever not in use, else they might become covered in bacteria and becomes serious health risks for your mouth.
Try to keep an extra set when traveling so that you don’t get caught by surprise in the event that your primary set gets lost or damaged. A failure to continue treatment can lead to a loss of progress, necessitating more treatment when you get back to your orthodontist.
5. Don’t Clean or Soak Your Aligners in Mouthwash Solution or Hot Water
Never clean your aligners with hot water or a mouthwash solution, both of which can cause extensive damage to your aligners. They can melt and deform the unique plastic used in Invisalign®, making them useless in the best case or counterproductive in the worst case. Make sure you always use cold water for all your soaking and cleaning needs. Also, avoid using toothpaste to clean your Invisalign® trays because it can discolor them and make them stand out more.
If you thought that having Invisalign® would hinder your holiday fun, you can rest easy. As long as you take the proper precautions and maintain your aligners diligently, you can have all the fun you want without anyone knowing you have a dental alignment device in place.
