Practical informatioN for your oral hygiene

The doctores around Dr. Dudic, and the Dental Assistants at LAKESIDE ORTHODONTICS in Wädenswil near Zurich
recommend these Tips and Tricks for you to keep your orthodontic treatment clean and healthy:

BRUSHING WHILE WEARING BRACES

Brush your teeth three times a day including extra care with additional tools every evening. The ideal manual toothbrush has a special groove for braces, while the ideal electrical toothbrush should be sonic using vibrations. Focus especially on the area between the brackets and the gums.

USING AN INTERDENTAL TOOTHBRUSH

Use the interdental toothbrush daily to clean under the wire. It helps to clean the hard to reach areas and to keep the gums healthy.

FLOSSING WHILE WEARING BRACES

Flossing gets more difficult. For quick flossing you can use the regular waxed dental floss, which will slide between the teeth and stop at the wire. For a more intense flossing you will need a special dental floss (Superfloss).

RINSING WITH AN ANTIBACTERIAL MOUTHWASH

A mouth rinse should contain fluoride and should be done daily before going to sleep.

TOPICAL FLUORIDE

Additional highly concentrated fluoride should be used in case of high risk of decay.

CLEANING YOUR REMOVABLE APPLIANCE

On removal of the appliance every morning rinse and brush the appliance and leave it to air-dry. Use the tablets regularly for deeper cleaning when necessary.

 

Wearing and Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners

Here are some tips on how to handle your clear aligners and avoid damaging them.

Remember to:

  • Wear the aligners as prescribed by your doctor, typically for 20-22 hours per day.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before inserting the aligners.

  • Always insert ONLY ONE aligner at a time.

  • Rinse the aligners with water when removing them from the packaging.


Inserting the Aligners:

  1. Ensure you are using the correct aligner—upper for your upper teeth and lower for your lower teeth.

  2. Each aligner is marked with your treatment number and either “U” for Upper arch or “L” for Lower arch, followed by the stage number, to avoid any confusion.

  3. You may start with either the upper or lower aligner. Gently push the aligners over your front teeth to insert them. Then apply even pressure with your fingertips on the top of the left and right molars until the aligner snaps into place.

  4. Do NOT clench your teeth to position the aligners, as this could damage them.


Note:
If the aligners cause sharp pain or excessive pressure, stop using them and contact your doctor.

 

Removing the Aligners:

  1. Place your fingertip on the inside of the back molar on one side of your mouth to start removing the aligner from the molars.

  2. Repeat this on the other side of the mouth before fully removing the aligner.

  3. Once loosened from the molars, slowly move your fingertips forward and gently pull the aligner off your teeth.


Note:

  • Immediately rinse the aligners with water, let the excess water drip off, and store them in the protective case provided in your starter kit.

  • To avoid damage, remove the aligners only when necessary.

  • Be careful when removing the aligners, especially if multiple attachments are used.

  • Do not use excessive force which could bend or twist them.

  • Do NOT use sharp objects to remove the aligners.

  • If you have difficulty removing the aligners, contact your doctor.

 

Daily Care of Invisalign Aligners:

  1. Clean the aligners before each insertion using a soft toothbrush, water, and a bit of toothpaste.

  2. Clean the outside of the aligners while still wearing them, then remove to clean the inside surfaces.

Note:

  • Thoroughly rinse the aligners after cleaning. We also recommend using Invisalign cleaning products once a week or as needed.

  • Do NOT use denture cleaners or immerse them in mouthwash, as these products can damage the surface and make the aligners more visible.

Proper Oral Hygiene:

  • Remove the aligners before eating and drinking (except cold water).

  • Brush and floss your teeth after each meal or snack before reinserting the aligners. If you can't clean your teeth immediately, rinse your mouth and clean the aligners by running them under warm running water as a temporary solution.

 

Storing YOUR Invisalign Aligners:

  • Your starter kit includes two aligner cases, one blue and one red (or orange). Store your Invisalign aligners in these when not in use.

  • The blue case is for the current stage of treatment. Store the aligners you are currently using (e.g., Stage 1) in this case.

  • As you progress to the next stage (e.g., Stage 2), store the previous aligners (e.g., Stage 1) in the red (or orange) case. Keep the most recently used aligners in this case. If your current aligner is lost or damaged, your doctor may advise you to temporarily wear the last stage's aligners from the red case until a replacement is made.

    Note:
    Keep all older aligners in a clean plastic bag or follow your doctor's instructions.
    Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign Aligners:

Q: Is the treatment painful?
A: It's normal to experience some tooth irritation for a few days after switching to a new stage. If discomfort persists, contact your doctor.

Q: Will wearing aligners affect my speech?
A: You might notice a slight lisp for the first day or two. This typically disappears as you adjust to the aligners.

Q: What if the new aligner doesn't fit?
A: Minor discrepancies are normal as teeth adjust to the new position. If the fit issue is severe, consult your doctor.

Q: Can I eat everything?
A: Typically yes, as aligners are removed for eating.

Q: Can I drink hot or cold beverages with aligners on?
A: Only cold water is recommended to prevent cavities and warping of the aligners.

Q: Can I chew gum with aligners?
A: NO. Remove aligners before eating any meals or snacks.

Q: Does smoking or chewing tobacco stain aligners?
A: We advise against using tobacco with aligners as it can cause staining.

 

Note: Contact your doctor if you have further questions after reading this guide.

Warning: In rare cases, some patients may experience allergic reactions to the aligner material. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice. Orthodontic appliances or parts thereof can be swallowed or inhaled and can be harmful.