Keeping your teeth clean is always a significant concern, but under certain circumstances, it might be more difficult than usual. For instance, if your teeth are crooked and you need orthodontic braces, then the brackets and wires might complicate your effective teeth brushing and flossing routines. Many older teen and adult patients who need braces often find a more convenient and discreet alternative with Invisalign® clear braces. Using clear plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires, clear braces are virtually invisible, allowing you to retain your confidence throughout the duration of your treatment. More importantly, however, clear aligners are removable, so Invisalign® allows you to maintain good hygiene without having to undergo drastic changes to your daily routines.

Cleaning Teeth with Orthodontic Treatment

The science of orthodontics focuses on the study and correction of your teeth’s alignment. If your teeth aren’t straight, then your bite may be off-balance, which can damage your teeth as well as the joints and muscles that move your jaw. Crooked teeth might also provide food particles and bacterial plaque with extra-hard-to-reach places to hide, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Straightening teeth traditionally required the use of orthodontic braces, which employ brackets attached to your teeth and arch wires that are manipulated to move them. While improving your bite’s alignment, the metal components can also prove challenging to clean, as food and plaque can hide between brackets, wires, and teeth.

The Convenience of Invisalign® Clear Aligners

While cosmetic appeal is one of the more popular benefits of Invisalign® clear aligners, their convenience is equally as important. Clear aligners are crafted in a series, and are custom-designed to gently force your teeth into their desired positions. Each aligner moves your teeth to a certain degree, and the movement is continued when you change them for the next aligners in the series. You can also temporarily remove the aligners before each meal, or before brushing and flossing your teeth, allowing you to eat and keep your teeth clean as easily as before your treatment.