During orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, bad breath may appear – this is due to the growth of bacteria in saliva between the teeth and aligner. This bacteria can then turn into plaque. But don’t worry! There are steps you can take to fight off bad breath while getting the beautiful smile you want with Invisalign.

What Is the Purpose of Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are an ideal choice for those who want a more discreet option for straightening their teeth than metal braces. The aligners operate in a similar way to a custom retainer, slowly moving the teeth into the desired position over time.

Aligners are typically meant to be worn for over 22 hours daily; yet, as they fit comfortably and are easy to use, most patients have no problem tolerating them. Furthermore, Invisalign trays are individually designed for your mouth, so you can rest assured that they’ll be a perfect fit.

Caring for Aligners

Before you put on your aligners, make sure to brush and/or floss your teeth. We suggest regularly cleaning your aligner, too, with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you ever have any problems with your aligner, reach out to us right away.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Invisalign to Straighten Your Teeth?

Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners provide several benefits. Most notably, they are unnoticeable when worn because they are made of a clear material.

An additional benefit is that you can easily remove them whenever needed; for instance, when you want to eat or drink something hot or cold, floss, clean your mouth, or brush your teeth.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a thin coating of food leftovers and saliva on the surface of your teeth. This film forms when carbohydrates that you eat mix with the bacteria in your mouth to create a tacky substance. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste can help you avoid plaque buildup. Nonetheless, if you wear clear plastic aligners, plaque may grow more quickly because food scraps get caught between your teeth and the aligner.

If you don’t brush and floss regularly to remove food particles, gum disease can develop, leading to inflammation of your gums and potential infection. Without proper treatment, the effects of gum disease will only worsen over time.

Oral health symptoms of gum problems may include:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Gums that hurt
• Tooth pain or discomfort due to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth

Why Does Bad Breath Happen With Clear Aligners?

One cause of bad breath while using clear aligners is that they can trap bacteria around your teeth, which creates sulfur and causes an unpleasant smell in the mouth.

How Do I Prevent Bacteria From Growing In My Mouth With Clear Aligners?

Brushing your teeth with toothpaste twice a day for two minutes can help you avoid this issue and keep your breath fresh.

To eliminate particles between your teeth and around the gum line, you can either use floss or a water flosser or interdental brush (which is designed for that purpose). Flossing helps to keep your gums healthy.

If you’ve noticed your breath smells after wearing your clear aligner trays, use a mouthwash with antibacterial ingredients. That way, you can eliminate the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

Be sure to keep your aligners clean. Initially when putting it inside your mouth, it will seem slick. That is normal. After using it for a few days, the aligners will start to feel sticky. In order to prevent this from happening, frequently rinse your aligner with lukewarm water. Using a soft toothbrush, gently brush away any residue left on it. Make sure you dry the aligner completely before inserting it back into your mouth.

Dirty aligners can increase your risk of developing bad breath.

Additionally, make sure to visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings.We can help you identify any potential issues with your oral health and provide advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene while using clear aligners.

We also advise our Invisalign patients to drink plenty of water to prevent bad breath and dry mouth. Dry mouth can contribute to bad breath.

Is Chewing Gum Possible With Clear Aligners?

You’re allowed to chew gum when you’ve got your clear aligners out of your mouth – otherwise it could be a really sticky mess. Trust us!

Chewing sugar-free gum for a minimum of 20 minutes on a daily basis can help you avoid tooth decay and may be beneficial to those who tend to get cavities.

What Else Should I Be Aware Of Before Using Clear Aligners?

Invisalign is an excellent option for minor tooth misalignment. However, if your teeth need more serious adjustment, talk to us about other possible treatment options. We’ll get you smiling!