It is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene regardless of whether you have braces or aligners. Healthy teeth and gums allow for predictable and efficient movement of teeth. Brushing to remove all traces of food from around braces is essential to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. We recommend brushing at least twice a day and flossing or using an interdental brush (Piksters) at least once a day. Many patients will give their teeth a quick brush over each time they eat to remove food particles that get caught around braces.
Patients remove Invisalign® aligners for eating and drinking (except when drinking water). This means brushing is much easier. It also means that aligner patients must brush their teeth before inserting the aligners after eating. Aligners must contact each tooth surface to be effective. So, if food sits under aligners, it prevents the aligner from properly engaging the tooth and risks decay.
