Does Invisalign® Cause Gum Inflammation?

Invisalign is one type of clear aligner which rectifies your smile discreetly. They are a popular choice of orthodontic treatment since they are comfortable. It is because the dentist in Tracy, CA, customizes them to blend in with your mouth’s natural contour. These aligners move your teeth within a short period. You can enjoy your new smile in no time with Invisalign in Tracy, CA.

Most patients ask whether Invisalign braces cause gum inflammation. Poor oral hygiene during treatment may cause gum inflammation. Therefore, your dentist must ensure that you maintain proper oral hygiene during treatment. You may also experience gum inflammation due to the pressure on your jaw and gums. As teeth move into their new position, these tissues are affected.

How to Deal With Invisalign® Gum Inflammation

Invisalign aligners may cause gum inflammation when you start using them or switch to a new tray. The pain and discomfort occur since your teeth shift from their fixed position to a new one. However, it is normal and shows that the devices are working as intended. Some actions you can take to alleviate the inflammation include:

• Put something cold near the gums or drink cold water to numb them and reduce the discomfort.
• Use pain-relieving medication when the inflammation sets in. If you experience discomfort after switching trays, take the painkillers before wearing them. The specialist for Invisalign near you can prescribe some topical analgesic to help ease the inflammation.
• Put your new set of aligners before bed to alleviate inflammation. As you sleep, your teeth get accustomed to the new aligners.
• Do not switch your aligners ahead of the expected time. They will cause gum inflammation. Stay on the schedule given by the dentist.
• If you notice any mouth sores, rinse your mouth with saltwater. The sores may be caused by Invisalign rubbing on the gums or tongue.

Tips on oral hygiene while using Invisalign

You can prevent gum inflammation caused by bacterial infections in the mouth.

• After eating or drinking, there are tiny particles left on your teeth. They can combine with oral bacteria to create plaque, leading to gum inflammation. To prevent this, you must clean your teeth after every meal. Carry travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush with you at all times.
• Ensure that you store your aligners properly whenever they are not in your mouth. Prevent them from picking up germs and bacteria on the surfaces where you place them. The dentist in Tracy, CA, will give you an aligner case to help keep them bacteria-free.
• Your aligners are customized to fit snugly over teeth. If any bacteria remain on them, you are at risk for gum inflammation. Clean your aligners daily with the Invisalign cleaning kit. It will prevent bacteria from breeding on them.
• Attend regular exams and cleanings at Valley View Dental-Tracy. The dental team will check for hidden plaque and bacteria. They are removed through a deep cleaning procedure. Early symptoms of gum disease are detected via thorough dental exams. Our dentist will provide fast and effective treatment to stop gum inflammation.

What to Do After Invisalign® Treatment

Your dentist in Tracy, CA, must ascertain that your Invisalign treatment is complete before getting you off your last set of retainers. Your teeth should be straight without any gaps. Biting and chewing will be easier than before you started the process. You must notice the difference in your smile before and after Invisalign treatment.

The orthodontist will remove any attachments that secure the aligners on your teeth. You must wear a custom-made retainer after Invisalign treatment. Retainers ensure that the rectified teeth don’t shift back to their previous position. They help keep teeth in their new place as the jaw hardens.

The retainers should be worn for specific periods after the dentist’s treatment. After this period, you will need to continue wearing them at night as per the dentist’s advice. These devices are made of clear plastic, just like Invisalign, and not easily noticed. In addition, retainers are cared for just like clear aligners for longevity.

After the treatment, you still need to attend a few follow-up visits. The dentist will check on your progress and ensure the retainers are in good condition. Once you take out the retainers, routine six-month visits to the dentist near you will suffice.