Invisalign aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, offering an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable way to straighten teeth.
However, without the proper tools and habits, some Invisalign wearers report bad breath.
In this article, we'll explore the relationship between Invisalign and oral hygiene, including the potential causes of bad breath.
We'll also cover tips and tricks that can keep your breath fresh throughout treatment!
Understanding Invisalign and Oral Hygiene
Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of clear, removable plastic aligners. These aligners slowly move the teeth into their correct positions over time.
As with traditional braces, Invisalign requires diligent oral hygiene in order to prevent issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath!
Food particles and bacteria can become trapped between the aligners and teeth, causing an odor if not properly cleaned.
In addition, aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything besides water. Sugary drinks, in particular, leave a residue that breeds bacteria. Following Invisalign cleaning guidelines and practicing good oral hygiene helps optimize treatment while maintaining fresh breath.
Potential Causes of Bad Breath with Invisalign
There are several potential causes of bad breath among Invisalign wearers:
- Food and Bacteria Trapped in Aligners: Food particles and bacteria can become trapped between the aligners and teeth, leading to bad breath if not cleaned properly.
- Dry Mouth: This is a common side effect of aligner wear, and it can cause bad breath as it allows bacteria to thrive.
- Consuming Certain Foods and Drinks: Consuming food and drinks with strong odors, such as garlic, onions, coffee, or alcohol, can contribute to bad breath.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause bad breath.
- Neglecting Regular Aligner Cleaning: Skipping regular cleaning of the aligners can lead to bacteria buildup and bad breath.
How to Maintain Fresh Breath While Using Invisalign
Maintaining fresh breath while wearing Invisalign aligners requires diligent oral hygiene.
Here are some best practices for keeping your breath minty fresh during treatment:
- Brushing and flossing after every meal before reinserting your aligners
- Rinsing your
- aligners with lukewarm water after removing them
- Using aligner-safe cleaning solutions every week to disinfect
- Avoiding toothpastes and mouthwashes with colors or foaming agents
- Brushing aligners with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive soapOnly using your aligners as intended
- Following these simple aligner cleaning tips will help prevent bacteria buildup that causes odors!
Movemints Breath Mints: A Tasty Way to Freshen Your Breath
Movemints are sugar-free, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free breath mints specifically designed for use with clear aligners like Invisalign.
They provide a tasty and convenient way to freshen your breath while wearing aligners.
Movemints have a patented groove that fits comfortably between the top and bottom trays, allowing you to seat aligners properly.
Unlike regular mints, Movemints slowly dissolve to freshen breath for hours. Their natural mint flavoring tastes great without damaging aligners or leaving residue.
Benefits of Sugar-Free Mints in Aligner Care
The sugar-free formulation of Movemints offers advantages for oral health.
Sweetened with xylitol, these aligner seating mints help prevent dry mouth and tooth decay, making them ideal for people wearing aligners, diabetics, and anyone concerned about dental care.
Movemints stimulate saliva production to moisturize the mouth, combating bad breath. Unlike sugary mints, they won't promote bacteria or stick to your aligners.
Aligner-Friendly Mint Flavors
Movemints come in refreshing Spearmint, Orange, and Mint Chocolate flavors. Their slim shape and contour easily fit between aligner trays without discomfort!
FAQs on Invisalign and Breath Odor
How can I prevent bad breath while using Invisalign?
Prevent Invisalign bad breath by brushing and flossing after meals, rinsing aligners, avoiding sugary drinks, and using Movemints to stimulate saliva flow. Their xylitol formula inhibits bacteria growth for long-lasting freshness between aligner cleanings.
Are Movemints safe to use with my aligners?
Yes. Movemints are completely aligner-safe. Their ingredients and slim shape won't damage or discolor trays. Movemints are specifically designed by an orthodontist to improve the aligner experience.
How often should I clean my Invisalign for fresh breath?
To prevent odor, brush your aligners and teeth after every meal. Use non-abrasive soap and a soft brush to clean aligners once a day. For extra freshness between cleanings, use Movemints to freshen breath and seat trays.
What are the benefits of xylitol in Movemints for oral health?
Movemints contain xylitol, which helps prevent dry mouth and inhibits cavity-causing bacteria. This makes Movemints ideal for people wearing aligners or anyone concerned about oral health and fresh breath.
