Do you wear Invisalign? Do you ever find that your breath smells just a tad … off? You may be surprised to know that patients often ask their orthodontist how to prevent bad breath with Invisalign.
In this guide on how to make Invisalign smell better, we’ll take a look at why you may find your Invisalign aligners leave you with unwanted odors and how to keep your breath fresh with Invisalign.
Does Invisalign Cause Bad Breath?
So, is there such a thing as “Invisalign bad breath?”
Invisalign treatment involves the use of custom-made, clear plastic aligners, which don’t inherently cause bad breath. However, Invisalign aligners do provide an ideal environment for bacteria to breed and grow, which does cause bad breath.
Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, which is exactly what your mouth can become when wearing your aligners for extended periods of time. This is why you may notice a bad smell coming from your mouth after wearing them while eating or overnight.
The top causes of Invisalign bad breath are poor oral hygiene habits and not cleaning your aligners regularly. If you’re not brushing and flossing your teeth after eating, food particles can become trapped between your teeth and, therefore, in your aligners, causing bad breath. And it’s just as important to clean your aligners as it is to clean your mouth.
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with bad breath throughout the entirety of your Invisalign treatment! You can take some simple steps to help offset the smell of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
How To Prevent Bad Breath With Invisalign
Here are some tips on how to keep breath fresh with Invisalign.
Brush After Eating And Drinking
The first tip seems obvious, but when you’re slipping your aligners in and out throughout the day to eat, it’s easy to forget to brush! Food particles get stuck in the aligners, leading to bad breath if left unattended. So brush your teeth after eating and drinking anything other than water while wearing Invisalign.
Routinely Floss
While brushing your teeth is effective at keeping bad breath at bay, it’s also important to floss. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria stuck between the teeth that brushing may not be able to reach. This helps keep your breath smelling fresh and prevents other dental health problems from developing.
Use Mouthwash
If you notice that an odor still lingers after brushing and flossing, try using an antibacterial mouthwash. This can help mask any remaining odors and kill bacteria that could have caused them.
It’s important to note that while mouthwash is a great way to freshen your breath, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for regular oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing. Regular use of mouthwash in addition to your typical oral health routine is a great way to keep your breath fresh all day.
Properly Clean Aligners
Cleaning your aligners properly is a critical step in how to make Invisalign smell better. From the moment you start wearing your aligners, bacteria will be hard at work growing and thriving in their warm, moist environment.
To fight back, create a routine for cleaning your aligner trays. One of the best cleaning methods for aligners is to fill a container with warm water and Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. These special crystals are designed to safely clean and sanitize your aligners and prevent bacteria buildup at the source.
Finally, make sure you rinse your aligner trays thoroughly to remove all traces of soap and dry them with a lint-free cloth. This habit can help prevent foul odors from developing and will also keep your aligners in good condition for longer.
Get Regular Cleanings
While cleaning your teeth and aligners are great ways to prevent bad breath, we encourage you to visit your dentist for regular cleanings. Preventative cleanings can remove any plaque or tartar on your teeth that have become trapped underneath your aligners, ridding your mouth of one of the primary sources that attribute to bad breath.
Watch Your Diet
Another reason why many suffer from bad breath is because of what they eat and drink.
Foods like onions, garlic, and sugary treats can make your breath smell unpleasant for a few hours after consuming them. To combat this problem, try to limit or avoid these types of foods. Stick to a healthy diet you can enjoy throughout your Invisalign treatment and beyond.
Get Invisalign Treatment At Bates Orthodontics
Now that you know how to prevent bad breath with Invisalign, you’ll be better prepared to take advantage of this revolutionary treatment. With the help of Bates Orthodontics, you can confidently enjoy a straighter, better-smelling smile for many years to come.
Our team is here to answer any of your questions regarding Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments — and we aren’t afraid of a little bad breath! Book your complimentary orthodontic consultation online today.
