Many patients consider SureSmile a more comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces. Instead of relying on metal brackets and wires, this alternative solution utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gently shift them.
However, you must wear them 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous places. This gives bacteria trapped against your gums and enamel plenty of time to flourish and cause problems, like periodontal disease. Continue reading to learn more about how to brush and floss with SureSmile to protect your dental health!
Step #1: Remove Your Aligners
Implementing a twice-daily dental hygiene routine that consists of brushing and flossing your teeth and washing your SureSmile can prevent common oral issues, such as cavities or periodontal problems.
The first step in this process is to remove your aligners because you can’t access your enamel or connective tissues with them in place. Plus, you’ll also need to gently cleanse the plastic trays.
Step #2: Scrub Your Enamel
Then, you should brush your teeth gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque and bacterial buildup. The American Dental Association recommends scrubbing for a full two minutes for a more thorough cleanse. Many patients prefer the ease and convenience of electric brushes, but a standard version also works just fine.
Step #3: Floss Your Teeth
Next, it’s time to floss. You can use traditional string floss and gently press the thread into the pockets of your gums in a C-shape, then gently glide it in an up and down motion to remove hidden residue your toothbrush can’t reach.
Some patients who have a hard time manipulating the thin string might do better with an oral irrigator. There are different brands available, but they all rely on a pressurized stream of water to rinse germs and gunk from your teeth and gums instead.
Step #4: Wash Your Aligners
Don’t forget that your SureSmile will also need to be washed so you’re not putting a dirty tray back into your clean mouth. You can scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid gouging the plastic material.
Step #5: Rinse and Reinsert
The final step is to rinse your clear aligners with cool or lukewarm water, because hot temperatures can potentially warp them so they no longer fit. Be sure there are no cleaning materials left on the trays, then you can put them back over your teeth and go about your day (or night!)
If you have additional questions about proper dental hygiene with SureSmile, your dentist can provide as much information as you need to feel confident moving forward!
About the Practice
Patients at Athens Dental Associates benefit from a team of dentists eager to help people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Lindsey, Dr. Carter, and Dr. Moon collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs at one convenient location, including SureSmile clear aligners. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (706) 549-1370.