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Do I Have To Brush My Teeth Every Time I Eat With Invisalign?

Introduction:

If you’re considering Invisalign or have recently started treatment, you may be wondering: “Do I have to brush my teeth every time I eat?” It’s a great question! Since Invisalign aligners are removable, they offer more flexibility than traditional braces, but they also require good oral hygiene to keep your teeth healthy and your aligners clear.

At Walt Orthodontics in Vaughan, Ontario, we want to make sure you get the most out of your Invisalign treatment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through when and why you should brush your teeth, how to maintain your aligners, and what happens if you don’t keep up with oral care.

Why Is Brushing After Eating Important With Invisalign?

Unlike braces, which stay in place while you eat, Invisalign trays are removed during meals and snacks. While this makes eating much easier, it also means that food particles and bacteria can be trapped against your teeth when you put your aligners back in. Here’s why brushing after every meal is important:

  • Prevents Cavities & Tooth Decay – Food debris left on your teeth can lead to plaque buildup and cavities, especially when your aligners are covering them for long periods.

  • Avoids Staining – Coffee, tea, berries, and other stain-causing foods can lead to discolouration of your teeth and aligners if not properly cleaned.

  • Keeps Your Breath Fresh – Trapped food particles can cause bad breath, which no one wants!

  • Maintains Aligner Clarity – Clear aligners can become cloudy or yellow if exposed to food particles and bacteria.

Do You Really Need To Brush After Every Snack or Meal?

In an ideal world, yes! Brushing after every meal and snack is the best way to keep your teeth and aligners clean. However, we understand that this isn’t always practical. Here’s what you can do in different situations:

  • If You Have a Toothbrush Handy: Brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

  • If You’re on the Go: Rinse your mouth with water and swish it around to remove food particles. If possible, use mouthwash for extra freshness.

  • For Quick Snacks: If you’re eating something non-sticky and low in sugar (like raw vegetables), a thorough rinse may be enough until you can brush properly.

  • For Sugary or Sticky Foods: Always brush before putting your aligners back in to prevent plaque buildup.

What Happens If You Skip Brushing?

If you occasionally skip brushing, it’s not the end of the world, but doing it regularly can lead to:

  • Increased risk of cavities and gum disease

  • Bad breath from trapped bacteria

  • Cloudy or discoloured aligners

  • A higher chance of needing extra dental treatments

To keep your treatment on track and maintain a healthy smile, brushing consistently is key!

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene with Invisalign

  • Carry a Travel Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Keep one in your bag, desk, or car so you’re always prepared.

  • Use an Aligner Cleaning Solution – Soak your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a mild denture cleaner to keep them fresh.

  • Drink More Water – Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated.

  • Floss Daily – Invisalign works best when teeth are clean and free of plaque.

  • Limit Sugary Foods & Drinks – Less sugar means a lower chance of cavities.

How Walt Orthodontics Can Help

We’re here to guide you through every step of your Invisalign journey. Our team will provide tips, tools, and support to help you maintain excellent oral hygiene during treatment.

If you have any questions or need recommendations for the best oral care products, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to help.

Conclusion: Keep Your Smile Healthy & Your Aligners Clear

So, do you have to brush your teeth every time you eat with Invisalign? Ideally, yes – but if brushing isn’t an option, rinsing with water and maintaining good oral hygiene will help keep your smile on track.

If you’re ready to start your Invisalign journey or need advice on keeping your teeth and aligners clean, book a free consultation with Walt Orthodontics today!

Call or text us at 905-553-8666 or visit us at waltortho.com to get started!

LendCare

When it comes to financing there’s no one size fits all solution. Likewise, there is no singular solution when it comes to financing. At LendCare, we get that and go deeper to understand your unique story and offer flexible options that work best for you, given your current financial situation. That means you get affordable financing, even if your credit is anything but top-tier.

Walt Orthodontics is pleased to offer interest-free payments up to 30 months. If you require payments over 30 months we are happy to offer the LendCare solution.

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DR. WALT’S DECISION TO BECOME AN ORTHODONTIST WAS INSPIRED BY HIS OWN DIRECT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Dr. Walt received his dental (DDS) degree from the University of Western Ontario, graduating first in his class and receiving the Gold Medal as well as numerous awards recognizing his scholastic and clinical achievements, leadership and character. He then completed his orthodontic training at the University of Colorado, where he received both his Specialty Certificate and Master of Science Degree. During his residency, he was awarded the Rocky Mountain Orthodontics Scholarship for overall excellence.

After graduating from residency and opening Walt Orthodontics in 2013, Dr. Walt committed himself to applying his traditional orthodontic education into the digital world to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience. He currently serves as a Faculty Member, Key Opinion Leader, and Advisory Board Member for Align Technology which involves traveling around the world to teach other orthodontists about Invisalign. Being at the forefront of digital orthodontics, Dr. Walt was invited to be the first orthodontist in Canada to use custom LightForce braces. He also serves as an Orthodontic Coach/Mentor for other orthodontists looking to improve their knowledge of digital orthodontics.

In addition to practicing orthodontics, Dr. Walt is a “die-hard” Blue Jays fan and enjoys working out in his spare time.

DR. GROSSMAN STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR HER PATIENTS.

Dr. Stephanie Grossman pursued her dental degree in sunny South Florida at Nova Southeastern University. She graduated with honours, at the top of her class, and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honour Society. She then completed her orthodontic training at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she received both a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. She is both a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

Dr. Grossman strives to provide the highest standard of orthodontic care for her patients. She attends numerous hours of continuing education and utilizes the latest advancements in orthodontics. Dr. Grossman is licensed to practice in both the United States and Canada.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Grossman enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling the world. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves trying new restaurants!