How to clean you aligner!
Dear friends and patients,
Welcome to the blog of the Mattei Dental Clinic in Fondi. As a center specialized in Invisalign and invisible orthodontics, we share our experience to help you with the correct maintenance of orthodontic devices.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is obviously fundamental, but how do you clean a removable appliance?
It is important to emphasize that you should pay extra attention to the daily cleaning of both your teeth and the appliance itself, which must be washed thoroughly, both before and after use, to eliminate the inevitable buildup of plaque.
Types of dental appliances:
There are various types of dental appliances, made from different materials. For convenience, we can divide them into two main families:
Clear aligners and retainers (delivered after use of a fixed appliance)
Bite splints, resin orthodontic devices, and removable dentures
The main difference between these devices is the type of material used: the first group is made from a thinner resin and polymer, while the second group is composed of more rigid and resistant materials. As a result, they require different cleaning methods.
In this article, we will focus on the first family.
Maintaining dental aligners:
Dental aligners are orthodontic devices meant to be worn almost all day, with the goal of correcting teeth alignment. Like any appliance, if not cleaned, they can become a favorable environment for bacteria and mold.
Retainers are those given at the end of orthodontic treatment, with the purpose of fixing the teeth and reducing the risk of relapse. Unlike aligners, they are used only at night but have a longer period of use.
Cleaning procedure:
Brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste: Use a toothbrush (there are also dedicated brushes like this one) with non-abrasive toothpaste, since the abrasive microparticles in regular toothpaste can damage the appliance. (You can find the toothpastes we recommend by clicking here.)
Rinsing with cold water: Brush the appliance thoroughly and rinse it under cold water, as hot water could deform it permanently.
Thorough drying: After mechanical cleaning, it is advisable to dry the appliance carefully with a soft cloth, as residual moisture encourages the growth of bacteria, especially if you do not plan to use it immediately (for example, with retainers).
Weekly sanitization: If you choose this method, once a week sanitize the appliance using a specific tablet for orthodontic devices, such as these.
Nowadays, in addition to traditional toothpaste, there are specific products on the market designed just for cleaning clear aligners. These are gels formulated for more effective cleaning than ordinary toothpastes (link), and they often contain ingredients that not only clean but also help keep the aligner transparent and shiny.
One of the main benefits of these specialized products is the presence of gentle whitening agents, which help prevent yellowing and cloudiness of the aligner material. Regular use can help avoid the buildup of stains and plaque, which not only affects the appearance of the device but can also reduce its effectiveness.
Moreover, these products are generally made with a non-abrasive formula, which is essential to protect the smooth and clear surface of the aligner. Unlike regular toothpastes, which might contain abrasive particles that can scratch and dull the resin, these cleaners keep the aligner perfectly transparent, helping it always look like new.
For clear aligner wearers, using these specific products not only improves oral hygiene but also ensures the appliance stays as discreet and invisible as designed!
You can easily find them here.
What to avoid:
It’s essential not to use bleach, vinegar, or harsh detergents, as these could irreparably damage the device. There are now home ultrasonic cleaning devices appearing on the market, but we do not yet have experience using them nor information about their effectiveness, so we will evaluate their utility in the coming years.
To conclude, we invite you to visit our page dedicated to recommended oral hygiene products. Here you will find a selection of items we've chosen to help you keep your smile always clean and healthy.
Don’t forget to explore the other articles on our blog, where you will find more tips and insights to help you take the best care of your oral health.
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Mattei Dental Clinic
📍 Fondi (LT), Via G.Caboto 2a
✨ Certified Invisalign Provider
🏆 Center specialized in invisible orthodontics
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How to properly Brush your Child's Teeth for Optimal Oral Health!
We address some questions: How to brush children's teeth? When to start brushing children's teeth? How often should children brush their teeth? How to establish an immediate teeth-brushing habit?
Today, we address some of the most common questions we receive daily at our practice:
How to brush children's teeth?
When to start brushing children's teeth?
How many times should children brush their teeth?
How to establish an immediate teeth-brushing habit?
First and foremost, it's crucial for children to develop a sense of responsibility as early as possible, understanding the significance of oral hygiene and the potential risks associated with neglecting their dental care. At the same time, kids should be aware that ignoring oral hygiene can lead to issues like cavities and misalignment, all while ensuring they don't experience anxiety or discomfort.
It's absolutely important not to use the dentist's role as a threat, as this could make dental visits a stressful experience! For this reason, we aim to use logic to explain to them why it's important to brush their teeth every day and multiple times a day. This approach not only avoids downplaying their role but also helps them take care of themselves.
So, why wait? Let's begin right away! Here are our instructions:
0-6 Months:
After every feeding, particularly at night, it's necessary to clean the gums by removing milk residue and microorganisms. Use a moistened gauze (be sure to select gauzes that don't shed too many fibers) soaked in a saline solution. Wrap it around your index finger and perform small circular motions.
6 Months - 3 Years:
Children's teeth follow a precise schedule, but it's not always easy to determine when to start worrying about their oral hygiene. Why not begin as soon as their first tooth emerges?
Use a manual toothbrush (like This one – a manual toothbrush utilizing small vibrations and equipped with a convenient LED light!) with soft bristles and a small head. Gently clean their teeth with small circular motions, twice a day.
Don't forget the right amount of fluoride toothpaste (Click here), equivalent to a grain of rice! Pay special attention to the tongue and gums, which are quite delicate during this phase of teething.
It's recommended to clean after every feeding to remove milk residues that may cause the dreaded bottle cavities, affecting both upper and lower incisors.
After the first year of age, it's important to take some precautions, such as eliminating/reducing the use of bottles, especially those containing sugary substances or honey! It's important to periodically check the child's mouth to ensure there are no stains or spots, which could indicate cavities. Oral hygiene is especially important before bedtime, as bacteria multiply due to the lack of saliva flow during the night.
But what if the child doesn't want to brush their teeth? To make this experience as enjoyable as possible, we must:
Use a toothbrush suitable for their age and manual dexterity.
Turn this moment into a game.
For instance, we can sing a song or tell a story while brushing their teeth, creating a positive association between the toothbrush and having fun.
Remember that daily teeth cleaning is fundamental to prevent long-term dental problems, and instilling good habits from a young age can last a lifetime.
It's important for parents to actively participate in the process, showing the child how to do it and encouraging them during teeth cleaning. This creates a sense of companionship and sharing, making the moment even more enjoyable. Transforming teeth cleaning into a fun game for the child can help develop healthy and long-lasting habits. Start gradually, allowing the child more independence over time. Initially, you can help by holding the toothbrush and guiding their movements, then let them brush on their own. Finally, you can allow them to apply toothpaste by themselves, always under your supervision. It's important for parents to be patient and supportive during this process. Even if the child makes mistakes, it's important for them to understand that they are learning and will get better over time.
In summary, the steps to follow when assisting a child are:
Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Position yourself behind the child or have them sit, tilting their head slightly upwards.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums and start brushing vertically (in one direction) on the outer surface of the teeth.
Repeat this step on the inner side of the teeth and, for molars, on the grooves.
Encourage the child to spit out the toothpaste and rinse their mouth.
In addition to this, it's important to introduce dental flossing into their routine. There are various devices, such as floss picks, that can assist parents in flossing their child's teeth (e.g., click here).
3 Years - 6 Years:
Your child is ready for the next step in their oral hygiene: an electric toothbrush!
This fantastic tool will help them clean their little teeth more effectively, but always under your supervision.
Remember to brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes, two to three times a day, using a fluoride toothpaste containing 500-1000 ppm (Click here). As for the dosage? It's simple, just use an amount equal to a pea size.
While it might be easy to maintain good habits when the child doesn't resist, it can become a bit more challenging when they need to take care of their oral hygiene themselves.
Starting from the age of 6, it's important to introduce the use of dental floss. There are various devices, called floss picks, that can help parents assist their child with flossing (e.g., Click here ).
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH
The moment for children's teeth cleaning is significant for their oral health. To make this moment enjoyable, it's important to use a toothbrush specifically designed for them. It should be small, with a comfortable grip, soft bristles, and preferably colorful. Here are some examples:
In summary, oral hygiene education begins in early childhood and should be an ongoing process that evolves as the child grows. With patience and commitment, you can instill in your children the importance of good oral hygiene that will last a lifetime!"
Rubber Dam
Uncover the Vital Instrument for Every Dental Treatment. Firmly Present in Our Clinic Since 1986. While Patients Still Inquire if It's Recent, It Dates Back to the Late 1800s, Introduced by Dr. Barnum in New York.
Rubber Dam Isolation: Elevating Dental Procedures for Better Prognosis and Patient Safety
In our dental practice, the rubber dam has been a cornerstone since 1986. This indispensable tool, introduced by Dr. Barnum in New York in the late 1800s, plays a pivotal role in enhancing various dental therapies. From preventing contamination to optimizing treatment outcomes, the rubber dam's benefits are unparalleled.
Why Choose Rubber Dam Isolation?
The use of a latex sheet, which is also available latex-free for sensitive patients, allows for precise tooth isolation during procedures. This isolation creates a dry, sterile environment that's vital for modern adhesive dental techniques. As leading dental associations advocate, this isolation technique significantly contributes to the success of restorative treatments, endodontic therapies, and more.
Unveiling the Benefits:
Enhanced Prognosis: A dry field supports better adhesion and long-lasting restoration outcomes, raising the overall treatment prognosis.
Patient Safety: The rubber dam acts as a protective barrier, preventing the accidental ingestion of instruments, liquids, or particles.
Contamination Prevention: Bacterial contamination is virtually eliminated, making procedures like endodontic therapies more effective and safer.
State-of-the-Art Care: Adhering to this best practice showcases our commitment to providing advanced, patient-centric dentistry.
Compliance with Industry Standards: Leading dental organizations recognize the rubber dam as an essential tool for ensuring successful dental procedures.
Don't Compromise Quality and Safety
At Studio Odontoiatrico Mattei, we're dedicated to the highest standards of dental care. Incorporating rubber dam isolation is a testament to our commitment to your well-being. From aesthetic treatments to restorations and more, we ensure your safety, comfort, and the success of your dental journey.
Choose Excellence. Choose Rubber Dam Isolation. Choose Studio Odontoiatrico Mattei.
For appointments and inquiries, contact us today. Your dental health is our priority.