Homecare Instructions

FLOSSING HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS
SHOULD I BE FLOSSING?

Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Floss is the single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than the toothbrush. Many people just don’t spend enough time flossing or brushing and many have never been taught to floss or brush properly. When you come to us for a visit just ask to be shown!

HOW SHOULD I FLOSS?

There are two flossing methods: the spool method and the loop method.

SPOOL METHOD

The spool method is suited for those with manual dexterity. Take an 18-inch piece of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle finger. (Don’t cut off your finger’s circulation!) Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed. Maneuver the floss between teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Don’t pull it down hard against your gums or you will hurt them. Don’t rub it side to side as if you’re shining shoes. Bring the floss up and down several times forming a “C” shape around the tooth being sure to go below the gum line.

LOOP METHOD

The loop method is suited for children or adults with less nimble hands, poor muscular coordination or arthritis. Take an 18-inch piece of floss and make it into a circle. Tie it securely with three knots. Place all of the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gum line forming a “C” on the side of the tooth.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FLOSS?

At least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least two or three minutes.

WHAT ABOUT FLOSS HOLDERS?

You may prefer a pre-threaded flosser or floss holder, which often looks like a little hacksaw. Flossers are handy for people with limited dexterity, for those who are just beginning to floss, or for caretakers who are flossing someone else’s teeth.

ROOT CANALS HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOLLOWING ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?

The root canal system inside your tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, and the irritated tissue and bacteria that have caused you to need root canal treatment are gone.

It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days as your body undergoes the natural healing process. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time.

These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications. It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications. Remember that narcotic medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy, and caution should be exercised in operating dangerous machinery or driving a car after taking them.

Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment has been completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, contact our office.

General Root Canal home care instructions;

GUIDELINES
Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist.
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
If the opening in your tooth was restored with a temporary filling material, it is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off in-between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out, contact our office.
COMPLICATIONS

Contact our office right away if you develop any of the following:

A visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth.
An allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching (nausea is not an allergic reaction).
A return of original symptoms.
Your bite feels uneven.
APPOINTMENTS

Root canal treatment is only one step in returning your tooth to full function. A proper final restoration of the tooth is extremely important in ensuring long-term success.

Contact our office within two weeks to arrange your next appointment. If your tooth is being treated in more than one visit by an endodontist, do not return to your dentist for the final restoration until the root canal treatment is completed.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

The tooth that has had appropriate endodontic treatment followed by a proper restoration can last as long as your other natural teeth. After the tooth has been restored, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular checkups and cleanings.

We may periodically x-ray the tooth to ensure that healing has occurred. Occasionally, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or pain continues. At times, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, repeating the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.

COMPOSITE FILLINGS HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

If you’ve had a composite filling, we recommend that you follow some basic homecare instructions to help reduce pain and swelling. After your composite filling procedure you should:

Refrain from drinking hot beverages.
Avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off.
Take Ibuprofin or Tylenol to control tenderness.

Whether you’ve had a procedure for porcelain fillings, white fillings or composite fillings, following these tips can also improve your recovery time:

DIET

If an anesthetic has been used for your composite filling procedure, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lips when you are still numb.

We recommend soft foods and liquids on the day of your composite filling—avoid anything hot. Also be sure to drink plenty of fluids as well. You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

PAIN

It is normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your composite filling appointment. The injection site may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness.

If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, please contact our office.

NAUSEA

If you are experiencing nausea following your composite dental fillings appointment, avoid food and beverages for at least one hour. You may sip slowly on coke, tea or ginger ale to help minimize nausea.

ORAL HYGIENE

We recommend that you brush your teeth carefully and rinse gently on the day of your composite filling.

HAVING COMPOSITE RESIN FILLINGS ISSUES?

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns about your composite fillings, please call Serene Smiles Dental office at (714)375-7222.

DENTAL IMPLANTS HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

Wondering how to avoid dental implants problems after your dental implants procedure? The experienced dentists at Now Care Dental recommend on the day of surgery that you:

Don’t disturb or touch the wound
Don’t rinse or spit
Avoid using straws
Stay away from hot liquids and hot food
Don’t wear your prosthesis (for at least 10 days)

Your dental implant recovery can be more comfortable by following some simple homecare instructions, which also help prevent dental implant complications.

PAIN

Once you feel the local anesthetic wearing off from your dental implant procedure, take the antibiotic prescribed by your dentist—this will also help prevent infection. You can also manage dental implant pain, which is common after surgery, with over-the-counter medications. For moderate pain, take Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 3-4 hours. Do not take any medication if you are allergic or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

BLEEDING

Following your dental implants surgery, some bleeding or redness of the saliva is normal within the first 24 hours. Keeping physical activity to a minimum immediately following surgery can help prevent bleeding and throbbing. You can control excessive bleeding (your mouth fills quickly with blood) by placing a gauze pad directly on the bleeding wound and biting down for 30 minutes. If this does not slow the bleeding, please call Now Care Dental.

NAUSEA

You could experience nausea or vomiting after your dental implants surgery—sipping on flat cola (Pepsi or Coke) can help. You can also eat soda crackers. If the nausea continues, stop taking the pain medication and use an over-the-counter pain medication. If nausea persists, call Now Care Dental.

SWELLING

To minimize swelling, we highly recommend that you apply ice continuously on the cheek near the area of your surgery. You should ice as much as possible for the first 36 hours after your dental implants procedure. Swelling is normal—as well as bruising in some cases. To speed up the healing process, apply moist heat after 36 hours of your surgery.

DIET

On the day of your surgery, be sure to eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. You should avoid anything hot. You can return to a normal diet as soon as possible, unless otherwise directed. However, you should not eat popcorn, nuts or seeds for at least six weeks after your dental implants placement.

ORAL HYGIENE

Keeping your mouth clean is essential to the healing process. On the day of your surgery, use the prescribed oral rinse before bed. The next day, use the oral rinse twice for at least 30 seconds—after breakfast and before bed. If there is no bleeding, use warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) at least 4–5 times a day, especially after meals. You can gently brush your teeth and the surgical area.

STILL HAVING DENTAL IMPLANTS PROBLEMS?

If you are experiencing extreme pain or your have questions following your dental implants procedure, please call Serene Smiles Dental office at (714)375-7222.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

After your tooth extraction procedure, the experienced dentists at Serene Smiles Dental recommend some tooth extraction aftercare tips on the day of your surgery to aid the healing process:

Avoid using straws
Don’t rinse vigorously
Limit exercise for 24 hours
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
Don’t disturb the extraction site blood clot
Don’t brush teeth around surgery area for 72 hours

Below are some additional homecare instructions which can make your tooth extraction recovery more comfortable and help you avoid tooth extraction complications. After just a few days you will be able to resume your normal activities.

BLEEDING

Following your tooth extraction, a blood clot will naturally form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to repeat several times.

Be sure not to dislodge the clot and limit vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours after tooth extractions. This will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding, as well as dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Please call Serene Smiles Dental if you have continued excessive bleeding (your mouth fills quickly with blood).

SWELLING/PAIN

If you’ve had a tooth pulled, you may experience some swelling and pain. This is a perfectly normal part of the recovery and healing process. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Also important care after a tooth extraction is taking your pain medications as directed by your dentist. This will help prevent a tooth extraction infection. Continue to take any prescribed antibiotics for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Do not take any medication if you are allergic or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. If medications aren’t controlling your tooth extraction pain, please call Serene Smiles Dental.

DIET/NAUSEA

On the day of your tooth extraction, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable, unless otherwise directed. If you are nauseous after your dental extraction, sip on flat cola (Pepsi or Coke) or eat soda crackers. If the nausea persists, call Now Care Dental.

ORAL HYGIENE

With teeth extractions, keeping your mouth clean is essential to the healing process. So it’s important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. Not only will this speed the tooth extraction healing, but help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

EXPERIENCING POST TOOTH EXTRACTION ISSUES?

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2–3 days, or a reaction to the medication after tooth extraction surgery, please contact our office immediately. You can reach Serene Smiles Dental office at (714)375-7222.

CROWNS AND BRIDGES HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

If you’ve had a dental crown procedure, Now Care Dental recommends several homecare instructions that will ensure your comfort—and successful placement of your crown. The same holds true after a dental bridge procedure.

Whether you’ve had a permanent or temporary crown or bridge placement, it’s important that you do the following until the anesthetic wears off:

Diet
Floss carefully
Avoid chewing gum
Brush your teeth regularly
Stay away from hot food/beverages
Chew on the opposite side of your mouth

Chew on the opposite of your mouth—especially on the day of your procedure—and don’t eat or drink hot food or drinks because you could unknowingly burn yourself. Be careful not to bite your cheeks, lips or tongue. We recommend avoiding sticky, chewy food such as bagels, candy or gummy bears. Also stay away from crunchy, hard food like nuts or chips. After the first 24 hours, you can resume normal eating.

ORAL HYGIENE

You should brush regularly and floss carefully to keep your mouth clean. During the first 24 hours, brush along the gum line around the crown or bridge—and be sure to thread the floss through at the gumline, do not pull up as this can loosen the crown. The day after your procedure, you can floss normally.

PAIN, SENSITIVITY, AND/OR SWELLING

It’s possible (and normal) to temporarily experience hot and cold sensitivity following a bridge or dental crown procedure—this will subside. To help with sensitivity, you can brush your teeth using a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne.

To minimize dental crown pain, gum tenderness or to alleviate soreness in the area where the anesthetic was injected, take Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Also, rinse with warm salt water at least three times daily for 30 seconds to help with pain and swelling—just mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup warm water.

NAUSEA

If you feel nauseous from the anesthetic after your crown or dental bridge procedure, we recommend that you drink flat cola (Pepsi or Coke). You can also eat soda crackers or use an over-the-counter pain medication. If nausea persists, please call Now Care Dental.

UNEVEN BITE

In most patients, the bite is normal after a dental crown or bridge procedure. However, it can be difficult to sense the bite when your mouth is numb. If you find that your bite is uneven once your anesthesia wears off, please call Now Care Dental as soon as you notice the issue. Our experienced dentists will want to fix the bite to keep the crown or bridge from cracking as a result of a “high” bite.

BRIDGE OR CROWN FALLS OUT

In some cases, your dental crown or bridge could loosen and fall out. If this occurs, call Now Care Dental immediately so we can re-place the crown. In the meantime, it’s important that you insert the crown back into place with a dental adhesive such as Fixodent in order to keep the underlying tooth protected.

HAVE DENTAL CROWN PAIN? OR DENTAL BRIDGES PROBLEMS?

If you’re experiencing persistent crown or dental bridge pain, your bite doesn’t feel quite right, or you have questions following your dental crown or bridge placement, please call Serene Smiles Dental office at (714)375-7222.

ENDODONTIC TREATMENT HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

After endodontic procedures, the root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration—a follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay.

Until your final endodontic treatment procedure, we recommend that you:

Avoid alcohol while taking medications.
Take Ibuprofin or Tylenol to help control pain.
Avoid chewing food on the affected side of your mouth.
Schedule a follow-up appointment within one month of your initial endodontic retreatment.

We will send a complete treatment report to your restorative dentist, who will evaluate your healing progress—this no-charge appointment will only take a few minutes.

Here are some additional home endodontic care instructions that can improve your recovery:

PAIN

Pain after endodontic treatment, as well as tenderness, is completely normal. Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during your treatment and the condition of your tooth.

To alleviate any tenderness or pain, we recommend that you take Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), Tylenol or aspirin as directed. Alcohol intake is not advised. If your discomfort cannot be controlled with over-the-counter medications or if swelling develops, please contact our office immediately.

DIET

Following endodontics procedures, we recommend that you do not chew food on the affected side of your mouth—until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist.

ORAL HYGIENE

On the day of your endodontic treatment it is safe to continue your regular hygiene regimen—be gentle when you brush and rinse your teeth. Good dental hygiene is essential to the endodontic retreatment healing process.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ENDODONTICS PROCEDURES?

If you have any other questions or concerns about your endodontics treatment, or if you are experiencing extreme tenderness, please call Serene Smiles Dental office at (714)375-7222.

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

Wisdom teeth removal is a serious surgical procedure. Following the post-operative care tips listed below can minimize your wisdom teeth removal recovery time. In addition, they can decrease unnecessary pain and swelling, and help you avoid wisdom teeth removal complications such as infection.

After a wisdom teeth extraction, the experienced dentists at Now Care Dental recommend on the day of your surgery that you:

Restrict your activities.
Avoid touching the wound area.
Do not vigorously rinse your mouth.
Apply ice to your cheeks outside the surgery site.
Remove the gauze surgical pad 30 minutes after your surgery.
Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort.

Here are some additional wisdom teeth removal aftercare instructions which can make your recovery more comfortable.

BLEEDING

Slight bleeding, oozing or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled placing a gauze pad over the surgical area and biting firmly for 30 minutes.

If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for another 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. You can also minimize bleeding by staying calm, sitting upright and avoiding exercise. If bleeding continues, call our office at (651) 686-6800.

PAIN

If you have moderate pain, take Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) every three to four hours. For severe pain, take your prescribed pain medication as directed. Stop taking them if you develop a rash or experience other side effects. Pain meds can make you dizzy so be sure to stand up gradually.

Pain or discomfort following surgery should lessen each day. If pain persists, please call our office at (651) 686-6800.

NAUSEA

In the event of nausea and/or vomiting, do not take anything by mouth for at least an hour after surgery. Then sip slowly on coke, tea or ginger ale. Once the nausea subsides, you can start taking the prescribed medicine.

SWELLING/DISCOLORATION

You may experience swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. Swelling will not appear until the day after surgery and will not reach its maximum until two to three days following surgery.

Apply ice to help with swelling. Thirty-six hours following surgery, switch to moist heat. In some cases, black, blue, green or yellow discoloration occurs due to blood spreading beneath the tissues—this is a normal and moist heat helps.

DIET

Drink plenty of liquids—at least five to six glasses daily. Do not use straws because the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot around the surgical site. We recommend eating soft foods that are high in calorie and protein. Try not to miss a meal. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster if you continue to eat.

ORAL HYGIENE

You can brush your teeth the night of surgery, but rinse gently and be careful around the surgery site. The day after wisdom teeth removal surgery, you should begin rinsing at least five to six times a day, especially after meals. We suggest keeping your mouth clean with salt water rinses or a toothbrush.

STITCHES/DRY SOCKET

Wisdom teeth stitches help minimize bleeding and promote wisdom teeth healing. Sometimes the stitches may become dislodged—do not be concerned, simply discard them. The stitches will be removed about one week after surgery.

Wisdom teeth dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Pain at the surgical site and even ear pain may occur in two to three days. Call the office if this occurs.

OTHER WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL COMPLICATIONS

Numbness of the lip, chin or tongue is usually temporary. Slight temperature elevation post wisdom teeth removal is not uncommon—you can take Tylenol or ibuprofen. If fever persists, please call our office at (651) 686-6800.

You may also feel hard projections, which are bony walls that support the tooth. They usually smooth out in time. Your lips may be dry and cracked—keep them moistened.

Sore throat and pain when swallowing can occur and will subside in two to three days. Stiffness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty opening the mouth. This is a normal and will get better.

HAVE MORE POST WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION QUESTIONS?

Do you have additional concerns about your wisdom teeth removal recovery or wisdom teeth healing process? Call Serene Smiles Dental office at (714)375-7222.

IMPACTED TOOTH EXPOSURE HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

If you’ve had surgery for impacted teeth, we recommend that you follow some basic homecare instructions that can minimize your recovery/healing process and help reduce pain, swelling and/or complications.

On the day of your impacted tooth procedure:

Limit your activities.
Do not disturb the wound.
Apply ice around the surgery site.
Take any prescribed pain medications.
Leave the surgical packing alone—if it becomes dislodged, don’t worry.

Below are more aftercare tips that you can follow at home to speed up your recovery time after impacted tooth exposure—as well as how to limit your impacted tooth symptoms.

PAIN

You should start your prescribed pain medication as soon as the local anesthetic wears off—take as directed. If you experience any side effects, including a rash, stop taking the medicine. For moderate pain, take Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) every three to four hours as needed. If you continue to have pain, please call our office.

BLEEDING

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal during the first 24 hours following impacted tooth procedures. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting down on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call our office for further instructions.

DIET

Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery—avoid anything hot. Also be sure to drink plenty of liquids. We recommend drinking at least five to six glasses a day. Avoid using straws as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot around the impacted tooth surgical site. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

ACTIVITY

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following your surgery. If you do exercise, stop immediately if you experience throbbing or bleeding. Since your usual food intake will be less after your impaction of teeth surgery, you could be more weak and become light headed.

ORAL HYGIENE

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing after an impacted tooth procedure. A clean wound heals better and faster. The night of your surgery, brush your teeth carefully and rinse gently.

Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water) six times a day—repeat until you are fully healed.

SWELLING

Swelling is a normal occurrence after impacted teeth surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice cubes on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously as much as possible for the first 36 hours. After that, you can switch to moist heat.

DRY SOCKET/STITCHES

A dry socket as a result of impacted tooth surgery can be painful—you should call our office right away. Dry socket can occur when the blood clot gets dislodged from the tooth socket before the impacted tooth is fully recovered.

Stitches help stop the bleeding and promote impacted teeth healing. Sometimes the stitches may become dislodged—don’t be concerned as the stitches will be removed a week after your impacted tooth surgery.

NAUSEA

If you’re feeling any nausea, don’t eat or drink anything for at least one hour after your surgery. Sipping slowly on coke, tea or ginger ale can help. Once the nausea subsides, you can start taking the prescribed medicine.

CONTACT US ABOUT IMPACTED TOOTH ISSUES

If you’re having impacted tooth pain and discomfort or have questions about your impacted teeth recovery, please call Serene Smiles Dental office at (714)375-7222.

CLEANING DENTURES HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT IS A DENTURE?

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.

WHO NEEDS A DENTURE?

Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. They improve chewing ability and speech, and provide support for facial muscles. They will also greatly enhance your facial appearance and smile.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET A DENTURE?

We can make a full conventional denture when all teeth have been lost or once all extraction sites have healed. The denture process takes about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a “try-in” is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and your final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments.

New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new “teeth” because even the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report discomfort with eating for several days to a few weeks.

To get accustomed to chewing with a new denture, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. In addition, denture wearers often notice a slight change in facial appearance, increased salivary flow, or minor speech difficulty.

HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A DENTURE?

A denture is fragile, so it is important to handle it with care.

Remove and brush the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpastes.
Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasives toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the denture.
Don’t sterilize your denture with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped.
When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution or in water.
Get in the habit of keeping the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of misplacement.
SHOULD A DENTURE BE WORN AT NIGHT?

While you may be advised to wear your denture almost constantly during the first two weeks — even while you sleep — under normal circumstances it is considered best to remove it at night.

Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of the gums.

CONTINUE SEEING YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY

It is important to continue having regular dental checkups so that we can examine oral tissues for signs of disease or cancer. As you age, your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture. Never attempt to adjust a denture yourself and do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged period because it can contribute to bone loss. When in doubt, consult with our doctors.

CLEANING INVISALIGN® HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

When properly cared for, your Invisalign® aligners will remain clear and odor-free. Failure to clean your aligners will lead to plaque buildup, discoloration and foul odors. If you’re curious about how to clean Invisalign® retainers to keep them invisibly fresh, follow these instructions.

INVISALIGN® CLEANING TIPS

The best way to clean Invisalign® aligners is to actually follow a thorough cleaning regiment that tackles plaque and bacteria on multiple levels:

Frequent rinsing: Get into the habit of rinsing your aligners every time you take them out. A quick swish under lukewarm water can help limit the buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Daily brushing: Brush your aligners at the same time that you brush your teeth. But do not use the same cleaning solution or toothbrush that you use on your own teeth. Most regular toothpastes are abrasive and may scratch your aligners. Be sure to use the softest toothbrush you can find—baby toothbrushes work well—and use gentle pressure during the brushing process.
Deep cleaning: Soak your aligners daily using either the Invisalign® Cleaning System or a gentle denture solution. If you use denture cleaners and notice your Invisalign® aligners starting to turn a little yellow, discontinue use and contact your dentist or orthodontist. Remember to always use lukewarm to tepid water—hot water has the potential to change the shape of your aligners.
GET YOUR INVISALIGN® CLEANING CRYSTALS AT NOW CARE DENTAL

If you have noticed that denture cleaning solutions are not working well for your Invisalign® retainers, or if you want to start off cleaning your aligners with a professional-grade product, we encourage you to get the Invisalign® Cleaning System from our office. The system includes individual packets of cleaning crystals formulated specially for cleaning Invisalign® aligners.

To use the Invisalign® crystals, all you need to do is dissolve an individual packet of crystals into a small cup of water. The crystals will work to dissolve plaque and kill bacteria.

We give the Invisalign® cleaning crystals to our patients of record as part of their overarching Invisalign® treatment. If you started your Invisalign® treatment elsewhere, we are happy to sell the Invisalign® crystals to you. They are available for purchase at our office for $35.00 (50 packets).

PREVENTIVE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR INVISALIGN® RETAINERS CLEAN

There are additional steps you can take to have clean Invisalign® retainers at all times:

Practice proper dental hygiene. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. And always put your Invisalign® aligners back in your mouth only after you have brushed and flossed. Your aligners will stay cleaner if they are placed on clean teeth.
Remove your aligners when eating and drinking. Most beverages and many foods have incredible staining power. Your best bet is to remove your aligners any time you are doing anything more than drinking water.
Wash your aligners with antibacterial soap. Invisalign® retainers can attract bacteria, which is often what causes your aligners to smell foul. Use clear antibacterial soap on occasion to help fight against bacteria buildup. Make sure to stick with clear soap—colored soap can cause your retainers to lose their “invisibility” feature.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CLEANING YOUR INVISALIGN® RETAINERS? CALL US!

If you still have questions or concerns about how to clean your Invisalign® aligners after reading these tips and tricks, please call Serene Smiles Dental office at (714)375-7222.