Can I use dental wax to alleviate discomfort from rough aligner edges?
Dental wax can be applied to smooth out rough aligner edges and reduce irritation on your cheeks or lips.
Dentist
Dr. Susan R. Pan, DDS, is a highly qualified dentist with a long-standing engagement in the field since 1986. She was a recipient of the Dr. Gerald Z Wright Award for graduating first in her class at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario. Additionally, she worked as a clinical instructor for new dentists at the University of Western Ontario’s School of Dentistry and graduated from the Dental School of Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences. Dr. Pan has received recognition for her exceptional work, as she was consecutively awarded the Diamond Winner for the Readers’ Choice of their Favorite Dentist by the Hamilton Spectator in 2014 and 2015, and was nominated for the same title multiple times in 2007, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Prevention is the most important part of managing tooth abrasion.
Choose a low abrasion toothpaste as some toothpastes play a significant role in causing tooth abrasion. The RDA value [Relative Dentin Abrasivity] ranges from 0-250. RDA values of 150-250 are considered the harmful.
Use a soft toothbrush and a correct brushing technique using moderate force.
Dental picks can be used with porcelain veneers, but remove your aligners for effective cleaning between your teeth.
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and may require adhesives for stability. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants, providing a more secure and comfortable fit.
It’s advisable to avoid smoking e-cigarettes or vaping with Invisalign aligners, as it can still have negative effects on your oral health.
Dietary habits which include very hard or fi brous foods. In moderation this is not a concern, but an excessive habit of eating particularly abrasive foods can lead to tooth abrasion. Examples of this would be sunfl ower seeds, certain grains and nuts.
Dental products come in a wide range of abrasiveness. Because exposure to abrasive toothpastes occurs on a daily basis, it is important to select products that will minimize the abrasive risk to your teeth.
Examples include toothbrushes with excessively hard bristles and some toothpastes that contain highly abrasive particles.
Wear a mouthguard, avoid chewing on hard objects, use helmets or face cages, and follow sport-specific safety guidelines.