What to Do and What Not to Do With Invisalign After Having Oral Surgery

Introduction to the Blog: Oral surgery can be a nerve-wracking event; but, if you properly prepare for it and take care of yourself afterward, you can ensure a stress-free recovery. If, on the other hand, you are receiving orthodontic treatment using Invisalign aligners, you may be curious about what you should or should not do following oral surgery. While you are wearing your Invisalign aligners, we are going to go through certain dos and don'ts that will help your recovery go as smoothly as possible after having oral surgery.

Dos:

1. Follow the recommendations given to you by your orthodontist: It is imperative that you give careful attention to the post-operative instructions provided by your orthodontist in order to facilitate a speedy recovery. It is possible that your orthodontist will recommend that you take pain medication, that you relax for a few days, and that you use ice packs to reduce swelling.

2. Always wear your Invisalign aligners It is absolutely necessary to always wear your Invisalign aligners in order to keep your teeth in the correct alignment. You are free to take a break from wearing your aligners for a few hours after having oral surgery if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort. Make sure that you brush your teeth and floss before you put them back in.

3. Practice good oral hygiene It is crucial to practice good oral hygiene in order to keep your mouth clean and free from microorganisms that might be dangerous. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to reduce the risk of food particles becoming lodged between your teeth and gums.

4. Keep your mouth and body well hydrated by drinking enough of water. This will help the healing process by keeping your mouth and body well hydrated. If you find that swallowing water is too difficult or uncomfortable for you, consider sipping it via a straw instead.

5. Consume only meals that are soft; after oral surgery, you should refrain from eating items that are firm or crunchy, as these can irritate your gums and the incision sites. Keep your diet consisting of foods that are soft and simple to chew, such as mashed potatoes, soups, smoothies, and yogurt.

Don'ts:

1. Smoking: Don't light up or use any items containing tobacco for at least two weeks after having oral surgery. Dry socket is a painful condition that can be caused by smoking and can lengthen the time it takes to heal.

2. Consuming alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can disrupt the body's natural healing process and lead to an excessive amount of bleeding. After oral surgery, you should wait at least 24 hours before drinking any alcoholic beverages.

3. Consuming things that are hard and crunchy Consuming items that are hard and crunchy such as popcorn, chips, and almonds might irritate your gums and cause damage to the incision sites. After having oral surgery, you should avoid eating any of these meals for at least two weeks.

4. Not showing up for your scheduled appointments with your orthodontist: After surgery, it's important to check in with your orthodontist to make sure everything is recovering properly. Your recovery process may be slowed down further if you miss any of your scheduled sessions.

5. Excessive levels of physical activity: For a few days following oral surgery, you should refrain from engaging in vigorous exercise or other physical activities. It may take longer for wounds to heal if you engage in physical activity since it increases the risk of bleeding and edema.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. If I take pain medication, can I still wear my Invisalign aligners?

Even when you are using Invisalign, it is perfectly fine for you to continue taking pain medication as directed by your dentist or orthodontist.

2. While I have Invisalign aligners on my teeth, is it okay to use an ice pack on my face?

Yes, you can use an ice pack to relieve swelling, but before doing so, you need to make sure that your Invisalign aligners are removed from your mouth. Otherwise, the ice pack could damage your teeth.

3. After having oral surgery, would I be able to use mouthwash?

You need to refrain from using mouthwash because it has the potential to aggravate the incision sites. To properly rinse your mouth, you should try using a saline solution or a warm saltwater rinse instead.

If you want your oral surgery recovery to go as smoothly as possible while you're using Invisalign aligners, make sure to follow the dos and don'ts given above. To ensure that the healing process goes well, it is essential to adhere to the recommendations given to you by your orthodontist and to practice proper oral hygiene. Keep in mind that you should steer clear of habits such as smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, eating tough and crunchy meals, and missing meetings with your orthodontist. You should be able to rapidly get back to your regular activities with the right care and attention.