Use the correct brush - we recommend an electric tooth brush because it makes cleaning your teeth easy. Look for a brush with a small, soft head to help prevent recession and tooth abrasion. Most electric tooth brushes will have a 2 minute timer to help you brush long enough to sufficiently remove plaque from your teeth and gums.

Change your tooth brush head regularly - for most people this will mean changing the heads every 3 months or so.

Use a fluoride toothpaste - fluoride is the leading defence against tooth decay. It works by strengthening the enamel. Spit out after brushing and do not rinse your mouth so that the fluoride stays on your teeth for longer.

Do not use mouthwash straight after brushing - mouthwash has much less fluoride compared to tooth paste. If you rinse after brushing you can wash away the fluoride on your teeth reducing the efficacy of the toothpaste. We recommend that if you want to use a mouthwash to use it at a different time to brushing.

Don’t forget your tongue - debris and bacteria can build-up on the surface of your tongue and this can lead to bad breath.

Reduce sugary snacks between meals - every time you eat a sugary snack your teeth are under an acid attack for up to 30 minutes. This is because the bacteria in your mouth feeds of the sugar producing acids that damages your enamel. So it is important to keep sugary foods only to meal times, limiting the time time your teeth are at risk.

Reduce drinking fizzy drinks or fruit juices - some fizzy drinks and juices are very acidic and with frequent consumption it will cause erosion of your teeth. We recommend that you wait 30 minutes before you brush your teeth after having an acidic drink.

It is also a good idea to use a straw when you have fizzy or acidic drinks - this helps the drink to go to the back of your mouth and reduces the acid attack on the teeth.

Eat a balanced diet - make sure you eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to keep your gums healthy.

Drink enough water - keeping your mouth well hydrated helps reduce plaque build-up by promoting the healthy action of your saliva.

Do not smoke - smoking harms the body’s immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to heal tissues, and therefore making you more susceptible to gum disease. Smoking also increases your risk of oral cancer.

Be careful with your teeth - avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing. If you use them to open bottle tops or rip open plastic packets, you run the risk of chipping or even breaking your teeth.

Protect your teeth - wear a mouth guard when playing sport and use your night guard if your dentist provided you with one.

And even if you do all of the above, it is still a good idea to visit the hygienist for a thorough teeth cleaning.

The post Top tips for a healthy smile first appeared on Thurlow.

1. Yes, you actually have to wear them
   You need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day to get the best results (22 hours is ideal). That means you'll need to fit your meals into the short periods when you're not wearing them—so be prepared for quick breakfasts, lunches, and dinners!
2. You can’t see them, but you can hear them
   While Invisalign is virtually invisible to others, you might notice a slight lisp when you first start wearing them. Don’t worry—over time, your speech will adjust, and soon enough, people won’t even notice.
3. Invisalign isn’t for everyone
   Invisalign can treat many orthodontic issues like crooked teeth, minor overbites, or gaps. However, for more severe cases, traditional braces might offer quicker results. Book a free consultation at Thurlow Dental Care to see if Invisalign is right for you.
4. Your travel toothbrush will become your best friend
   With Invisalign, it’s essential to brush after every meal to avoid food getting stuck in your aligners. Keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste handy is crucial, especially when you're out and about.
5. Cut back on coffee and wine
   Coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your Invisalign aligners. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, be prepared to drink less or adjust your routine to brush your teeth more frequently to prevent staining.
6. You might lose weight—by accident!
   Since you’ll need to brush your teeth after eating, you’ll find yourself cutting back on snacks. Mindless eating becomes a thing of the past, and you may notice your clothes fitting better as a result.
7. It’s virtually painless
   Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is known for being much more comfortable. You might feel some pressure as your teeth shift, but it’s much gentler than the discomfort of metal braces. Plus, no more worries about braces getting in the way of kissing!
8. Don’t clean them with toothpaste
   Toothpaste can be too abrasive for your aligners, causing them to become cloudy or stained. Use a mild detergent or soap instead for the best results, keeping your trays clear and fresh.
9. It might take longer than expected
   The average treatment time for Invisalign is about a year, but don’t be surprised if you need extra trays to fine-tune your results. At Thurlow Dental Care, we’ll make sure you’re fully informed about your treatment timeline.
10. It’s 100% worth it
    Despite the small sacrifices—missing out on snacks and wine—our dental nurse says she’d do it all over again. The confidence that comes with a straight, healthy smile is priceless. Plus, Invisalign helps you become a more mindful eater and a dedicated flosser!

Ready to start your Invisalign journey? Contact Thurlow Dental Care in Southampton today to book your free consultation and take the first step toward a beautiful, healthy smile.

Thinking about Invisalign? Our dental nurse, who’s been through the journey herself, shares ten truths about the treatment that might surprise you.

1. Yes, you actually have to wear them
   You need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day to get the best results (22 hours is ideal). That means you'll need to fit your meals into the short periods when you're not wearing them—so be prepared for quick breakfasts, lunches, and dinners!
2. You can’t see them, but you can hear them
   While Invisalign is virtually invisible to others, you might notice a slight lisp when you first start wearing them. Don’t worry—over time, your speech will adjust, and soon enough, people won’t even notice.
3. Invisalign isn’t for everyone
   Invisalign can treat many orthodontic issues like crooked teeth, minor overbites, or gaps. However, for more severe cases, traditional braces might offer quicker results. Book a free consultation at Thurlow Dental Care to see if Invisalign is right for you.
4. Your travel toothbrush will become your best friend
   With Invisalign, it’s essential to brush after every meal to avoid food getting stuck in your aligners. Keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste handy is crucial, especially when you're out and about.
5. Cut back on coffee and wine
   Coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your Invisalign aligners. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, be prepared to drink less or adjust your routine to brush your teeth more frequently to prevent staining.
6. You might lose weight—by accident!
   Since you’ll need to brush your teeth after eating, you’ll find yourself cutting back on snacks. Mindless eating becomes a thing of the past, and you may notice your clothes fitting better as a result.
7. It’s virtually painless
   Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is known for being much more comfortable. You might feel some pressure as your teeth shift, but it’s much gentler than the discomfort of metal braces. Plus, no more worries about braces getting in the way of kissing!
8. Don’t clean them with toothpaste
   Toothpaste can be too abrasive for your aligners, causing them to become cloudy or stained. Use a mild detergent or soap instead for the best results, keeping your trays clear and fresh.
9. It might take longer than expected
   The average treatment time for Invisalign is about a year, but don’t be surprised if you need extra trays to fine-tune your results. At Thurlow Dental Care, we’ll make sure you’re fully informed about your treatment timeline.
10. It’s 100% worth it
    Despite the small sacrifices—missing out on snacks and wine—our dental nurse says she’d do it all over again. The confidence that comes with a straight, healthy smile is priceless. Plus, Invisalign helps you become a more mindful eater and a dedicated flosser!

Ready to start your Invisalign journey? Contact Thurlow Dental Care in Southampton today to book your free consultation and take the first step toward a beautiful, healthy smile.

The post 10 Invisalign Truths Told by Our Dental Nurse at Thurlow Dental Care, Southampton first appeared on Thurlow.