- by Dr. Ravneet Dhillon
- February 18, 2023
Overview of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign or Clear aligners are orthodontic devices made of transparent plastic and are kind of clear dental braces used to align the teeth, correct the crowding and spacing issues of the teeth, and treat malocclusions.
One of the most important aftercare tips to maintain a straight smile after your Invisalign treatment is to wear your retainers. Otherwise, the teeth can go back to their original position even after the completion of the Invisalign treatment.
An Invisalign aligner helps to shift the teeth in the small space available by exerting pressure on them. The teeth will look properly aligned on the completion of the Invisalign treatment. The treatment solves the issue of overcrowding or huge gaps between the teeth and gives you a straight, healthy smile.
If you are looking for Invisalign treatment in Morgan Hill, you can contact Morgan Hill Dentistry. We specialize in all kinds of teeth straightening treatments.
What Are The Tips For A Healthy Smile After Invisalign?
There are some very useful tips to maintain your new smile after your treatment
1. Wearing A Retainer
A custom-made orthodontic device, retainers help to maintain the new alignment and shape of your teeth after the Invisalign treatment is complete.
Retainers are essential if you wish to maintain the results of the treatment, as it is possible for teeth to shift back to their initial position and shape even after the completion of the treatment if you don’t wear your retainers properly and regularly.
2. Brush And Floss Regularly
Like every dental treatment, oral hygiene is very important after the Invisalign treatment also. Maintaining adequate oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and cleaning your tongue properly is extremely important to not only maintain the result of your treatment but also maintain the general oral health of your mouth.
Brushing and flossing help to keep your teeth and mouth free from harmful bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
3. Clean Your Mouth Thoroughly
A thorough cleaning of teeth and mouth daily is extremely crucial to maintain optimum oral health. You must be careful to remove any food particles stuck between the teeth and rinse your mouth with fresh water after meals and also with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day to ensure that your mouth is clean and free from harmful bacteria.
4. Avoid Foods That Are Bad For Teeth
You must avoid eating hard or sticky foods even if Invisalign retainers are removable because there is always a chance of such foods getting stuck between the teeth indespiterushing and flossing leading to build-up bacteria that can cause plaque and tartar. Examples of such food include sticky and hard candies, chewing gum, jelly beans, caramel popcorn, and nuts.
5. Cleaning The Retainer
The cleaning of the Invisalign retainer is an important part of the maintenance. You can soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner.
A soft-bristled toothbrush and clear liquid soap can also be used to clean your retainers in absence of the above-mentioned products but remember to keep them clean. White vinegar can be used to deodorize the retainers.
This helps to effectively remove bacteria and plaque and can go a long way to maintain the result of your Invisalign treatment.
6. Regular Doctor Visit
Regular dentist appointments at least twice a year go a long way in protecting your oral health and the importance of these visits can never be undermined as you can never clean your teeth and mouth as effectively as your dentist.
These visits also give your doctor a chance to check your oral health and discern any early signs of disease So remember to keep your checkup regular.
7. Be Alert
Being alert about any changes in your mouth or teeth can save you a lot of trouble during your Invisalign treatment.
Make sure to consult your dentist if you don’t see any changes as there are several aspects that can cause delay or hamper your Invisalign treatment. Your dentist can look into the probable causes and correct them to ensure adequate results of the treatment.
Is it necessary to schedule follow-up appointments after the treatment?
Attending scheduled appointments are extremely important to identify fitting issues on time. Moreover, in some cases, these appointments are made to perform filing on the teeth.
Why cannot I just Continue To Wear My Last Alignment Tray instead of retainers?
The alignment trays are not supposed to be worn continuously beyond the treatment cycle as they can become damaged quickly after that. These trays may also not be a correct fit after the completion of the treatment.
However, the retainers are stronger custom-fitted trays specially designed to meet the patient’s present needs after the treatment is over.
How Long Do I Need To Wear The Retainers?
You may need to use the retainers for the rest of your life. However, the length you will have to wear for each day will lessen with time. Usually, you begin by wearing the retainers all the time and gradually reduce over time.
How can I know if my Retainer Is Damaged Or Needs a Replacement?
You should be careful and mindful about the care of your retainer. Make sure to remove them while drinking hot beverages or eating. Also, ensure to rinse and clean it daily.
However, if you feel that your retainer seems to fit or feel differently in your mouth, or if it is difficult to put in or take it out, or if there are any noticeable signs of damage, then it is important to get it replaced immediately.
If you are looking for clear aligners in Morgan Hill or if you have any questions regarding the treatment, then make sure to make an appointment with Morgan Hill Dentistry.
We specialize in all kinds of orthodontic treatments. Our team is specially trained to attend to all your concerns.
We use the latest techniques and make sure to stay abreast of all the latest studies so that we can ensure keep your smile healthy and intact!
