by Emily Taylor | Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well.
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We all know how time-consuming Invisalign Treatments are. It takes work to achieve your perfect smile. This makes it necessary to be mindful while taking care of your newly treated teeth, ensuring that you can enjoy the results of all your hard work for many years to come. The most crucial part of ongoing orthodontic care is ensuring you wear your retainer.
Do you know what happens after your treatment, after you wore your Invisalign aligner trays, brushed, and flossed diligently? To keep your teeth in good condition and maintain that perfect smile, here are 5 tips for maintaining that perfect smile after Invisalign treatment:
#1 Retainers
- What are they? Invisalign retainers are nearly invisible, plastic retainers. They look and feel very similar to the Invisalign aligners you wore during treatment. Not wearing your retainers regularly could result in shifting teeth and potentially ruin your Invisalign results.
- Wear your retainer every day: Post Invisalign treatment, the chances of having an orthodontic relapse are high if you fail to wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist. If the relapse happens, the teeth often begin to drift back to their original positions. This will force you to wear braces or Invisalign all over again. As soon as your teeth have settled down, the bone and gum tissue surrounding them has properly stabilized, your orthodontist will reassess the progress. They might further suggest that you only wear your retainers at night or for specific hours every day to ensure your teeth will not move.
- Take care of your retainer: Retainers should be cared for with utmost care since it is vital to maintain your smile. Similar to your Invisalign clear aligners, it is necessary to remove your retainers whenever you eat, floss, brush, or play contact sports. Whenever you pull your retainer, make sure you thoroughly clean them every night before sleeping.
#2 Maintain Stellar Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are integral to keeping your smile perfect, and teeth healthy. Post Invisalign treatment, it is likely for the gums to be more sensitive for a few days. This is where it will be essential for you to protect your teeth with Invisalign aligner trays. The teeth may also be sensitive to certain food temperatures, food items, brushing, and flossing.
#3 Eat A Healthy Diet
Post-treatment, many food items can be very harmful to your teeth. Sugary and acidic foods must be consumed in moderation to avoid cavities, tooth decay, and staining. Regardless of your retainer type, it’s also recommended that you avoid anything crunchy or hard for the first few weeks as your teeth adjust. For kids and teens, retainers are typically worn until the wisdom teeth come in or are extracted. Lean protein, non-acidic vegetables, and fruits, dairy must be included in your regular diet.
#4 Enforce A Personal Mouthguard Rule
Many sports don’t have the rule to use a mouthguard compulsorily while playing sports, but it is safe to wear one. Custom-fitted ones are usually recommended while looking for a mouthguard to avoid dental injuries.
#5 Get Regular Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are essential for every individual who has undergone Invisalign treatment. These check-ups help orthodontists who will inspect your smile and track the progress of the treatment. As required, your orthodontist can make necessary amendments to your retainers. You will also receive replacement retainers at these appointments if your retainers begin to wear.
The Takeaway
While these tips are helpful, they need to be done regularly. Caring for your new smile will require a lifetime of attention, time, and forethought to protect your investment and your oral health.
Emily Taylor, Author
The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily, and she loves researching and writing about it. She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile – whether it is ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake, and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!
