Post Invisalign Treatment: How to take care of your teeth

One of the most common questions we get from patients is, “Do I still have to take care of my teeth post Invisalign treatment?” The answer, of course, is yes! 

Just because you’ve done your treatment with Invisalign in Prospect Heights does not mean that you can neglect them. Even though your teeth are now straight, they are still susceptible to cavities and gum diseases if taken for granted. 

It is essential for dental patients to take care of their teeth after their post Invisalign treatment. The wires and brackets used in traditional braces can trap food and plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. 

In contrast, Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic that is easy to clean. However, this does not mean that patients can neglect their oral hygiene. Even though the aligners are removable, they should be worn for at least 22 hours per day to be effective. 

When they are not being worn, they should be stored in their case to prevent them from becoming misplaced or damaged. Additionally, patients should brush and floss their teeth regularly and attend regular dental check-ups to maintain good oral health. And now that you’re done with your treatment.

4 ways to take care of your teeth post Invisalign treatment.

#1 – Wear Your Retainers

I’m sure you’re wondering why you need to wear a retainer even though you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment. After all, your teeth are now straight, so what’s the point of wearing a retainer? 

A retainer is an appliance worn to hold teeth in their new, corrected position following orthodontic treatment. Because it takes time for the teeth and gums to settle into their new positions, the retainer helps to ensure that all of your hard work doesn’t go to waste. 

There are two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. A removable retainer consists of a wire that runs along the front surface of the teeth, with a plastic or nylon base that sits behind the teeth. 

A fixed retainer is bonded to the back surfaces of the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. Both types of retainers are effective in holding teeth in place, but patients often prefer removable retainers because they are easier to keep clean. No matter which type of retainer you choose, wearing it as directed is essential for maintaining your beautiful new smile.

Well, I’d like you to think of retainers as insurance for your beautiful smile. Just like you continue to pay insurance premiums even after your car is paid off, you need to wear a retainer to ensure that your teeth don’t shift back to their original position. 

I know, I know, no one likes to wear a retainer. But trust me, it’s worth it to have that peace of mind knowing that your beautiful smile will last a lifetime. So, continue to wear your retainer as directed and enjoy the rest of your life with a confident smile.

#2 – Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly

Even after your Invisalign treatment is finished, it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups. Many people think that once their teeth are straight, they don’t need to see an orthodontist anymore. But that’s not true! 

Orthodontists are trained to spot any potential problems with your teeth and jaw, and they can catch things that your regular dentist might miss. Plus, Orthodontists can give you tips on how to keep your teeth looking their best. 

So even though you’re finished with Invisalign, don’t forget to schedule those regular orthodontic visits. They’ll always be happy to see you!

#3 – Always Remember to Still Brush and Floss

Even though you might be finished with your Invisalign treatment, it is still important to maintain the habit of brushing and flossing. Here are three reasons why:

First, brushing, and flossing help remove plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a film of germs that may cause tooth decay and gum disease. So, even though your Invisalign aligners are no longer on your teeth, plaque can still build up if you don’t brush and floss regularly.

Second, brushing, and flossing help to keep your breath fresh. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be around someone with bad breath. So, even though you’re done with your Invisalign aligners, you still need to brush and floss regularly to keep your breath smelling sweet.

Finally, brushing and flossing help to prevent cavities. Cavities occur when plaque turns into tartar, which is a hard substance that can only be removed by a dentist. So, even though your Invisalign aligners are no longer on your teeth, you still need to brush and floss regularly to prevent cavities from forming.

#4 – Avoid Foods That Stain Your Teeth

In order to keep your smile looking its best, it’s important to avoid foods that can cause staining. Even though Invisalign clear aligners are removable, they’re not impervious to staining. So, it’s best to still avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and other dark-colored beverages during post Invisalign treatment. 

And after you take your aligners out, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly before enjoying any of these drinks. As for food, anything that would leave a stain on a white shirt should be avoided. That includes blueberries, soy sauce, curry, and beets. 

You’ve had a long journey with your orthodontic treatment, and it would be best to maintain your bright smile for a long time!

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing your Invisalign treatment! Your new smile looks amazing and in order to maintain it keep it in mind. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to keep up with your regular dental hygiene routine.

Wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist. This will help ensure that your teeth don’t shift back into their original positions. See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings so they’ll be able to keep an eye on your teeth and make sure everything is looking good.

If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact Scantlebury Orthodontics.