Invisalign treatment has become a popular choice for straightening a misaligned smile. The process of teeth realigning can take any duration from six months to three years. Once your smile is in the desired state, the orthodontist will allow you to remove them.
3 Best Post Invisalign Treatment Practices
Taking braces off isn’t the end of the journey. You’ll immediately begin maintenance to ensure the results last for a lifetime. Without proper maintenance, your teeth may shift back to the misaligned state. Here’s a look at four things you should do after taking off Invisalign braces.
1. Start Post Treatment Maintenance
Your teeth should be in the ideal position by the time your brace treatment ends. This also marks the beginning of post braces maintenance, which involves using a retainer. Also known as the retention phase, this stage is all about maintaining your newly aligned smile.
Retainers minimize the chance of your teeth shifting and changes that may result from aging. As the name suggests, their role is to retain the newly achieved alignment. There are two popular retainers available, as shown below:
• Fixed Retainers
– Refers to thin metal wires that your orthodontist glues to the back of your teeth. They offer a permanent solution, hence the name. You are also less likely to lose the retainers.
• Removable Retainers
– You can choose clear retainers or go with traditional removable wire retainers to pick up from where the braces left. Removable retainers are simply option you can take off, clean, and wear.
2. Maintain Contact With Your Orthodontist
The work of an orthodontist doesn’t end when you finally take off the braces. You’ll need a few more checks to determine if there are changes. Also, if you desire retainers, the orthodontist will help you determine the best options and needed care during the retention phase.
Maintaining contact with your doctor is vital if you want a permanent result. Brace treatment can have complications, and your teeth may start shifting again. Routine checks will help you avoid wasting time, money, and effort put into straightening your smile.
3. Maintain Basic Oral Care Practices
Oral care and hygiene are vital, especially after a brace treatment. The orthodontist will instruct you on what to do and avoid to achieve the best oral care through the retention period. Below are some of the best oral care practices to follow after brace treatment.
•Regular brushing and flossing after every meal
•Avoid sticky foods when using retainers
•Take the retainers off when eating/drinking hot meals/beverages
•Clean retainers once or twice a day
You can discuss oral care and maintenance with the orthodontist. They’ll also recommend the best products and practices. Maintenance and proper oral care are the two most essential post-treatment practices. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine checks.
Professional Orthodontics Services
Invisible braces can give you the smile you’ve always desired. Once the braces are off, you’ll rely on retainers, proper oral care, and close monitoring to ensure the results are maintained.
Dr. Gruelle and Dr. Dempsey have been helping patients realign their smiles since 1977. Over the years, they have improved the smiles of more than 150,000 patients through premium orthodontic treatment.
You can learn more about post brace treatment by scheduling a meeting with Gruelle Dempsey Orthodontics clinic.
