So you’ve successfully done it, you’ve completed your time wearing Invisalign and achieved that smile you’ve always dreamed of. While your teeth may be looking better than they ever have before, it doesn’t mean that you’re able to just walk away from your Invisalign forever, unfortunately. You’ll receive a retainer set to wear following the completion of your time with Invisalign that will be with you the rest of your days, and failure to wear it as directed can result in the whole process having to start over again. There are two parts of owning a retainer that are essential to successful post-treatment care:
Wear Your Retainer
When you’re given a retainer following your Invisalign treatment it’s because it’s necessary to help keep your adjustment in place for years to come. Retainers are a necessary evil after both braces and Invisalign, and it’s not uncommon for people to turn to Invisalign as a result of failing to wear their retainer after the braces. Retainers also are effective in protecting your teeth from wear and tear from things like bruxism, grinding or clenching your teeth in a way that causes damage. Once a year or so you’ll receive a new retainer to ensure that it remains effective.
Retainer Cleaning Procedure
The only way to ensure that your retainer remains effective in keeping your teeth healthy and strong by wearing it correctly and keeping it clean. The first thing to know about caring for your retainer is to never use regular toothpaste with it, the abrasive nature of this substance can cause damage and create scratches in the surface where bacteria can hide. You’ll want to keep it clean using a toothbrush and soapy water every day, and be sure to take the time to keep it clean. An easier way of dealing with this is to put the retainer in a special solution to keep it clean, often made by dropping a couple of solution tablets into a cup of water. Make sure it stays submerged for at least 20 minutes.
Maintain A Routine Of Regular Checkups
Continuing checkups with your dentist is the only way to be absolutely certain that your teeth don’t try to drift back in position after completing your Invisalign treatment. Along with wearing the retainer every day and caring for it properly, along with good dental hygiene, these trips to your dentist will let you know if anything is starting to go awry with your oral health.
If you’re considering getting Invisalign or are coming to the end of your treatment cycle, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Dr. Marian Bradford is proud to serve the Aliso Veijo, CA area from her office at Premier Dental of South Orange County. They’ve been working with patients like you to ensure that their orthodontic treatments continue to be effective and their oral health remains excellent, and would be proud to add you and your family to their practice.