So you’ve recently received Invisalign dental treatment; congratulations! You’re on your way to a straighter, more beautiful smile. Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces because it uses clear, virtually invisible aligners. It’s essential to take special care of it during treatment.
For thorough care of your Invisalign retainer, practice the following:
1. Replace Your Retainer Every Year
Your Invisalign aligners need to be replaced every year, so it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you haven’t already. The average length of time you will wear your Invisalign aligners is 12 months, but ultimately it depends on the severity of your case.
Once fitted for the next set of aligners, they should be worn daily and only taken out to eat or drink water.
2. Clean Your Retainer Every Night
If you’re required to wear your retainer at night (or every other night), it can be easy because it is a part of your nightly routine and not something that will interfere with daily life activities like speaking and eating.
There are some essential rules and guidelines for best practices regarding cleaning your retainer like any dental appliance. You must keep this device clean; otherwise, bacteria can build up over time and contribute to many different oral health issues. You should aim to clean a removable dental appliance every day — and if possible, after each meal or snack — to prevent buildup from food debris and saliva.
You can use a toothbrush with toothpaste or a denture cleaner solution as long as they don’t contain bleach; do not use hot water because this can warp or damage the plastic material from which retainers are made. Here’s a free tip: soak them overnight in the denture cleaning solution to be ready for the next day.
3. Brushing and Flossing
Now that you have finished your Invisalign dental treatment and have a beautiful new smile, it is essential to take care of it. A sound oral hygiene routine is critical for maintaining your new smile and preventing cavities.
- Brush and floss twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes are an excellent way to ensure that you are brushing your teeth thoroughly. If you prefer manual brushing, ensure that you use the correct technique by consulting with your dentist. Also, ensure that the toothbrushes have soft bristles.
- Don’t forget to floss regularly, especially after eating sweets! Using dental floss or interdental aids such as water irrigators, wooden sticks, or dental tape can help clean between your teeth where plaque can build up and cause decay. Ask your dentist for advice on which type of floss is most suitable for you.
4. Regular Checkups
Keeping your dentist in the loop is essential for any new dental treatment. Even if you aren’t having problems, keep regular six-month checkups at your local office. Once you’re ready for your appointment, spend extra time cleaning your teeth; you want to look your best! Your dentist will likely want to take some x-rays first — it’s essential information for them to have when planning out more procedures. When the examination begins in earnest, expect a thorough investigation of your mouth and teeth. Your dentist will be looking at things like gum health and tooth alignment/positioning, ensuring that everything is healing as expected and that there are no emerging issues such as decay or cavities. If any further treatment is needed (such as teeth whitening), this is the perfect time to discuss it with them.
Contact Boon Dental Today
A beautiful, fresh smile may last a lifetime if you take good care of it. Our team is ready to help you with any questions you have regarding Invisalign, orthodontic treatment, or how orthodontics may help you achieve a new smile of your own. Our team has been trained to come up with unique solutions to make sure you’re comfortable and safe at every step of the way.
Do you want to achieve a beautiful smile? Talk to us to schedule a consultation today.