What You Need To Know About The End Of Your Invisalign Treatment
Posted on: 20 July 2019
If you have concerns over the appearance of your smile, Invisalign is an effective option to straighten your teeth without the look of conventional metal braces. Once you've completed your Invisalign treatment plan, there are a few things you need to do to ensure the longevity of your results. Follow this guide to keep your teeth looking their best.
1. Don't Stop Wearing Your Aligner Until Your Dentist Tells You To
Once your teeth start to appear straight, you may feel like your treatment is over and even be tempted to try to remove your aligners yourself. However, it's essential to keep your aligners on until your dentist has officially ended your treatment plan.
It's possible that your teeth still have a minor misalignment that isn't detectable to the untrained eye. If you stop wearing your aligner before your teeth are in place, this can cause your teeth to shift, potentially ruining your new smile.
2. Make Sure That You Wear Your Retainer as Instructed
After the end of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will instruct you to regularly wear a retainer. You must follow your dentist's instructions to keep your teeth in their new positions. If you opt to wear your retainer less frequently than recommended by your dentist, your teeth can begin to shift their positions.
Most patients need to wear their retainers for the majority of the day for at least a few months after they end their Invisalign treatment. This will assist with keeping your teeth in place as your jaw hardens. Once your jaw has hardened, your dentist will permit you to only wear your retainer at night. Don't drop down to night wearings until you're given approval from your dentist.
3. See That You Regularly Replace Your Retainer
Once you begin wearing your retainer, it's essential that it fit appropriately to keep your teeth in place. It should also be in good condition and free of any defects. Your dentist will give you specific guidelines for how frequently you need to get refitted for your retainer, but most patients need to replace their retainers annually.
To help your retainer achieve its lifespan, make sure that you properly take care of it. You should clean the retainer each day using an approved cleaning product or soap and an old toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste on your retainer, as the abrasiveness of toothpaste can damage your retainer. Never smoke while wearing a retainer, as smoking can turn the retainer a yellow hue.
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