You have probably seen television shows about makeovers. It is amazing what new clothes, a new hairstyle and professionally applied makeup can do to create a whole new look. Smile makeovers may not be as widely publicized, but they are equally as effective in making others view you in a whole new light. Cosmetic dentist, Dr. May & Dr. Layth can improve your smile through one or more cosmetic dental procedures and have you flashing a gorgeous smile in less time than you may think.
Invisalign is a dental treatment alternative suitable for adults and teenagers in their late teens. The discreet nature of the removable aligners makes them perfect for use in social gatherings, workplaces, and learning institutions. They provide reprieve when used long-term, unlike other restoration measures. You have to wear Invisalign for approximately one year before noticing significant results. Even so, you must continue with orthodontic treatment to ensure the teeth remain healthy and in good shape.At Molson Park Barrie, we cover your long-term aftercare plan when discussing the Invisalign treatment option. We ensure you know the proper maintenance routine for the straightened teeth to prevent a recurrence of the same problem or other issues. That may include wearing a retainer regularly and honoring regular dental appointments.
Invisalign retainers look like aligners, meaning they are not too visible either. They are made using a plastic material that is BPA-free, and they are very comfortable. They fit snuggly over your teeth and are easy to remove. The same technology that makes aligners also make retainers. Please note that you can also get fixed retainers if you are looking for a more permanent option. Our dentist will explore all the pros, cons, and maintenance tips with you. The permanent retainers use a wire that is attached to your teeth to keep the retainers in position. It is a more convenient option if you think you might forget to wear the removable retainers. Remember, they require more cleaning because getting around the wires may not be easy. You must be meticulous to ensure food particles or plaque do not form around them.
Importance of Retainers After the Orthodontic Procedure Orthodontic treatment involves moving teeth around, which affects the bones and tissues around them. Repositioning them is the only way for the procedure to work. The tissues and bones take longer to heal; therefore, they will keep on stabilizing even after the teeth begin to straighten. As such, you may not see the desired results for up to a year – it might take that long for them to become fully stable. Patients with wider gaps between teeth tend to require extended healing periods.
Retainers play a critical role in the success of the orthodontic procedure. They prevent possible relapse, most likely during the first few days after the treatment. Ensure you wear the retainers according to the instructions of your dentist. Relapse refers to when the teeth move back to their original position. That means you have to undergo the process all over again from the beginning. With retainers, you can avoid all that trouble. You also save your time, energy, and money.
For How Long Should I Wear the Retainer? You must wear the retainers immediately after orthodontic treatment and keep them on for as long as necessary. Most dentists recommend up to a year, during which you will have the Invisalign retainers most of the time.
Regular checkups allow the dentist to check whether the teeth have settled into their new position. They will assess you as time goes by and advise you accordingly, depending on whether the tissues become stable. You may end up wearing the retainers at night only or for a few hours during the day to assist with the rest of the healing process.
It is important to note that tissues surrounding the teeth can change at any given time. That is why Invisalign treatment mainly works for adults. It is also why bones can heal to regain their healthy form. Teeth tend to shift positions as you age regardless of their health status. The change means that you can wear retainers even if you have not had Invisalign treatment. You can use removable retainers every night for your lifetime or choose fixed retainers with a longevity of at least five years.
Changes you Might Experience with a Retainer Using retainers is like using Invisalign aligners – you have to remove them when eating, brushing, and flossing. It is also advisable to take them off when engaging in vigorous activities like playing sports, especially high-impact sports that require you to wear a mouthguard.
Retainers also require regular cleaning, particularly every time you remove them. Our professionals can show you the best way to ensure they remain hygienic and fresh. Proper storage is also essential; another guideline our team will help you adopt. Ensure you keep your retainers where your dog can’t reach because dogs like to chew on them.
For those who choose fixed retainers, thorough cleaning around the wires is critical. We will show you how to maneuver around them using dental floss and threader. You may also have to monitor how you bite food. Avoid using the front teeth because solid objects could dislodge the wires.
Caring for the New Teeth Regular hygiene practices are still necessary after Invisalign treatment. You must brush and floss at least twice a day for two minutes. Remember, taking care of your straight teeth will be a lot easier than it was when they were misaligned.
Brushing and flossing can promote good oral hygiene, but keeping up with regular dental appointments remains vital in keeping decay, cavities, and gum disease at bay. Professional removal of plaque and tartar is the best way to reduce the chances of such issues arising. Regular professional cleaning also ensures you retain your bright smile for a long time. Additionally, seeing your dentist at least twice a year also helps with the early diagnosis of serious problems such as oral cancer. You end up with better overall health and quality of life.
You can always come to our clinic before, during, and after getting your Invisalign treatment. You do not have to wait until an issue arises before visiting our dentists. Schedule as many appointments as you want, and our attentive and friendly team will assist you every time. Our orthodontists are also available to ensure your retainers fit correctly and give any additional tips you may need. We also insist that you maintain home care practices to ensure the perfect smile for the rest of your life.
