718-979-2121Investing in your smile and overall oral health is a beautiful and empowering feeling. Whether you’re still in the decision process or already a patient, you might often wonder what happens after your treatment. When you remove your last set of aligners, you’re expected to see a straight and sparkling new smile in the mirror.
Although your teeth might seem ready, there’s a couple of things to do after Invisalign treatment. The first is the active phase of treatment, where your teeth are shifting into their ideal position as you rock your braces or Invisalign.
This phase is followed by the retention phase to ensure that your result lasts a lifetime.
Post-treatment maintenance
Thanks to technology, the retainers used today are super comfortable and less invasive than their predecessors. However, it is crucial to take good care of them for the best result. Here are some of the healthy practices to incorporate while with retainers.
- Do not eat with retainers
- Do not drink hot beverages with retainers
- Ensure you rinse the retainers when taking them out and putting them back in.
Part of the post-treatment maintenance also includes continuing your basic oral routine, such as brushing and flossing twice a day. Even when there are no issues, you must see your dentist twice a year.
Retainer options after Invisalign
You have two options when it comes to retainers – the fixed retainers and the removable retainers. The fixed retainers come with a thin, metal wire that is glued to the back of your teeth to keep them in place.
If you take care of your retainers, they will stay put permanently. It is unobtrusive as no one will ever notice that you have something in your teeth. You also don’t have to fear losing it.
The removable retainers, on the other hand, come in two forms – the traditional wire retainer, also known as Hawley retainers. And a clear retainer that looks like an Invisalign tray, otherwise known as a 3D or Essix retainer.
Although it is not as obvious as braces, they can still be noticed due to the wire component. However, most patients gravitate toward this option since they are used to it and can barely tell they’re wearing it. It is comfortable and durable. When properly cared for, both options can last two years without hassles.
If you’re looking for the best Orthodontist, then we’ve got you covered. Our years of experience and practice have accorded us the expertise to restore a confident smile and healthy oral health. Feel free to give us a call, or perhaps fill our contact form to begin.
