Precautions To Be Taken After Invisalign Treatments
Invisalign treatments are becoming a lot more popular today. With its benefits, alongside its efficient results, the number of people resorting to this dental treatment increases.
While patients can assure that this will resolve their dental and oral concerns, the aftercare, including especially maintenance, will play an essential role in your teeth and gums’ resulting condition. Hence, every Invisalign user must learn the things to do after completing the entirety of the treatment. Before proceeding to the right steps, though, you must understand first what Invisalign is and how it actually works. This is very helpful, especially to those who are still considering their options whether to get an Invisalign or not.
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All About Clear Aligners
Invisalign or clear aligners are alternatives to traditional braces. It is invisible, hence, the name, and removable. Many people resort to Invisalign treatments because of their convenience. Moreover, it helps patients boost their confidence, as this does not largely affect facial features.
Keep in mind, though, that Invisalign has buttons and attachments. More often than not, many individuals are not aware that clear aligners also entail tooth-color brackets to make sure that the aligners will be intact.
But, despite the “engagers,” this aligner remains to be removable. So, for patients with attachments in their Invisalign, the utmost comfort and convenience still vary depending on your teeth’ condition.
Limitations of Invisalign
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign can only resolve specific dental and oral concerns. These include underbite, crossbite, overbite, crowding, and minimal gaps between teeth.
If you have issues involving the shape of your teeth, large gaps between teeth, crucial positioning of teeth due to overcrowding, and midline movements, Invisalign may not be as effective as the traditional braces. Also, the treatment may take longer in comparison to the traditional type. This is because clear aligners are removable. Therefore, the length of treatment will depend on the users’ discipline.
Invisalign Treatments: Removing Aligners
Dentists and experts recommend the use of Invisalign for more than 20 hours per day. It is ideal for every user to remove the clear aligners during meal times and cleaning (brushing and flossing) periods.
When removing the aligners, you must use your fingertips. Slowly pull the aligner from your back molar on one side of your mouth. Repeat the process for the other side before pulling out the whole tray. If you have engagers or attachments, the process may be quite painful for some because of the tight placement. So, ensure to be very careful in removing the aligners.
Cleaning Aligners
Amid the treatment, you must always make sure to clean your aligners. Treat it as an extension of your teeth and gums. Before you place it on your mouth, brush the Invisalign using a soft-bristle toothbrush, along with water and a pea-sized toothpaste. Rinse thoroughly with clean and lukewarm water.
If you are not using your clear aligners, you should store them in their proper case. It is worth noting that Invisalign is sensitive to extreme temperatures, distorting the tray’s positioning. Also, always keep up with your teeth cleaning visits to your dentists.
After Invisalign Treatment
Here are the points you should ponder on after completing your Invisalign treatment:
- Post – Invisalign treatments maintenance
The next thing you should do after finishing the treatment is to get retainers. This will be your last step to fully complete the process to maintain what the clear aligners did for your teeth.
When using your retainer, you must remember these things:
- Do not eat with the retainers
When using retainers, refrain from eating foods, especially the sticky ones. If you want a bite, make sure to remove it and wear it once you are done.
- Do not drink hot beverages with the retainers
The same is also true when you want a drink. Ensure to remove your retainer, especially when drinking hot beverages. This is because these types of drinks might cause damage or even melt the retainer.
Water is fine, though, as this does not offer any negative impact on retainers. Assure, however, that the water is not hot.
- Regular cleaning
Just like your clear aligners, retainers also need proper and regular cleaning. It need not be a rigorous type of cleaning. But, you must at least rinse it with clean water before putting it back in your mouth. Experts and dentists also recommend cleaning retainers at least once a day.
- Brush and Floss
Alongside wearing retainers, proper oral and dental hygiene must also be practiced accordingly. This plays a very crucial role in maintaining what the Invisalign did for your oral and dental health. Regular brushing and flossing should be part of your daily hygiene. Experts always recommend brushing at least twice or thrice a day, and floss, especially before sleeping.
- Regular Dental Check-ups
Even though your teeth appear to be healthy, regular check-ups and consultations must still be apparent in your post-treatment. You should always schedule with your dentist, not only for cleaning services but for a run-down check-up, as well. This will help you and your dentist know whether further treatments are needed for your dental and oral health.
Invisalign Treatments: Bottom line
All in all, Invisalign is a great tool and option for every patient with dental and oral concerns. It is worth noting, however, that not all conditions are solvable by clear aligners.
In the end, despite its efficiency and reliability, you must understand that consulting your dentist is always the best thing to do before anything else. Likewise, it would also be the ideal thing to do after your treatment.
