Getting the signature Hollywood smile at the dentist has never been easier, especially with all the advancements in medical technology nowadays. People need teeth readjustment treatments for aesthetics, health, and most of all, comfort. Not only will you look good, but you will also have healthier teeth. Instead of going through a long, painful process with metallic braces, you can get the same results with Invisalign retainers. When Invisalign treatment is concluded, patients have a wonderful smile painted on their faces. Certainly, the time taken to reach that smile varies according to the case. However, the process is not over when you remove the Invisalign.
To keep that smile shining, you have to continue with the aftercare process as well, and here is why.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment involves the usage of removable and transparent aligners that straighten the teeth. This advanced method helps you ditch the wires, brackets, and all the other annoying limitations that come with metallic braces. Instead, you will have invisible removable alignment trays on your teeth for twenty hours per day. This orthodontic treatment straightens the teeth more comfortably and predictably. You may even flash a new smile in as little as six months. Treatment time may still differ based on your case, but it is as fast and effective. It is mostly used with people who have mild to moderate misalignments. Invisalign can also fix bit issues. For instance, overbites, underbites, or crossbites can be treated with it.
What to do After Finishing the Treatment
Now that you have finished the treatment, you get to see the final look of your bright smile. But to fully enjoy and sustain this look, your orthodontist will tell you to wear retainers. These devices look a lot like your aligners; however, they apply more pressure to keep your teeth aligned correctly. They do not let your teeth shift back to their original positions, as retainers give them a base to lean against. According to health experts at FinVsFin.com, Invisalign aligners are not recommended to be used as retainers, as such trays are designed to be used for limited periods and they are not rigid enough to sustain long periods. The aligner trays also get dirty quickly and lose their quality after some time.
Of course, it’s also necessary to stay in regular contact with your dentists and orthodontists who are overseeing your treatment. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, they should be there to support you. For many, this will be as simple as attending regularly mandated checkups and procedures as they arise. But don’t hesitate to reach out to them if there is anything of concern happening,
Types of Retainers
As said before, retaining devices are appliances recommended by orthodontists for patients who finished aligning their teeth. To maintain the final look, you can use numerous types of retainers. They are often made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. These are the different subcategories to these retainers:
1. Wire Retainers
They are often called fixed retainers, as they use a metallic wire permanently placed on the lower part of your teeth. This may have its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you do not need to worry about forgetting to put it or fearing its loss. On the other hand, it gets tricky to clean it as you have to thread your floss all around the wire to get rid of buildup.
2. Transparent Plastic Retainers
The clear plastic retainers look like the Invisalign alignment trays, but they are made of more rigid material. Because the use of other materials in the roof of your mouth is uncomfortable, you will find clear plastic retainers handy and comfortable in their use. Also, their transparent nature makes them harder to notice while you are speaking with other people. You need to learn how to clean them, as their color can shift to grey or yellow without proper cleaning. This can affect how your teeth look like.
Cleaning the Retainers
The most important thing you should remember while using retainers is not to leave any room for bacterial buildup. This can harm your teeth which the retainers are supposed to protect. To properly clean a retainer, you can simply scrub the device gently with soap and water. For better results, you can buy retainer-cleaning tablets. The second option can be easier, as it provides great results in a short time. All you have to do is to dissolve the tablet in a cup of water, and then insert the retainers in them. Leave it for a couple of minutes, and then witness the shiny results.
Preserve Your Retainer
Because a retainer protects and continues the alignment process for your teeth, you need to take extra care of it. So, it is important to remember how to maintain the structure of your retainer. For example, you should take it off before eating in order not to have food stuck in it. You should also remember to remove them before drinking hot beverages, especially if you have plastic retainers. The heat can melt your retainer rendering it useless. Additionally, you should not chew gum or hard candy while using retainers.
Orthodontic treatments take a lot of time, but the results are impeccable. Luckily, technology is always developing and offering us solutions that make every treatment easier. With Invisalign aligners, you can get the smile of your dreams with less fuss and pain. However, to maintain your dazzling look, you should continue the process after your remove the retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting back. Follow up with your dentist, and enjoy a flawless smile.
