Congratulations! You’ve just completed your orthodontic treatment.
Whether you had braces, or a series of aligners from Invisalign, you now have the beautiful smile and bite that you’ve been striving for.
But there’s still one more step to go before your treatment is complete: post-treatment care and maintenance of your orthodontic retainers.
Taking proper care of your retainers will help ensure that all the hard work, money, and time that went into achieving this perfect smile isn’t wasted by allowing it to revert back to its original state.
This article will explore two key aspects of post-treatment care: proper cleaning and maintenance, regular dental check-ups, and understanding the retention period.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance
Properly caring for your straightened teeth is important for keeping them looking their best – and it’s easy!
After completing Invisalign or orthodontic treatment, proper cleaning and maintenance of retainers is key to preserving the results.
It’s important to store your retainer properly when not in use; place it in a protective case or wrap it in a clean, damp cloth before placing in a dry location.
Additionally, regular oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums while wearing retainers. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss between each tooth at least once per day as instructed by a dentist or orthodontist.
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria levels that cause bad breath.
If you experience any discomfort from wearing retainers, contact your dentist right away as this could be an indication of poor fit or improper cleaning habits.
With the right care and maintenance, you can keep your smile straight and beautiful for years to come!
Regular Dental Check-Ups
After your treatment is finished, it’s important to keep up with regular dental check-ups so you can maintain that great smile!
Proper dental hygiene is vital for maintaining a healthy mouth after having orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. Regular brushing and flossing are essential for removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums, but regular check-ups with your dentist are also necessary in order to detect any problems that may arise due to poor oral hygiene.
Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth to ensure that everything is in good condition. They will also be able to make sure that the positioning of your teeth is still stable after completing Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments. This helps prevent any shifting of the teeth which can cause misalignment or gaps in between them.
Furthermore, regular check-ups are an opportunity for your dentist to give you more tips on how best to take care of your retainer as well as suggest ways you can further improve your oral health.
Understanding the Retention Period
Once you’ve completed your Invisalign or orthodontic treatment, it’s important to understand the retention period and how best to keep up with your post-treatment care and maintenance.
The retention period is a time when your teeth are still at risk of shifting back into their pre-treatment positions. That’s why follow up visits with your orthodontist are essential during this time.
They’ll prescribe retainers that must be worn as instructed for the duration of the retention period in order to ensure long-term effects from the treatment.
Retainers come in two forms: removable and fixed. Removable retainers should be worn full-time for one to two years following treatment, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.
Fixed retainers are attached behind your teeth and require no effort on your part; they will stay in place permanently but may need occasional tightening or replacing over time.
Your orthodontist will advise you on which type of retainer is right for you based on how well you have followed instructions throughout treatment — including wearing elastics or headgear if prescribed — and other factors such as age and degree of tooth movement involved in the case.
Conclusion
It’s important to take good care of your dental retainers after orthodontic treatment. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help them last a long time, and regular dental check-ups will keep your teeth healthy.
Make sure you understand the retention period prescribed by your dentist, and follow the advice they give you. With proper care and attention, your retainers can stay in good condition for years to come.
Taking care of them is one of the best ways to ensure that you’ll always have a beautiful smile!
Source – Revitta Smile