Maintaining Your Smile Post Invisalign Treatment

After months of waiting, you finally remove your Invisalign trays and let your teeth breathe. Your patience and discipline finally paid off, and you now have a beautiful smile with perfectly straight teeth to show the world. The results are perfect, but you’re not out of the woods yet.

You see, it’s not uncommon for teeth to move back to their misaligned positions after Invisalign treatment. This orthodontic relapse may be because of ill-fitting aligners, jaw discrepancies, or issues with your facial structure. The good news is that you can maintain your smile after the treatment. Keep reading to find out how.

Wear a Retainer

Wearing a retainer is one of the most effective ways of retaining your straight teeth after your Invisalign treatment. Retainers are usually a set of plastic trays that prevent the teeth from moving to their original positions after treatment. Your teeth will likely relapse after treatment if you don’t wear retainers.

Schedule Regular Dentist Visits 

You’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dentist at least every six weeks after your Invisalign treatment. That way, the dentist can identify early signs of relapse and take steps to prevent your teeth from completely shifting back. The dentist will also spot early signs of unrelated dental complications that can ruin your smile.

Keep a Keen Eye on Your Teeth

You and your mirror will likely be best friends after the Invisalign treatment. Aside from admiring your beautiful new smile, you’ll also want to be keen on any change in your teeth’s alignment. Contact your dentist if you notice any change in your teeth alignment. We advise seeking a second opinion on the change just to be sure.

Brush, Floss, and Clean Your Retainers

Your teeth relapsing isn’t the only thing that can ruin your smile after your Invisalign treatment. Dental decay and tooth discoloration can also do a number on your teeth. As such, remember to brush and floss your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. That way, you can keep cavities at bay and maintain your beautiful smile for years.

While retainers are crucial for maintaining your smile after Invisalign treatment, they may be your biggest deterrent to a lovely smile. Food particles can get stuck in between your retainers and cause cavities. It’s important to clean your retainers daily to keep them from damaging your teeth.

Avoid Troublesome Food

While you can indulge in most foods after Invisalign, it's wise to steer clear of sugary and starchy options that have the potential to contribute to dental decay. These foods, when consumed in excess, can create an environment conducive to cavities and other oral health issues. Therefore, moderation is key when enjoying these treats.

Another category of foods to be cautious of includes sticky options that have a tendency to get lodged between your teeth. These stubborn remnants can be a breeding ground for cavities and discomfort. To maintain a healthy smile, it's advisable to avoid or limit your intake of such sticky snacks.

Let Us Help You Preserve Your Smile

A beautiful smile is a game-changer, boosting your confidence and opening up new opportunities. However, maintaining a beautiful smile is easier said than done, but that’s where we come in. At Excelsior Orthodontics we utilize our state-of-the-art equipment to give you a beautiful smile and preserve its beauty for the rest of your life. Contact us for professional and expedient dental services. We believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile and healthy teeth.