Having a naturally perfect pair of teeth not only grants you confidence in your smile but also oral health. Aligned teeth are easier to clean, less likely to wear, and prevent speaking difficulties. However, not everybody is blessed with the perfect set of teeth.
Invisalign (clear aligners) is one of the most sought-after modern dental treatments for those looking for a perfectly healthy smile. Clear aligners are personalised plastic braces that gently push your teeth into the desired place. This treatment takes somewhere between 10 to 24 months and provides great results.
But what’s next? Do your teeth keep growing healthy after Invisalign treatment or will it go back to as was? What precautions should patients take after the procedure? These are common questions that patients might have. If you too are concerned with this, this blog is for you. We will answer all these questions and more, assisting you in making better decisions.
A] How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Invisalign are braces made from medical-grade thermoplastic. Each set of Invisalign is custom-made for every patient by taking a digital picture of the mouth. Throughout the treatment’s duration, the patient would have to wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, 22 hours a day for as long as the treatment lasts.
Unlike metal braces, clear aligners do not pull teeth in the desired place. Clear aligners apply gentle pressure on the teeth throughout the treatment, slowly moving the teeth in place. Using Invisalign is painless and hassle-free, and gives you much more control over your oral health.
B] Teeth Appearance And Feel After Invisalign
Once your orthodontist informs you, that your Invisalign treatment is over, you should expect perfectly aligned straight teeth. Teeth after Invisalign treatment should not be any gaps or crowding in your smile, making your smile appear more symmetrical. Whatever dental issues you had prior to the treatment, such as crowding, or crooked or twisted teeth, must be gone by the end of the treatment.
In addition to visual changes, you should also feel changes to your bite. Problems like overbite, underbite, or other chewing and biting problems should also be gone after the procedure. This may not always be apparent as your teeth slowly move into their place throughout the procedure, giving you ample time to be accustomed to it.
C] Precautions Patients Must Take After Completing The Procedure
Some people who do not feel comfortable wearing aligners and do not want to continue the procedure, stop wearing clear aligners when their teeth are no longer visibly crooked. This is extremely dangerous and can cause severe dental issues in the future. Your teeth alignment could even go back to as was, reversing the progress you have made.
If you are feeling uncomfortable wearing aligners or facing any problem with your daily life, it is essential to contact a reputed dental clinic first. Your orthodontist will be able to help you get the right treatment according to your needs. Additionally, patients should also wear retainers according to the doctor’s recommendation after the Invisalign treatment.
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D] Do You Have To Wear Retainers After Invisalign?
Wearing retainers holds your teeth in the correct position and are an essential part of Invisalign aftercare. Retainers are used to prevent them from returning to their previously misaligned position. While we understand that you would not want to restrict your teeth once again after completing your Invisalign procedure, not wearing a retainer can cause several long-term problems.
Generally, you would have to wear a retainer for three to six months, 12 to 22 hours a day depending on your condition. This is enough time for your jaw to fix your teeth in place. The jawbone is usually soft right after the Invisalign treatment is finished. Wearing the retainer for the time allows it to harden.
There are two types of retainers you can choose from, traditional metal retainers and clear retainers. Both of them are custom-made for every patient. Retainers can also be bifurcated into fixed and removable retainers. Fixed retainers are only available in metal. While removable retainers are available in both metal and plastic variants. Patients often choose plastic removable retainers as they are the most comfortable. However, metal fixed and removable retainers also have their unique benefits. Your orthodontist will suggest the best retainers after Invisalign for you.
E] Why and How Should I Care for My Retainers?
Keeping your retainer clear can also add to its longevity. This helps you save money as replacing a retainer frequently can be very expensive. Here are some tips for keeping your retainer clean and hygienic,
- Do not use toothpaste to clean your retainers, as toothpaste can damage them. Instead, use simple soap and water to scrub your retainers.
- Use specialised cleaning tables designed for retainers.
- Take out your retainers when you eat or drink.
- Brush your teeth every time you have finished eating something.
- Avoid drinking hot or sugary beverages if you have retainers.
- Avoid eating sticky and sugary foods like candy and chewing gums, as they can stick to your teeth leading to tooth decay and cavities.
- If you smoke, stop it as soon as possible, as it can cause serious oral health issues.
- If you play sports, wear a metal retainer as it is much more durable.
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F] What to Expect After One Year of Invisalign Treatment?
After a year of Invisalign treatment, you should see your teeth stabilise in their new place. At this point, your jawbone should be completely healed, holding your aligned teeth in its place. Your orthodontist may even suggest you reduce wearing your retainer as often or even stop wearing it completely.
You may experience your teeth slightly moving forward or backwards, but that is nothing to worry about. It is a natural process that will occur and won’t have any drastic effect on your smile.
Conclusion
Who wouldn’t want a healthy and confident smile? Completing Invisalign treatment marks a significant milestone in a patient’s life who was suffering from uneven or crooked teeth. But, taking care of your teeth once your treatment is done is just as important. Wear a retainer as per your doctor’s consultation and make sure to take good care of it.
Oral health and hygiene are just as important. Avoid eating sugary and sticky foods, and also try to reduce or eliminate smoking altogether. And if you are still looking for a reputed orthodontist for Invisalign treatment in Wadala, contact us today.
Dr. Rishabh Pendurkar
Dr. Rishabh Pendurkar offers 16 years of clinical expertise, including his role as Consultant at the renowned Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai. Known for his precision and care, Dr. Pendurkar has successfully handled a wide spectrum of dental cases, from routine to complex treatments.