If you’re currently undergoing treatment with Invisalign, you might have some questions about what comes next after your treatment has finished. Dr. Bronsky is here to talk to you about the steps you need to take after your Invisalign treatment is over if you’re going to preserve the gains made with the aligners.
Almost always the answer is yes to this question. Retainers are used after any orthodontic treatment to help maintain your teeth in their new position until the tissue around them has gotten used to it. Not every Invisalign patient uses a retainer for a long time, but as with traditional braces, it is a standard treatment. For most patients, a retainer will be needed at least at night for the rest of their life.
Caring for your retainer is a matter of keeping it clean and knowing when to replace it. If you’re using a retainer for longer than a year, you might want to consider getting a new one. Otherwise, follow the specific care instructions you received when you have first prescribed the retainer. In general, however, taking care of your retainer consists of regularly brushing it and placing in it a denture cleaning solution every week.
Beyond supporting your newly aligned smile with a retainer, you should continue brushing and flossing just as you used to before Invisalign. Brush at least twice a day, and floss once a day. If you have discomfort with traditional dental floss, you can also make use of disposable flossers. If you have a permanent retainer, you should make sure to brush and floss under and around it. Making sure to get this area as clean as possible. The spaces between permanent retainers can be a haven for bacteria to build up over time.
Regardless of how straight your new smile is, you still need to maintain that smile with a semi-annual cleaning at your local dentist. Going to the dentist regularly ensures your teeth will be as healthy as possible. For orthodontic patients, it also keeps an eye on your teeth positioning, so you know if you are developing new alignment issues.
If you have any questions about how to take care of your new smile after your orthodontic treatment or if you’re looking to get a new smile with one of Manhattan’s top orthodontists, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in TriBeCa or the Upper East Side. Our caring team will help you find a day that works best for you and get you on track to your ultimate smile!
