Well done! You are now enjoying the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted after finishing your Invisalign treatment. You’ve reached the most important stage: maintenance, after all the time and effort you put into wearing your aligners. To make sure your results last a lifetime, you need to protect your investment.
Dr. Frank Hackman and the staff at All Family Dental Care in Northridge want to give you the information you need to keep your smile looking great. Here’s how to keep your smile looking great long after your Invisalign treatment is over.
The Retainer is Your New Best Friend
Wearing your retainer is the most important thing you can do after getting Invisalign. Your teeth have a “memory” and will naturally try to move back to where they were before. The only thing that keeps them in their new, correct position is a retainer.
Initial Wear: Dr. Hackman will give you a specific schedule, but most patients are told to wear their new retainers all the time (20 to 22 hours a day) for the first few months. This gives the bone and ligaments around your teeth time to harden in their new places.
Long-Term Use: After the first few weeks, you will probably only need to wear your retainers at night. The best way to protect your smile is to follow this “nighttime for a lifetime” rule.
Clean Your Retainer
You need to clean your retainer every day, just like you do your teeth. Most of the time, your retainer is a Vivera retainer, which is made by the same company that makes Invisalign. Plaque and bacteria can build up on it, which can cause bad breath, cloudy plastic, and problems with your teeth.
Invisalign’s official care instructions say to do these simple things:
- Rinse It Every Time: Every time you take out your retainer, rinse it with warm water. Don’t ever use hot water because it can change the shape of the plastic.
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and some clear, anti-bacterial soap or toothpaste that isn’t too rough to brush your retainer at least once a day, like when you brush your teeth in the morning.
- Don’t use harsh cleaners like mouthwash or denture cleaners on your retainer. These products have alcohol and harsh chemicals that can hurt the plastic, making it cloudy and brittle.
You can use special cleaning tablets or Invisalign’s own cleaning crystals to soak your retainer a few times a week for a deep clean. You can always go to the official Living with Invisalign resource page for more information.
Keep your mouth clean and healthy Your new, straight teeth are easier to clean, but you still need to take care of them all the time. Always brush and floss your teeth before putting in your retainer. Putting food or sugar between your teeth and the retainer is a quick way to get cavities. Keep Getting Regular Checkups: Don’t forget to get your dental cleanings and checkups every six months! It is important to get professional cleanings at All Family Dental Care in Northridge to get rid of any tartar buildup and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Your Partner for a Smile That Lasts
You put in a lot of work to get your new smile, and we’re here to help you keep it. We can help you with any questions you have about your retainer or if you’re thinking about starting your own smile journey.
All Family Dental Care in Northridge is proud to be one of the best places to get Invisalign. If you or someone in your family wants to know more about what clear aligners can do for you, go to our Invisalign service page or make an appointment with Dr. Frank Hackman DDS today.
Call Us Today!
(818) 514-4969
Interested in Invisalign? Maybe you have some questions about alternative to braces? We are happy to answer any questions you might have. Call our office today, or set up an appointment to sort out the best options for you and your smile makeover.
