Orthodontic treatment can help to address many kinds of dental problems. Some are fairly simple, like straightening crooked teeth. Filling gaps and correcting an overbite are common issues that can be successfully addressed by Invisalign. The time needed to complete treatment typically involves several months. Finally, when the braces come over, patients want to know what to expect. Is the problem fixed forever? Will future treatment be necessary? What happens after the Invisalign treatment is completed?
UPDATED 25-03-18
A New Invisalign Inspired Smile
The first thing orthodontic patients notice after having their braces removed is that their teeth look great. The problems that required treatment are gone or vastly improved. Teeth have shifted into more suitable positions to enhance the person’s smile and overall appearance. The mouth may feel different without the orthodontic wires, and it may take a few days to get used to eating freely, but most patients do so happily.
Better health
Since your teeth are now in their correct position, eating and chewing are easier. This facilitates the digestive process, which begins when food is first chewed and mixed with saliva before being swallowed. The teeth themselves are easier to clean because the spaces between them are narrow, but accessible, trapping less food. The result is less decay and fewer cavities that will need to be filled. Gums may be easier to clean, so there is a lower risk of periodontal disease. Twice a year dental checkups may show better results and fewer problems, thanks to successful orthodontic office treatment.
Preventative Care
Now that the teeth are in overall good condition, it is important for an Invisalign teenager to continue effective dental hygiene to prevent problems. Brushing twice a day with a toothpaste recommended by the orthodontist helps to keep teeth clean and healthy. When eating out or dining in someone’s home without a toothbrush, rinsing the mouth with water in the bathroom after the meal will flush away some of the debris. Flossing daily is another important part of the cleaning process. Many orthodontists recommend gargling before bedtime for thirty to sixty seconds with a recommended mouthwash. Some of these products can sting, especially those with a high concentration of alcohol. Ask for a suggested mouth rinse that is best for individual needs. For example, some patients might need a mouthwash with fluoride to help protect their teeth from decay.
Check-ups
Seeing a dentist twice a year for an exam, x-rays, and a deep cleaning is also important. Regular checkups can catch certain problems early on before they become bigger problems. Having invested time and money in orthodontic treatment, it makes sense to take good care of the teeth by working with the dentist so that these improvements are not wasted.
Maintenance Retainers
Most people who successfully complete Invisalign treatment will need to wear upper and lower retainers or at least one type. The retainers are made by the orthodontic office staff when the braces are removed, and they are fitted to the patient to be comfortable while firmly retaining the teeth in their new positions following treatment. Some patients will need to wear the retainers almost around the clock except for special occasions. Others can wear them only at night when sleeping. It depends on the orthodontic doctor’s instructions. After a period of wear, the amount of time the retainers are worn might be reduced, or they may not need to be worn anymore.
Carry on…
Retainers must be cared for properly to keep them in good shape and long lasting. They should be stored in the special plastic case they come with, or a new case can be bought at a pharmacy or drugstore. They need to be kept away from pets and small children or busy activity to avoid being damaged or broken. A replacement retainer may cost a few hundred dollars and require a week or so to make. The retainers need to be brushed with toothpaste after each use and rinsed before storing them in the case. The orthodontist will indicate if they should be rinsed with mouthwash. If a retainer’s wire breaks, the orthodontist may be able to fix it without making a completely new one, thus saving substantial cost.
Almost the biggest challenges of orthodontic work end when the braces are removed, patients still need to follow instructions in caring for their teeth and retainers. Failing to do so may not only allow the teeth to shift out of place but could also lead to the need for additional treatment that can be time-consuming and expensive. A beautiful smile is priceless and well worth the minor effort of post-treatment care.
Contact Us Today for an Appointment
Not every orthodontic office has two experts to examine and treat patients but Nease and Higginbotham Orthodontics does. We make it convenient to drive to our facilities by having three locations in South Carolina:
• Spartanburg Orthodontics
• Gaffney Orthodontics
• Duncan Orthodontics
At our state-of-the-art orthodontic facility, patients have the opportunity to meet with two qualified orthodontists who understand how to determine the most appropriate braces for patients. Anyone with unsightly misaligned teeth can schedule an appointment with a telephone call or online form to talk to Dr. Phil Higginbotham and Dr. Eric Nease.
Contact us today and walk away with a smile!
Dr. Nease Orthodontics
2455 E. Main Street
Spartanburg
SC29307
tel:(864) 579-7700
What Happens [after] Invisalign Treatment is Completed?
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