There is nothing more exciting for both you and your family dentist than the day you finish your Invisalign treatment and can confidently show your new, beautiful smile off to your family, friends and the world! At Arizona Smile Designers, we consider our Cottonwood & Sedona area patients family and that makes us just as excited as you are. But we also understand that your treatment is not over just because you no longer have to wear your Invisalign aligners. You’ve worked so hard to maintain great oral health! Now that your treatment is complete, it’s even more important to keep your new, dazzling smile straight, clean and healthy! Your Cottonwood family dentists have compiled these tips for caring for your teeth after finishing Invisalign:
It is super important that you continue to brushing regularly – at least twice a day for at least two minutes – to keep your smile free from cavities and shining white. Keep using your soft-bristled brush and cover all the surface areas in order to remove plaque, bacteria and any leftover food particles. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, your family dentists will recommend a special toothpaste for you to use. You can also try rinsing with warm salt water to help alleviate any sensitivity. Brushing is the number one way to maintain good oral hygiene.
In addition to brushing, be sure to continue to floss at least once a day. Flossing is one of the only ways to reach in between your teeth and under your gumline into the tight spaces that your brush just can’t reach. Flossing can keep your teeth plaque-free and your gums healthy.
One of the most important tips our dentists can offer is to wear your retainer. After you finish Invisalign treatment, you’ll want to maintain that straighter smile, or else your teeth could shift right back to where they started. Your retainer will be custom-designed at our Cottonwood dentist office to fit your newly straightened teeth. Follow your dentist’s prescribed instructions to maintain your straight teeth after braces.
Be sure to keep your retainer clean by brushing lightly with a soft toothbrush (and with gentle toothpaste if your dentist instructs you to do so) each day. Store your retainer with some water to prevent any cracking caused by excessive dryness. When you take your retainer out to eat, do not put it on a napkin. Many people lose their retainers by forgetting it or throwing it away by accident. Put your retainer back in its case and in your pocket or purse to avoid losing it.
To make sure your teeth and gums stay in top shape, it’s a great idea to schedule a dental appointment every six months at our Cottonwood family dentist’s office for a checkup and professional teeth cleaning. These visits give your dentist a chance to evaluate your teeth with X-rays and a visual exam and to take care of any spots of tooth decay. It’s also a chance for your dental hygienist to clean and polish your teeth, removing plaque and tartar and making them sparkle. It’s also important to remember that having poor oral hygiene has been linked to many other serious health issues.
The last tip your Arizona Smile Designers team has after you get you complete Invisalign treatment? Simply, show off your beautiful smile to the world! As always, your family dentistry team is standing by to assist you with any questions you may have or any dental treatments you need to keep that new smile healthy. Give us a call anytime at 928.634.8610 for assistance. We look forward to hearing from you!
