Protect your Invisalign smile: Mission Viejo CA dentists share what to expect post-treatment

A lot has been made of Invisalign's cosmetic appeal, and the comfort and convenience afforded by patients' ability to remove the straightening aligner trays for cleaning or brushing. A lot has also been made of the treatment process and how patients get to see their straight teeth before the first aligner tray is placed, thanks to ClinCheck® 3-dimensional modeling.

Less has been made of what to do after treatment. It is a celebratory moment when you look in the mirror and see straighter teeth. You want to keep that straighter smile, right? No doubt, you also want to keep all the other positive side effects that come with correcting crowded and crooked teeth and bite issues, such as greater comfort when eating and easier brushing and flossing.

As with other orthodontic treatments (including conventional braces), Drs. Alex and Nina Basti may recommend that you wear a retainer. It may be suggested that retainers be worn on the upper and lower teeth. These appliances are designed to prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back to their pre-corrective position. This is a more common problem than you may think. In fact, researchers have found that fewer than half of patients retained alignment of their lower front teeth 10 years after treatment. Fewer than 10 percent of patients maintained the straightening results 20 years post-treatment.

The makers of Invisalign, Align Technology, offer Vivera® retainers, which are designed from the same technology used to make your aligner trays. As with Invisalign treatment, these retainers are customized to fit your teeth for added comfort. You must practice care to keep retainers from breaking. The Vivera® retainers are reportedly 30 percent stronger than other clear retainer materials, a durability that helps prevent cracking and aids in effective retention of alignment.

Retainersmay not be the only consideration. If habits such as tongue thrusting, teeth clenching or other nervous habits contributed to developing an overbite or other condition that required straightening in the first place, the root cause should be addressed.

Basti Dental Care will be with you through every step of the process, even after Invisalign treatment in Mission Viejo is complete. Let's protect the investment you have made in your dental and overall health. To find out more about Invisalign before, during, and after call Basti Dental Care at 949-427-2096.