Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your orthodontic treatment with clear aligners from Invisalign!

Dr Caroline Downing and her team are excited and happy for you and your new smile, and they want to do everything they can to make sure it stays happy, healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Although your Invisalign treatment is over, taking care of your pearly whites is a lifelong endeavour. Post-treatment, there are some key steps you can take to help maintain your new smile. Let’s take a look at what life after clear aligners looks like for our patients who have visited our Linfield practice

Retainer to Prevent Regression

Wait! I thought I was DONE!

You’ve done great so far, but there’s just one more little hurdle before you reach the finish line. After completing your Invisalign treatment you’ll be fitted with a retainer. This retainer is key to ensuring that your teeth stay comfortably situated in their optimal positions, preventing them from relapsing to their former misaligned situation. Most retention is a lifetime commitment but don’t worry you don’t have to wear the retainer ALL the time.

For most patients, the retainer will be worn nightly, and will need replacement every 9-12 months or as directed by Dr Downing.

Regular Checkups

Regular dental checkups are more important than ever before. At each checkup, Dr Downing will carefully evaluate the position of your teeth, look for signs of relapse, evaluate your retainer, make any necessary adjustments and ensure that your smile stays straight and healthy from here on out. These check-ups are also important for routine dental screening, preventative care, and treatment of any other issues that may arise. By scheduling more frequent visits, Dr Downing can catch any minor issues before they turn into larger, more expensive problems that may require a more invasive approach.

Be Wary of Certain Foods

The food you eat and the drinks you consume can have a major impact on the health and aesthetics of your teeth. From abrasion to stains, being mindful of what you put in your mouth is paramount.

Consider avoiding:

• Hard foods such as hard sweets.
• Overly acidic foods and drinks (or use a straw).
• Foods and drinks that can stain (wine, tea, coffee, etc.).
• Alcohol.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is key to oral health. It is also key to maintaining your smile after Invisalign treatment. You’ve worked hard to get the smile you deserve. Don’t risk months of Invisalign by not taking care of your pearly whites.

We suggest a thorough brushing and flossing twice or more daily, especially after meals. You may also want to speak with Dr Downing about the use of Piksters or power brushes for cleaning around fixed retention wires or about a waterpik or battery-powered toothbrush to enhance your efforts.

Set up an Appointment

If you have recently undergone a course of Invisalign, or are thinking about having Invisalign to treat a wonky smile, our friendly staff at North Shore Smiles is here to answer your questions. We are here for you. We do everything we can to help you make that dream a reality. We also have special deals for Zoom whitening after Invisalign