If you’ve recently completed your Invisalign treatment, congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of a beautiful and healthy smile. However, achieving that perfect smile does not necessarily mean it’s time to go back to all your old habits. There are certain things you should avoid doing after Invisalign treatment if you want to maintain those fantastic results for years to come. So, in this blog post, we’ll share five essential tips on what not to do after completing your Invisalign treatment. Let’s get started!
Avoid Eating Greasy Foods
After completing Invisalign treatment, it is important to be mindful of the types of food you consume. One type of food that should be avoided is greasy food. These include fast food items such as burgers, fried chicken, and pizza.
Greasy foods can cause a build-up of plaque on your teeth which can lead to staining and discoloration over time. Additionally, these foods can also contribute to bad breath due to the high level of bacteria they contain.
While it may be tempting to indulge in your favorite greasy foods after finishing treatment, it’s best to stick with healthier options that won’t harm your newly straightened teeth. Opt for lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish and incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet.
In addition to preserving the results of your Invisalign treatment, avoiding greasy foods has numerous other health benefits including improved digestion and reduced risk for heart disease. So next time you’re tempted by a juicy burger or slice of pizza, remember the long-term benefits of choosing a healthier option instead!
Avoid Drinking Alcohol
After Invisalign treatment, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can be harmful to your teeth and overall oral health, especially during the healing process after the removal of your braces.
Alcohol can cause dehydration which can lead to dry mouth, a condition that reduces saliva production and increases bacteria growth in your mouth. This can eventually result in tooth decay and other dental problems.
In addition, alcoholic drinks often contain high amounts of sugar that stick to the teeth and increase the risk of cavities. Furthermore, certain alcoholic beverages such as red wine or dark beer have staining properties that will stain your newly straightened teeth over time.
It’s best to avoid alcohol completely during the first few weeks post-treatment but if you must drink then opt for clear liquor mixed with water or soda instead of sugary cocktails or wine.
Remember that taking care of your oral health is essential for retaining those beautiful results from Invisalign treatment!
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst habits you can indulge in after Invisalign treatment. It’s not just bad for your overall health, but it also damages your teeth and gums. Smoking causes tooth discoloration, and bad breath, and increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
If you’ve quit smoking during your Invisalign treatment to maintain good oral hygiene, continue doing so even after completing the treatment. You don’t want to ruin all those months of hard work by continuing a habit that harms your teeth.
When you smoke, nicotine deposits on your aligners making them yellowish. The more often you smoke with them on, the harder they will be to clean properly. If this happens too frequently then they may need replacing which would cost extra money.
Also, remember that smoking weakens tooth enamel which makes it easier for bacteria to cause cavities or infections due to food particles trapped under aligners or within small gaps between teeth.
In conclusion, quitting smoking entirely would lead not only to a healthier mouth but an overall healthier lifestyle!
Avoid Acidic Foods
Another thing to avoid after Invisalign treatment is acidic foods. These are foods that have a low pH level and can erode the tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and decay over time.
Some examples of acidic foods include citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, as well as tomatoes, vinegar-based salad dressings, sodas, sports drinks, and many more. While it’s best to limit your intake of these types of food items all year round if possible for good oral health care practices.
If you must consume acidic foods or beverages be sure you drink plenty of water afterward which will help neutralize any acid remaining in your mouth. You can also use a straw when drinking acidic beverages so that they bypass your teeth entirely with no direct contact with them.
In addition to avoiding such food items during Invisalign treatment itself also try to stay away from consuming highly sugary processed snacks too often since those may become stuck between aligners causing unwanted build-up resulting in bacterial growth on teeth surfaces ultimately leading towards tooth cavities formation at later stages.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions after completing Invisalign treatment. Your orthodontist has years of experience in treating patients, and their advice on how to maintain your new smile should not be ignored.
One of the most important things they will tell you is to wear retainers regularly. Retainers help keep teeth in their newly aligned positions and prevent them from shifting back. Failing to wear them as instructed can lead to relapse, undoing all the progress made with Invisalign.
Additionally, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices post-treatment. Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily will ensure that your teeth remain healthy and free from plaque buildup.
Your orthodontist may also advise you on specific foods or habits that could harm your teeth or aligners. You must heed these warnings so that you don’t damage your straightened teeth or have issues with your bite alignment down the line.
Scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist is crucial for maintaining long-term results. They can monitor any changes in alignment and make recommendations if adjustments are needed.
By following these instructions carefully, you can enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come!
Finishing Off
Finishing off your Invisalign treatment is an exciting and rewarding moment. You’ve worked hard to achieve a beautiful smile, and now it’s time for the final steps.
Firstly, make sure you wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist. It’s essential to maintain the results of your treatment and prevent any shifting or relapse in teeth alignment.
Secondly, schedule regular check-ups with your orthodontist. They will monitor the progress of your teeth alignment and ensure that everything is going smoothly.
Continue practicing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash regularly. These habits not only keep your teeth healthy but also prolong the longevity of your Invisalign results.
Remember that finishing off with Invisalign does not mean you can neglect proper dental care practices or stop wearing retainers altogether. Continue following the aftercare instructions provided by your orthodontist for lasting results.
