What to Know About Wearing a Retainer After Invisalign

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After you’re done straightening your teeth and jaw, a retainer helps you keep them straight afterward. Of course, that doesn’t tell you very much about the practical implications of having to wear the device. If you’re interested in clear aligner treatment, we’ll look at what you need to know both during and after it’s completed.

The Three Major Time Blocks

You can break down Invisalign treatment into several key time blocks:

  • 22-hours a day: Ideally, you should wear your clear aligners for as many hours in the day as possible, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. The more consistent you are, the more you can cut back on your treatment time.
  • 6 months – 2 years: You may only need to wear your clear aligners for a few months, though the more severe cases may have to wear Invisalign in Lighthouse Point, FL for up to two years.
  • 3 – 6 months: After you’re done with Invisalign, you’ll wear a retainer for 3 – 6 months for around 22 hours per day.

Once you’re done with the initial retainer period, you’ll wear your retainer at night, usually for the next six months.

Will I Need a Retainer for the Rest of My Life?

An orthodontist may recommend that you wear your retainer indefinitely. Usually, that means wearing it for a few nights a week, but it may mean wearing it with more consistency.

How Will I Know?

The best way to get real answers rather than general timelines is to talk to a dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL who specializes in the treatment. At FL Dental Spa, our cosmetic dentists know how to brighten your smile, but we also know how to maintain your alignment for the sake of your oral health.

While it may seem daunting to have to keep wearing your retainer, consider that you’re likely not even notice it after a week or two. If you get a device that’s custom-fit to your mouth, you might be shocked at just how much it blends into the background. If you have questions about your options, contact our team today to start taking the next steps!

Keeping Your Teeth Clean with Invisalign

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Choosing Invisalign for your teeth alignment option brings several benefits. One of those is the fact that it’s easier to clean your teeth with Invisalign as compared to traditional braces. That’s one of the reasons FL Dental Spa, your cosmetic dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, is always happy to recommend this treatment option for crooked teeth.

Still, while Invisalign makes it easier to keep your teeth clean, you still need to put in the work. Failing to clean your teeth can leave food and bacteria trapped inside your aligners, which can increase your risk of tooth decay. Here’s what you need to do to keep your teeth as clean as possible while wearing Invisalign.

Brush Frequently

Brush frequently, with your aligners out, of course. Morning and night brushing is non-negotiable, but you may want to brush after meals as well. When you brush, use a wet toothbrush without any toothpaste to brush off your aligners.

Floss Regularly

Floss every day. Any food that’s trapped between your teeth will stay stuck when you’re wearing your aligners. Flossing will keep it from turning into a problem with decay.

Get Regular Checkups

Make sure you keep up with your twice-a-year professional cleanings. Your dentist will be able to get to the grime that you can’t get to with your at-home brushing and flossing routines. These regular checkups and cleanings will ensure your teeth stay as healthy as possible while you work to get them aligned.

Clean Your Trays Daily

Clean your trays once a day using the wet toothbrush method already mentioned. You can also soak them in a solution containing warm water and hydrogen peroxide in equal parts. Soak for no more than 15 minutes to remove bacteria, plaque, and food residue.

Clean After Meals

If you can’t brush your teeth after meals, drink clear water to rinse out your mouth as best as you can before you put your aligners back in. You can also talk to FL Dental Spa, your cosmetic dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, about the best mouthwash to use with Invisalign. The more food you can remove from your mouth, the better for your teeth.

That’s really all there is to it! Keeping your teeth clean with Invisalign is really no different than it is without aligners. You just need to be certain you keep up with it to avoid problems.

Can Invisalign Get Stained?

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Invisalign is subtle and discrete. Invisalign arches are made from clear plastic that fit easily over the teeth, so when you smile, Invisalign has minimal effect on your appearance. This is why it’s important to prevent Invisalign from becoming stained. Your dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, can help. Knowing what causes Invisalign stains and how to avoid them can help you maintain your clear aligners.

Can Invisalign Get Stained?

Invisalign is made from a durable, clear plastic that is designed to be easy to maintain. However, Invisalign can get stained under the right conditions. Eating and drinking staining foods while wearing Invisalign can cause your aligners to become stained over time, just as your teeth would become stained.

What Causes Invisalign Stains?

Foods like gravy, sauces, berries, and other dark-colored foods can stain your Invisalign over time. Dark beverages, including coffee, tea, and wine, can also stain your aligners.

How Can You Prevent Stains On Invisalign?

There are several things you can do to prevent stains on Invisalign. Here are some examples:

  • Don’t wear Invisalign while eating or drinking. Remove Invisalign aligners for each meal. If you’re drinking tea or coffee, remove your aligners and put them in a case. The only thing you can drink while wearing Invisalign is water.
  • Brush your teeth before putting Invisalign back in your mouth. Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste on hand to make this possible.
  • Rinse Invisalign before putting them back in your mouth. Rinsing your Invisalign prevents anything that’s on Invisalign from getting on your teeth. This also helps keep Invisalign clean.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink water to prevent food particles from sticking to your teeth while wearing Invisalign.

Have More Questions About Invisalign in Lighthouse Point, FL? We Can Help

If you have Invisalign clear aligners and would like to know more about their care, contact the professionals at FL Dental Spa. We can help our patients take care of their teeth and their aligners throughout their treatment.

Do you want Invisalign aligners in Lighthouse Point, FL? Call the professionals at FL Dental Spa to make an appointment. We’re happy to help!

How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear Invisalign?

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Invisalign may be a popular way to straighten your teeth, but that doesn’t mean that everyone understands the commitment they’re signing up for. Here, we’ll look at how long you’ll need to wear Invisalign every day and why it matters to your oral health journey.

How Long Do I Wear Invisalign?

Ideally, you’ll wear Invisalign in Lighthouse Point, FL for as close to 24 hours as possible. This means that you’ll take out the clear aligners to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, and that’s all. The standard answer is around 22 hours, depending on how long your routines take.

Why Does It Matter?

In the grand scheme of things, an extra few minutes here and there may not make that much of a difference to your results. However, the much bigger point is establishing the habit of wearing your aligners as often as possible.

Wearing your Invisalign as often as possible doesn’t just ensure that your clear aligners work faster, meaning you can move on faster, but it’s also very good practice if you end up needing to wear a retainer afterward. Depending on how your teeth shift after Invisalign, you may need a retainer for months of even years after the core treatment is complete.

Why Try Invisalign?

Most people will invest in Invisalign because it’s a less invasive way to straighten your teeth. Plus, Invisalign is now more versatile than ever before, meaning it’s powerful to handle moderately severe misalignment issues (whereas before it was better for more mild crowding or gaps).

With Invisalign, it’s not only impossible to see that you’re wearing the straighteners, it’s also possible to eat whatever you want, including gum and corn on the cob. All you need to do is remove the aligners, store them for as long as it takes to eat, and then pop them right back in again. Plus, most people get used to Invisalign fairly quickly, making it possible for the trays to fade into the background as you go about your everyday activities.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, contact FL Dental Spa to learn more about how you can get started with Invisalign today!

Can I Eat While Wearing Invisalign?

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Invisalign clear plastic aligners are one of the go-to products for dental patients with crooked or misaligned teeth. If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, you may be able to benefit from Invisalign. Your dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, can evaluate your needs to determine whether you can benefit from Invisalign.

If you have Invisalign, you may have questions about maintenance and aligner care. Can you eat with Invisalign? Do Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you take care of your teeth and aligners. Here’s what you need to know.

Can I Eat While Wearing Invisalign?

No, you should not eat while wearing Invisalign. Fortunately, Invisalign is easy to remove. When you’re going to eat a meal, take out your Invisalign clear aligners and put them in a protective plastic case.

This step is important because leaving Invisalign on a napkin or somewhere inconspicuous can lead to loss or breakage of your aligners. Remember: they’re clear! It’s much harder to find Invisalign after they’re removed and left on a surface where you don’t expect to see them.

After removing Invisalign, rinse them off before returning them to your mouth. Brush your teeth, too, as this will remove any food particles that might get stuck in your aligners.

Can I Drink While Wearing Invisalign?

You may drink water while wearing Invisalign, but take out your clear aligners for drinking anything that isn’t water. Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before putting aligners back in.

How Do I Maintain Invisalign?

Clean Invisalign with mild soap and warm water at the end of every day. Invisalign sells special cleaning crystals you can also use to clean your clear aligners. Wear your Invisalign throughout the day, except when eating or drinking. If you remove your Invisalign clear aligners, rinse them off before putting them back in.

Do you have more questions about Invisalign and how they’re maintained? Contact the professionals at FL Dental Spa. We help our patients decide if Invisalign in Lighthouse Point, FL is right for them. Invisalign is one of the most popular aligner options for patients who need to straighten crooked or crowded teeth. If you think that Invisalign is right for you, call today to make an appointment.

4 Reasons to Consider Invisalign For Your Teenager

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If your teen has crooked or crowded teeth, the cosmetic dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, can help. We provide solutions to patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth.

In this article, we’ll discuss Invisalign and talk about how Invisalign can benefit your teenager. If you’re a parent with a child who wants to improve the appearance and functionality of their teeth, Invisalign might be the perfect solution. Here’s what to know.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are plastic arches that fit over the teeth. Like braces, Invisalign can help align the teeth and stop teeth from crowding. Invisalign aligners gently push the teeth into place.

Reasons to Consider Invisalign For Your Teenager

There are many reasons to consider Invisalign for your teenager. Teens are often some of the best candidates for Invisalign because their permanent teeth have come in, but the position of their permanent teeth is still not fully set. This makes moving their teeth into the right position easier.

In addition, there are many benefits of Invisalign that you should consider, as well.

  1. Invisalign is discrete. Invisalign clear aligners are far more discrete than braces, which are often used to do the same work as Invisalign.
  2. Invisalign is easy to clean. To clean Invisalign, your teenager will remove the clear aligners, rinse them under warm water, and then use mild soap to clean the aligners. Your teenager can use a manual toothbrush to clean their aligners.
  3. Invisalign works. Invisalign clear aligners are effective at gently moving teeth into a more desirable position.
  4. Caring for your teeth is easier with Invisalign than with braces. Braces get in the way during toothbrushing, and that can make it difficult for your teenager to care for their teeth. Invisalign, on the other hand, can be removed for brushing and meals, and that makes caring for your teeth much easier.

How Can I Tell If My Teenager Needs Invisalign?

If you think your teenager needs Invisalign, talk to the dental professionals at FL Dental Spa. We can help you decide if your teenager is a good candidate for clear aligners. Do you or your teen need Invisalign in Lighthouse Point, FL? Call today to make an appointment.

Invisalign

Invisalign SmartForce Attachments Explained

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If you need to have your teeth straightened, you are probably considering Invisalign clear dental aligners in Lighthouse Point, FL, right? But what you might not know is that Invisalign aligners have evolved over time and are now better, and can be used for more complex dental issues. How is that, you might ask? Let’s take a look.

What Are Invisalign SmartForce Attachments?

Invisalign dental aligners now come with what’s called SmartForce attachments. Those attachments are what make these aligners more powerful and effective. Invisalign SmartForce attachments are small custom tooth-colored “buttons” that are placed on your teeth.

What Do Invisalign SmartForce Attachments Do?

Invisalign attachments, sometimes called buttons, are made of a medical-grade composite resin. Similar to the material used in dental fillings. They are used to help your aligners grip and stay in place more easily. In other words, they are like anchors for your aligners.

Invisalign attachments are also used to assist your aligners in moving your teeth into their proper position using a gentle, guided force. The attachments are what make Invisalign aligners more effective for complex movements like rotations, impactions, and extrusions. The attachments also help you complete your treatment faster. And who doesn’t want that!

Another thing about attachments is that they can help distribute the movement of your teeth more evenly. Therefore, the attachments help make your aligners more comfortable. They also reduce the risk of your teeth shifting. That means attachments are more effective at making your treatment more permanent and longer lasting,

How Do Invisalign SmartForce Attachments Work?

Your dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, will strategically attach small pieces of composite (attachments) to specific teeth throughout your mouth. They are applied using a special dental glue. But don’t worry; they won’t harm your teeth and are easily removed.

After placing the attachments, your dentist will show you how to properly insert and remove your Invisalign dental aligners without damaging them.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL?

If you want to talk with a dentist about straightening your teeth, please Contact FL Dental Spa today. We are a state-of-the-art general and cosmetic dental practice with a full suite of services. Our team works hard to build trust and long-lasting relationships with our patients. We truly care about your oral health and wellness.

What No One Tells You About Invisalign®

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If you’re thinking about Invisalign® for your teeth alignment issues, you should book an appointment with your dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL. We’ll be able to tell you all about the pros and cons of Invisalign®, including some things that you may not hear from others. Here are some things that no one else tells you about Invisalign®:

Outcome Partially Relies on You

Unlike traditional braces, with Invisalign®, your treatment progress and outcome partially depends on you. With regular braces, the patient can’t remove them and has no control over them. With Invisalign®, since they’re removable, you partially control how long treatment will take and how optimal the treatment is. So, with the convenience of Invisalign® comes increased responsibility.

You’ll Need More Appointments

Invisalign® uses a series of aligners that adapt to your teeth’s new position in order to consistently shift them into the desired alignment. As such, you’ll need more appointments with Invisalign® than you would if you had regular braces. But the appointments won’t last long, and you’ll be able to easily fit them into your regular school, work or play schedule.

Aligners Can Get Stained

One of the biggest attractions about Invisalign® is their near invisibility. But few people will tell you ahead of time that these aligners can get stained. So a stained aligner will be a lot more noticeable. It just won’t look good. We recommend that you drink only water and non-staining beverages and foods while wearing Invisalign®. This means no tobacco use, too. Try to avoid berries, curries, coffee and tea, among others. Your dentist will give you a detailed list.

Hang on to Your Old Aligner

When you graduate to the next level of treatment and get a new aligner, don’t be too quick about getting rid of your previous aligner. Keep it in a storage container and hang onto it, because if anything happens to your new aligner—you lose it, or break it—you’ll have a backup aligner that will prevent your teeth from regressing into their original position.

Are you ready to tryInvisalign® in Lighthouse Point, FL? Contact us today to book a consultation and to learn more about this revolutionary advancement in teeth alignment adjustments.

crowns

6 Ways to Maintain Your Invisalign

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Invisalign clear aligners can help straighten your teeth and perfect your smile – if you take proper care of your aligners. When you get your first pair of Invisalign aligners, your dentist in Lighthouse Point FL will give you information about how to take care of your aligners. Knowing how to care for your Invisalign can help make your experience wearing clear aligners a positive one.

1. Take Invisalign Out for Meals

Do not wear Invisalign for meals or snacks. Any time you’re eating something, take Invisalign out and put Invisalign in a case. Even if you’re just popping a candy into your mouth, take your Invisalign out first. Are you chewing gum? Take off your aligners first.

2. Clean Up After Meals

Snacks and meals can get food particles on your teeth. Wearing Invisalign when your teeth are dirty can lead to bacteria growth and cavities. Brush your teeth after eating, before putting your aligners back on. If you’re not able to brush your teeth after eating, rinse your mouth by swishing with water. Rinse your Invisalign too, before putting them back on.

3. Clean Invisalign Every Day

Every night, brush your Invisalign with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap. Rinse Invisalign before putting your aligners back in your mouth. Brushing Invisalign once a day can help prevent your aligners from getting stained.

4. Put Invisalign In A Case When Not In use

If you aren’t wearing Invisalign, put them in a case. Don’t leave your aligners sitting on a paper towel, as you may lose track of them or break them.

5. Wear Invisalign Often

Wear Invisalign as often as you can. The safest place for Invisalign is in your mouth. Remember that you’re supposed to wear Invisalign most of the day anyway, so this shouldn’t be a problem!

Do you have more questions about how you can take care of your clear aligners? Talk to your dentist at FL Dental Spa. We help patients achieve their goals for their smile with Invisalign treatment in Lighthouse Point, FL.

Common Invisalign® Myths Debunked

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GettingInvisalign® clear aligners in Lighthouse Point, FL, has become a popular way to straighten teeth. No wires, no brackets, and no dietary restrictions! Who doesn’t want that? Unfortunately, some myths out there cause some people to shy away from them.

Keep reading, and we will debunk those myths. Yourdentist in Lighthouse Point, FL, will also be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Common Invisalign® Myths Debunked

Let’s debunk some myths!

Myth #1 – Invisalign® Is Only for Minor Alignment Issues

Initially, Invisalign® was only used for minor dental adjustments. However, with technological advancements, they can now be used to correct a wide range of oral issues (even complex ones).

Myth #2 – The Invisalign® Treatment Process Takes Longer

Nope! This is a myth, too! An Invisalign® treatment doesn’t take longer than any other tooth straightening treatment. In fact, with the newer, more advanced technologies, an Invisalign® treatment can be even faster and produce more predictable results.

Myth #3 – All Clear Dental Aligners Are the Same

No, they aren’t! Not even close! The Invisalign® system uses SmartTrack Aligner Technology to craft its aligners. With this technology, Invisalign® can make aligner trays with a precise fit and the most accurate tooth movement that no other brand can compare to.

Myth #4 – Invisalign® Dental Aligners Cause a Lisp

Any orthodontic appliance can cause a lisp. This is not unique to Invisalign®. However, most people adjust to their new aligners after a few days and don’t even notice them.

Myth #5 – Invisalign® Dental Aligners Stain Easily

Invisalign® aligner trays are changed out every one to two weeks, so they don’t have time to stain. Besides, you are supposed to remove your aligner trays before eating or drinking anything. This alone will ensure they aren’t ever stained. Additionally, you can buy some retainer tablets or Invisalign® cleaning crystals to help keep them clean and fresh at all times.

Myth #6 – Invisalign® Can’t Move Your Teeth Down Vertically

This was true when Invisalign® was first introduced. However, with the introduction of Invisalign® attachments (small tooth-colored buttons), they are now just as effective as fixed braces at doing so.

Are You Looking for an Exceptional Dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL?

If you want to get Invisalign® clear aligners, you will need a dentist. PleaseContact FL Dental Spa today to schedule an exam and consultation. We would love to help you achieve your perfect smile!