If you’ve recently acquired your dental implant or Invisalign, you may be going through adjustments you’ve never been through before. At the same time, you’re also feeling confident about your smile, and you notice huge improvements each time you look in the mirror. However, things don’t just end there. Invisalign and dental implants will require a commitment on your part to last longer and function the way they should.
As we get going, we’ll talk about how you can better take care of your teeth, as well as your dental implants and Invisalign, to protect your new smile.
How to Protect Your Teeth After Dental Implant and Invisalign Treatment
Oral hygiene is necessary to reap the full benefits of dental treatments and have a beautiful, long-lasting smile. Your dental implant and Invisalign care start when you leave your dentist’s office after treatment. So how do you maintain your beautiful smile after getting these dental treatments?
Here are five guidelines to do so:
1. Avoid Smoking
Smoking can be harmful to your gum health and increase your odds of developing gum disease. Smoking can reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth and suppress the immune system, leaving the gums at risk of infection. Stopping smoking can help extend your dental implant’s lifespan and prevent discolorations from appearing on your Invisalign.
2. Wash and Floss
It’s vital to keep your flossing habits when you get dental implants at Ewing Dental Associates. Flossing becomes more important with this prosthetic since plaque can build up around them and trigger other oral hygiene issues. The same applies when you have Invisalign. Flossing your teeth eliminates excess food particles on the crevices the toothbrush can not reach. After flossing, do not forget to wash your mouth with fluoride antibacterial mouthwash.
3. Maintain Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental visits are always a must. X-rays and professional cleanings ensure your oral health remains healthy so you can keep your dental implants for as long as possible. If cavities or serious issues are found, they can be addressed immediately. Dental checkups are essential to maintain if you’re using Invisalign, as this enables your orthodontist to check if your treatment is going as planned. You may visit their website for more information on the importance of regular dental cleanings and checkups.
4. Avoid Using Abrasive Products
Whether it is mouthwash or toothpaste, buy sensitive cleaning products once you get your Invisalign treatment or dental implants. This is because using abrasive products can cause severe discomfort. This is particularly important for Invisalign users. Using abrasive cleaning products to scrub your aligners can make them appear less invisible and dull, making them easier to see when wearing them.
5. Limit or Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is high in sugar and a common culprit of tooth decay in normal teeth. However, it can also be troublesome for dental implants. It can accelerate plaque accumulation and slow down the healing process of post-dental implant surgery. Dentists recommend avoiding alcohol consumption six months after getting a dental implant procedure.
Final Thoughts
Your dentist’s instructions after your dental implant or Invisalign treatment always come first. Caring for your teeth after getting the mentioned treatments is straightforward and fairly easy. By practicing the instructions we’ve put together, you can promote a healthier and brighter smile and prolong the lifespan of your implant and invisible aligner.
