209-575-5888The alignment of your teeth contributes a lot to your facial expressions and can also have an impact on your overall oral function. Beyond simple cosmetic impact, minor alignment issues can gradually damage your tooth enamel. Over the years, this can cause attrition in the dental structure of the tooth or even minor fractures.
If a minor alignment issue is addressed early on, it can often be corrected by braces. This can come in the form of traditional wire and bracket braces or clear plastic braces like Invisalign®.
It’s important to note that once your teeth have achieved their ideal alignment, there will still be some tension lingering in the periodontal ligaments that anchor your teeth in place. If it’s not mitigated in some way, this could cause your teeth to relapse out of their new position.
To prevent this from happening, Dr. Joti Kaler might be able to fit you for a clear plastic retainer at her, Modesto, California clinic. This simple mouthpiece is made from a soft, clear plastic material, similar to Invisalign® aligner trays.
You will need to use the retainer during the prescribed times. The total duration of your retention phase will likely be about as long as it took to correct your smile with braces. Cleaning and maintaining your clear plastic retainer each day will keep from extending this amount of time.
You can drink normally while you have the retainer in your mouth. However, you will need to take it out to prevent damage when eating. When it’s not in your mouth, you should keep it in the case provided. Improving a case with a plastic bag or a napkin should only be a last resort.
It’s a good idea to rinse your retainer each time you take it out to clear away any plaque and food particles. The clear plastic retainer should be soaked each night in a mixture of half cold water and half antiseptic mouthwash.
If you notice some plaque buildup, you can gently brush the unit with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. It’s important to note that brushing with abrasive toothpaste can dull the plastic material, making it more noticeable while it’s in your mouth.
If you live in the Modesto, California area and you are interested in Invisalign®, you should call 209-575-5888 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joti Kaler.