How long does an Invisalign treatment take?

An Invisalign treatment can take anywhere between 6 months to 3 years. It will depend on your existing teeth positioning and how far they need to move. Find out how long during your appointment with our orthodontist.

Will I need to wear retainers after Invisalign treatment?

Yes. It’s crucial to your treatment you’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment until your orthodontic tells you otherwise.

How long do the aligners have to be in my mouth?

You need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day for perfect results. After that, patients repeat this until completion (between 6 months and 3 years). After that, your Invisalign dentist will be able to explain the treatment in detail.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Any pressure or movement on your teeth may cause discomfort. However, this is uncommon. And it mainly occurs on the first day of wearing a new Invisalign. Australia puts high importance on oral health and comfort. Raise ongoing pain or discomfort with your Invisalign provider.

How much does Invisalign cost compared to braces?

Knowing how much is Invisalign and braces is vital. We can explain the costs of both at our first meeting. Invisalign, braces and other orthodontic treatments have pros and cons. And the value of each is subjective. If you would like to know your options, we can help.

How do I choose the right Invisalign provider?

When searching for 'Invisalign near me', always read and follow what Invisalign reviews say. There you'll see who takes civic gentle dental care seriously. And check out the gallery of each Invisalign provider.

How do I know if an Invisalign treatment is right for me?

In the Invisalign vs braces debate, many things are considered. There's the Invisalign price, treatment time and look. Your dental needs are unique. And our Invisalign dentists can provide expert recommendations.

Dental Cleaning After Care Guide

Every year, many people delay getting their dental cleaning due to dental anxiety, busy schedules, or financial concerns. But once you have your cleaning, proper aftercare is important to maintain the results. This guide explains how to care for your teeth after a dental cleaning.

Why is Aftercare Important?

Aftercare is an essential part of the dental cleaning process. The cleaning removes plaque and tartar, but without proper follow-up care, buildup can return. Aftercare helps maintain oral health, reduces the risk of dental issues developing between appointments, and supports the results of professional cleaning.

How Do You Take Care of Your Teeth After Dental Cleaning?

Immediate Post-Treatment Care

Rinse your mouth: After cleaning, rinse with warm salt water to relieve any irritation, reduce swelling, and help remove debris from the treated areas.
Avoid hot drinks: If local anaesthetic or numbing was used, avoid hot beverages until the numbing effect wears off to prevent accidental burns.
Don't touch the treated area: Avoid touching or rubbing the cleaned areas to reduce the risk of irritation.
Avoid smoking: If you smoke, try to refrain for at least 24 hours after your cleaning. Smoking can irritate the treated areas and delay healing.
Wait before eating: Your gums may be sensitive after treatment. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes.

Longer-Term Care

Brush twice a day: Brushing at least twice daily is essential for maintaining oral hygiene. Brushing after meals is ideal where possible.
Floss every day: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth that brushing alone cannot reach.
Rinse with mouthwash: Mouthwash helps reduce bacteria in the mouth. A fluoride-based mouthwash can provide additional protection.
Limit sugar intake: Sugary foods and drinks contribute to tooth decay. Reducing sugar intake lowers the risk of cavities.
Maintain routine dental check-ups: Regular dental visits (typically every six months, or as recommended by your dentist) help maintain oral health and allow your dentist to identify issues early.

Important Steps for Aftercare

Ask your dentist for specific instructions: Every patient's dental needs are different. Your dentist may have particular instructions based on your oral health. Don't hesitate to ask questions or mention any discomfort.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Brush gently before bed: Brushing before bed removes food particles and plaque buildup from the day.
Avoid harmful habits: Avoid chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. These can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

The Role of Professional Dental Cleaning in Preventing Oral Issues

Professional dental cleaning plays a role in maintaining oral health beyond day-to-day brushing and flossing.

Plaque and tartar removal: Plaque buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease. Professional cleaning removes plaque and any hardened tartar that forms on the teeth.

Early detection: During your cleaning, your dentist checks for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other dental concerns. Identifying issues early can reduce the need for more extensive treatment later.

Surface stain removal: Cleaning can remove some surface stains from the teeth, though it is not a whitening treatment.

Is It Normal to Experience Sensitivity After a Dental Cleaning?

Experiencing some sensitivity after a dental cleaning is common, particularly if tartar buildup was substantial or if the gums were inflamed. The removal of tartar and bacteria can leave the teeth feeling temporarily exposed and sensitive. This sensitivity is usually mild and should gradually subside within a week. If it persists, consult your dentist, as it may indicate an underlying issue. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help manage post-cleaning sensitivity.

Does Dental Cleaning Whiten Teeth?

Dental cleaning is not designed to whiten teeth. Its primary purpose is to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria and to maintain oral health. Cleaning can remove some surface stains, making teeth appear cleaner, but it does not change the natural colour of the teeth. If you are interested in changing your tooth colour, discuss professional whitening options with your dentist.

What Are the Signs That I Need a Dental Cleaning?

Regular dental cleaning is generally recommended every six months, but some signs may indicate you need one sooner:

Persistent bad breath, which can indicate plaque and bacteria buildup.
Swollen, red, or bleeding gums, which may indicate gum disease.
Visible tartar buildup on the teeth.
Tooth pain or sensitivity, which could indicate cavities or other issues requiring attention.
Surface staining on the teeth.

If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment with your dentist.

Final Thoughts

Dental cleaning is a routine part of maintaining oral health. While some post-cleaning sensitivity is normal, the primary goal of cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar and support your ongoing oral hygiene. Follow your dentist's aftercare instructions, maintain your daily brushing and flossing routine, and attend regular dental appointments.

For full information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/