Completing your Invisalign treatment is a massive accomplishment, but you’ll still need to take certain measures to preserve your newly realigned smile. Without the proper precautions, your teeth will quickly drift back out of alignment, undoing all your hard work and making further orthodontic treatment necessary. Here’s why wearing a retainer is crucial after Invisalign as well as a few tips for getting into this important habit.
Why Are Retainers Necessary?
Teeth can be quite stubborn, and even after months of being carefully straightened out, they will still shift back out of alignment if they are not prevented from doing so. This is because the connective tissue holding them in place becomes more flexible during the orthodontic process, and the teeth will need to be held in their new places while the jaw hardens again. To keep the smile in its new and improved alignment, dentists typically instruct their patients to wear retainers for at least a few hours daily.
How Long Do I Have to Wear My Retainer After Invisalign?
Ideally, a patient will commit to wearing their retainer in perpetuity after completing their Invisalign treatment. While the structures in the jaws holding the teeth in place will eventually resolidify after a few years of wearing a retainer, the teeth drifting out of alignment is still a natural and expected part of the aging process. Wearing a retainer can help your smile stay in its best alignment for the longest possible time.
What Types of Retainers Are Used for Invisalign Patients?
Orthodontists may recommend several types of aligners for Invisalign patients. These include:
- Vivera retainers from Align Technology: These clear retainers are made by the same company that produces Invisalign, and they are stronger and more durable than most other options.
- Removable clear retainers: These dental trays are similar to Vivera retainers, but they do not last as long.
- Fixed retainers: These are thin wires cemented to the backs of six front teeth, making them invisible and irremovable. You should not notice the appliance after a few days of wearing it.
- Hawley retainers: These appliances are made from thin metal wire and plastic and are designed to fit the roof of your mouth or the inside of your lower teeth.
Don’t let your hard-won Invisalign results slip away as your teeth drift out of alignment. Following your dentist’s post-treatment instructions is the best way to keep your smile straight and healthy.
About the Practice
Advanced Dental Concepts provides excellent oral health care with old-fashioned customer service to patients in Portage. Led by Drs. Danny Hayes, Anas Khan, and Mallek Nahhas, the team treats each patient with sincere compassion in a friendly and comfortable office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign services. To learn more about preserving the results of your Invisalign treatment, contact the office online or dial (219) 763-6878.