If you’re nearing the end of your Invisalign journey, you’re probably feeling pretty excited—after all, your months of diligence and hard work are finally about to pay off and your new, beautiful smile is about to be revealed! But did you know that following Invisalign treatment, patients still need to continue to diligently wear their retainer? Here’s more about why this practice is necessary for preserving your results, along with some tips for caring for the appliance.
Why Retainers Are Necessary After Invisalign
To put it simply, Invisalign works by applying gradual pressure to your teeth over time in order to shift them into a straighter and healthier position. Over the course of several months, these micromovements occur so slightly that you hardly feel anything other than some mild discomfort; however, when you finish your Invisalign treatment, you aren’t out of the woods just yet!
Most likely, you’ll be instructed to wear a retainer as much as possible after the main phase of your treatment. Usually, for the first six months, you’ll need to wear it day and night; after your teeth have had additional time to settle into their new positions, you can begin tapering off to only nighttime. However, this is still a lifelong commitment; advancements in orthodontics have proven that the best possible results rely on wearing your retainer throughout your life.
The Consequences of Not Wearing Your Retainer
The biggest issue that patients encounter when they fail to wear their retainer following Invisalign treatment is orthodontic relapse. This occurs when your teeth begin to revert to their original and incorrect positions, essentially undoing all of the work done by your aligners! This means that you’ll have to go through treatment all over again if you want another shot at straighter teeth. That said, wearing your retainer as instructed can virtually guarantee that your teeth don’t relapse, and your new smile remains flawless for several decades to come.
Tips for Keeping Your Retainer Intact
Of course, your retainer can’t do its job if you don’t take great care of it! Here are some tips to help you keep yours intact:
- Always remove your retainer before eating and store it in its case. They’re fragile and can become lost or damaged if you aren’t careful.
- Clean your retainer as often as needed; they can still become unsanitary and exacerbate oral health issues!
- Visit your dentist for a replacement retainer if yours becomes lost or damaged.
Your retainer will play a vital role in preserving your new smile, and wearing it for life is a small price to pay for all of the benefits you’ll gain by having a straighter and healthier smile!
About the Practice
Texas Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in the Mesquite, TX community for several years. The practice offers a wide range of services including options like Invisalign for those who desire straighter smiles without the hassle of traditional braces. If you have any questions about Invisalign or you’d like to schedule a consultation to see if you could benefit from the clear aligners, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (972) 329-4200.