So, you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, and your teeth look amazing. Now that you have the perfect smile, everything should be fine, right? Wrong!
Even after the process is complete, you still have to maintain all the wonderful alterations provided by the teeth aligners. People who previously had crooked teeth, overbites, and other abnormalities are at risk of having those issues again.
To learn more about the benefits of using retainers after Invisalign, take a look at the information below.
Why You Need a Retainer After Invisalign
Retainers play an important role in preserving the treatment provided by Invisalign aligners. They help to maintain closed gaps, prevent teeth from crowding, prevent grinding teeth, and retain bite correction. There are three retainer options that you can choose after Invisalign:
Invisalign Retainers
Invisalign retainers are the most common option after your treatment is done over. They last for several years but require replacement after some time. During your checkups with Dr. Eshom, he’ll advise you on how often your retainers should be replaced.
For some people, they won’t need a replacement for a decade, and others might require them every year. It depends on the person and how often they use the retainers.
Our office also provide patients with the option to purchase multiple retainers anytime. That way, there are plenty on hand when it’s time for a new one.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley Invisalign retainers are made of plastic and metal. Dr. Eshom might suggest this option if the condition of your teeth was more severe when you started treatment.
These retainers are a little more structured and will ensure that your teeth don’t shift to their original position.
Permanent Retainers
A permanent retainer after Invisalign consists of a small wire that’s connected on the back surfaces your teeth on the bottom or the top row.
Unlike the other two options, you don’t have to worry about remembering to put in permanent retainers. Nor do you have to deal with replacing them.
These are a good option for people who want to make sure that their teeth stay straight and ensure that they get the most out of their Invisalign investment.
The Purpose of Wearing Retainers After Invisalign
You might feel a little disappointed to learn that you need a post-treatment ritual to maintain your Invisalign results, but that’s just how it works. For instance, when a person loses weight they can potentially gain it back if they don’t maintain it. Well, it’s no different with your teeth.
If you don’t wear retainers after your teeth are corrected, they’ll slowly start to shift. You may not notice it initially, but over time you’ll begin to see your teeth moving out of place.
The reason this happens is because of daily wear and tear as you chew, bite down, talk, and swallow. The retainer’s job is to prevent your teeth from altering and messing up your new and improved smile.
How Long Will You Need Retainers?
You must continue to wear your containers for as long as you want your teeth to stay in place, which could be a lifetime. However, you may not have to wear your retainer as often as time goes on.
During the first few months after Invisalign treatment, your teeth are primarily held in place by the surrounding jaw bone. But while you’re undergoing the teeth straightening process, your jaw bone softens or even disappears. It’s a process known as resorption.
Due to this process, it helps your teeth move into their straightened position. Once the process is over, you should wear your retainers for 9 to 12 months, so your body can restore enough bone to stabilize your teeth again.
After a year has passed there should be plenty of new bone deposited around your teeth to keep them in place. Therefore, you won’t have to wear your retainers as often.
You may only need it 3 to 5 times per week. Be advised that your teeth won’t drastically shift once your jaw bone is intact, but they will lean forward or inward as you grow older. It’s something that will gradually occur over a number of decades.
Cleaning Your Invisalign Retainers
In addition to wearing your retainers after Invisalign, it is imperative that you clean them. Otherwise, the bacteria can create other oral health issues that you do not want.
For starters, don’t brush your retainer with toothpaste. It’s harsh and can scratch up your retainer, which can lead to an increase in bacteria and stained teeth. You can either wash it every day with soap and water or sit it in water.
There are tablets available that are specially designed to clean retainers, so you can toss it in the water with the retainer and let it sanitize itself. It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes for it to get clean, so it’s an easy option.
Regular Check Ups
Wearing your retainers isn’t the only thing you should do to maintain your smile. Going to regular checkups with Dr. Eshom is essential to making sure your teeth stay straight.
They’ll examine your bite to make sure that your teeth aren’t starting to crowd or shift. They also ask you how your mouth feels when you bite down and inquire about your bite stability.
Dr. Eshom will probably notice your teeth beginning to shift before you do. If so, they’ll examine your retainer for damage and replace it if needed.
Life After Invisalign
Life after Invisalign is pretty sweet. Once you get a new smile, you’ll feel more confident and ready to take on the world.
If you’re in the San Diego area and you need dental services, we’re here to help. We’ve improved over 3,000 smiles and can do the same for you.
If you have any questions, call us at (858) 455-9151 or contact us to schedule a free online estimate.