You’ve followed your treatment plan and worn your Invisalign® clear aligners for the prescribed number of hours each day. You’ve kept your teeth and gums healthy during this time, and now you’re looking forward to a lifetime of straight teeth, right?
Well, what about life after Invisalign? Are there things you need to know to maintain your results?
Why Teeth Can Shift After Treatment
Once you’ve finished your Invisalign treatment, it’s still possible for your teeth to shift out of position. Research shows that a retention phase is needed to help maintain your results and avoid the following:
- Shifting teeth due to the bone and gums settling
- Natural shifting that can occur throughout life, with or without orthodontic treatment
How Long Will I Need to Wear a Retainer?
For most patients, we recommend wearing your retainer full-time at first, but eventually you may be able to wear it only at night.
Orthodontists agree that retainers are necessary and that every patient’s treatment plan can vary. Some patients benefit from removable clear retainers while others need fixed retainers behind their teeth. The key is ongoing, long-term retainer wear.
Caring for Your Retainer (and What to Do If Something Goes Wrong)
To protect your investment and keep your teeth from shifting, here are some care tips to consider:
- Brush your retainer every day with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and rinse it with cool water.
- Keep your retainer in its case when you’re not wearing it.
- Avoid hot water, and never leave your retainer in a hot car or out in the sun.
- Make sure your dog and other pets don’t chew on your retainer. Keep it out of their reach.
- If you break your retainer, call us right away. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself.
- Always bring your retainer with you to regular dental check-ups. That way, we can inspect it for damage and make sure it fits properly.
Invisalign in Coffs Harbour, NSW
For questions about retainers after Invisalign, or if you’d like to book a visit at our dental clinic, we’d love to hear from you! At Arthur Street Dental, we offer a wide range of treatment options designed to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.