By providing a covert and pleasant alternative to conventional braces, Invisalign in Prince Albert has transformed orthodontic treatment. It progressively moves your teeth into the right position using a series of transparent aligners, giving you a straight and appealing smile. When your Invisalign treatment is completed, you might question if you have to wear a retainer permanently.
The Purpose of Retainers
Wearing retainers after receiving Invisalign treatment is essential to maintaining your new smile. The teeth are stabilized in their new placements by retainers, preventing them from slipping back to their initial incorrect position. Your teeth and supporting tissues progressively adjust to the alterations resulting from Invisalign treatment. Retainers are essential since these tissues need time to settle and stabilize.
Types of Retainers
Two types of retainers are typically prescribed after Invisalign treatment: removable and fixed.
Removable Retainers
These mimic the aligners used in Invisalign treatment in terms of appearance. They are generally composed of transparent plastic explicitly designed to fit your teeth. After completing Invisalign treatment, removable retainers should be worn continuously, especially in the beginning. Your orthodontist could suggest you wear them less frequently over time, maybe only while you sleep.
Fixed Retainers
The small wire that makes up these retainers is connected to the back of your teeth, often behind the lower front teeth. Fixed retainers offer a more long-lasting solution for people worried about compliance with detachable retainers and can be a great alternative. They are discrete and don’t need to be inserted and removed every day. With permanent retainers, however, good dental hygiene is essential to avoid plaque formation.
Duration of Retainer Wear
Following Invisalign treatment, each person has a different time to wear retainers. Your orthodontist will first advise wearing them continuously for a specific period, usually a few months. The teeth can only strengthen in their new placements during this phase. If your orthodontist recommends it, you may switch from wearing retainers all day to wearing them just at night after this initial period.
While many people may gradually reduce the time they wear retainers, it’s important to remember that certain people may require lifetime retainer usage, although with a lower frequency. Due to variables including age, oral habits, and the average growth and changes in your face shape, teeth naturally tend to move during life. The outcomes of Invisalign treatment may be maintained, and this shift can be reduced by using retainers for an extended period.
Why Do Your Teeth Move When You Take Off Retainer?
When you take off your retainer, your teeth can experience some movement. It can occur for several reasons:
- Natural tooth movement
- Tissue elasticity
- Wearing it infrequently
- Improper fit
It’s important to understand that each person can experience different levels of tooth mobility after removing a retainer. While some people might only notice slight changes, others could observe more dramatic ones. The amount of tooth movement can also be affected by how long it has been after finishing orthodontic treatment.
Do You Need a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment?
After receiving Invisalign treatment, a retainer is often required. Retainers are essential for preserving the benefits of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Here’s why wearing a retainer after Invisalign is necessary:
- Stabilizing teeth
- Preventing relapse
- Retaining alignment
It’s essential to adhere to our dentist in Prince Albert’s recommendations for using retainers after receiving Invisalign treatment. You must wear your retainer consistently to keep your teeth aligned. The effects of using Invisalign might be compromised by tooth movement if your retainer is not worn as recommended.
What Can You Expect After Invisalign Braces?
Straighter Teeth: Using Invisalign, your teeth can be effectively straightened, giving you a more visually attractive and aligned smile.
Improved Bite Function: Bite problems, including overbites, underbites, and crossbites, can be fixed with Invisalign, enhancing your overall bite function and tooth alignment.
Enhanced Smile: Your smile will be more appealing and balanced with correctly aligned teeth, increasing self-confidence and overall look.
Comfortable and Convenient: Because Invisalign aligners are removable, eating and maintaining good dental hygiene is easier than conventional braces. They also feel more comfortable and don’t irritate your cheeks and gums as much.
Retainers: You must use retainers as directed by your orthodontist to preserve the effects. Teeth shifting back to their original locations can be prevented with retainers.
Follow-Up Care: Your orthodontist will arrange follow-up sessions to check on your development, guarantee the effectiveness of the treatment, and make any required modifications.
Oral Health Benefits: Because straighter teeth are simpler to maintain, there is less chance of plaque accumulation, dental decay, and gum disease. After receiving Invisalign treatment, your overall dental health can improve.
Lifestyle Impact: You can continue everyday activities while wearing Invisalign aligners. This simple orthodontic solution can be removed for eating, brushing, and special events.
Get the Smile You’ve Always Desired!
Our neighbourhood dental office is an excellent choice for Invisalign treatment. With our experienced team of professionals and our commitment to patient care, you can trust that you’ll receive top-quality orthodontic services. Our skilled dentist near you will guide you through the Invisalign process, creating a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
By visiting Prairie Pines Dental for Invisalign, you can look forward to exceptional care in a welcoming environment, paving the way for a confident and beautiful smile. Arrange your appointment today!