Invisalign teeth trays are coming to an end, and you can’t wait. In only a few days, you’ll be able to remove your aligners for the final time. If you didn’t have to switch out your Invisalign for a retainer, you’d be even more ecstatic. Just one more thing needs to be done.
For a while, you’ll have to wear a retainer after Invisalign , but it won’t be permanent. You may be wondering why you need a retainer in the first place.
After Invisalign Treatment
It’s not necessary to get your brackets and archwires removed as you would with traditional metal braces with Invisalign aligners. Removing your aligners is as simple as taking a few minutes off of your busy schedule.
However, you should be aware that the resin used to keep your aligners attached to your teeth may still be visible on your teeth. Smoothing the teeth’s surface can be accomplished in a matter of minutes by your orthodontist. The entire procedure can be completed in less than 20 minutes and there is no discomfort involved.
It takes a lot of effort to change the position of one’s teeth. The visible sections of the Invisalign aligners put pressure on your teeth, which is then transmitted to the roots. In order to keep teeth in place, the gums and bone around the teeth form a strong bond known as the periodontal ligament.
The jawbone must change in order for the teeth to move. It helps support the tooth in its new location by generating new bone on one side of the tooth and removing it on the other.
The body, on the other hand, prefers familiarity. If the teeth are not held in place by appliances, they tend to go back to their original positions.
First 12 to 24 months after Invisalign treatment, the jawbone may still be remodeling itself, increasing the likelihood of relapse. Retainers are necessary even after treatment because, without them, teeth would shift.
When it comes to Invisalign, you’re looking at a price tag of between $3,000 and $6,000. You don’t want to throw your money away. Although retainers are not typically included in the cost of treatment, it is still cheaper than finishing another full round of treatment.
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting. Retainers come in a variety of styles, making it simple to pick the one that’s right for you.
There is no one-size-fits-all equipment for the retention phase of treatment. All retainers do the same thing: hold your teeth in their new places. But they do it in different ways. There are many kinds of retainers. Retainers come in three main varieties.
Read More: Types of Retainers You Should Know About
How long to wear retainers after Invisalign?
Financial and time commitments are necessary for Invisalign treatment. After putting in so much effort, you don’t want to jeopardize your accomplishments. Your teeth may regress if you don’t follow the dentist’s instructions.
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten your teeth over a period of 12 to 18 months. You’ll need to wear retainers after the final tray is removed, according to your cosmetic dentist.
Your teeth won’t return to their previous positions if you wear these retainers. As a result of not wearing your retainers, you may not be able to get the smile you desire. Invisalign retainers are often asked questions, so we’ve answered them all here.
It’s common to feel apprehensive about using other orthodontic appliances once treatment is complete. Wearing retainers as directed by your dentist, despite how inconvenient they may be, is critical to prevent teeth from sliding back.
You may not notice the changes at first, but they will become more apparent over time. For example, if you don’t wear your retainer for a few days, it begins to irritate your gums. Your retainers fit well as long as you wear them every day.
Aside from the effects of chewing and biting, swallowing, and speaking, teeth continue to move after Invisalign treatment. Retainers are designed to counteract these effects, allowing you to keep your beautiful smile for longer.
Needing an orthodontic appointment?
Visit Kumra Orthodontics Washington, DC or Kumra Orthodontics Stafford, VA, and request an appointment with us!
Caring for Your Retainers
The last thing you want is to accidentally misplace or break your Invisalign retainer, causing your new and improved smile to potentially be compromised in the process. Fortunately, you can prevent that from happening by following many of the best practices you used to keep your aligners in pristine condition.
To start, make sure to remove them when you eat or drink and clean them regularly. It is also a good idea to store them in a sturdy (preferably bright-colored) case when they aren’t in use to protect them from being tossed into the trash can or breaking into multiple pieces on the floor.
Related: Why Your Retainers Smell and How to Deep Clean Them
Contact Kumra Orthodontics to learn more about post Invisalign retainer
Make sure to ask your orthodontist or provider which retainer is ideal for your case when you get your Invisalign treatment done. Vivera and Essix retainers are the most popular options for most patients, but your treatment plan will dictate which is best for you.
Contact a top-rated Washington orthodontist like Kumra Orthodontics to assist you in your journey to a gorgeous smile.
