Finishing the last set of Invisalign® aligners is often an exciting moment for patients, especially when the desired results have been achieved. Although people often prefer aligners to traditional metal braces since the clear trays are less visible on the teeth and do not require any eating restrictions, many people feel relieved when treatment is over and the trays no longer need to be worn. While there is every reason to celebrate once finishing with aligners, the process is not completely over, and most patients will need to wear a retainer to help maintain the current state of the teeth and avoid shifting.
Many patients who choose Invisalign® to help straighten teeth have become accustomed to wearing trays over the teeth and are able to easily transition to retainers. Here is some information on how retainers keep the teeth in place after treatment is over and how long patients typically have to wear a retainer for.
While wearing Invisalign®, the teeth are in what is called the active phase of treatment. This is the part of the process where pressure is put on the teeth to break down the surrounding bones and stretch the periodontal ligaments, which is essential for moving teeth to the desired position. Once this phase of treatment is over and this pressure is taken off the teeth, the bones will need time to regenerate, and ligaments will need to shrink back to normal during what is called the retention phase. The purpose of wearing a retainer immediately after treatment is to keep teeth in the desired position.
Most often, patients are instructed to wear a retainer full time, except during meals, for approximately six months. This time period can be shorter or longer depending on the patient’s particular needs. This is to help keep teeth in place during bone regeneration. After this time period is over, patients are told when it is acceptable to start only wearing retainers while sleeping. This helps prevent shifting that occurs with aging.
There are several different types of retainers that are sometimes used after aligners. Some patients might need bonded permanent retainers, which are fixed to the back of the teeth using a special glue. One disadvantage of this type of retainer is that the fixed wire can make daily brushing and flossing more difficult, so it is important to take extra time to brush around the wire to help prevent any plaque or food buildup. Other patients might only need removable retainers, such as Hawley wire or plastic retainers. These retainers should be removed during eating and brushed daily.
After finishing Invisalign® treatment, many patients might wish to simply take off the last set of aligners and enjoy straight teeth without ever having to wear retainers. However, wearing a retainer is a required last step of the process and helps keep teeth from shifting back to the original, pre-treatment position.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Getting dental veneers can improve your smile. These thin shells can also protect the treated teeth. Your dentist can determine if you can have this treatment. Here are the details to see if you are a candidate for dental veneers.The enamel can thin out because of sweet and acidic foods and drinks. Hard brushing can…
Those wishing to change multiple aspects of their smile can benefit from dental veneers. They are an all-in-one cosmetic treatment that can address multiple aesthetic concerns. Not only can veneers fix multiple cosmetic issues in just a few dental appointments, but also they can give you a stunning new smile you are excited to show…
Dental veneers are a well know cosmetic dentistry treatment people turn to for achieving that “movie star” smile. With just this one treatment, dentists can address a number of common cosmetic dental problems. This fact makes dental veneers one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market.Veneers are custom-made and tooth-colored shells that cover…
Many people start their search for a local dentist by typing "find a dentist near me" into the search box of their internet browser. However, finding a local dentist who provides high-quality care, feels comfortable, and meets your or your family's dental needs starts with knowing what to look for. Understanding the key features of…