If you’re in the middle of your Invisalign treatment, then it’s important to have an accurate idea of what you can expect once you reach the end of the process. After you’re done wearing your last set of aligners, you’ll be given a retainer to help you maintain your newly straightened smile. But just how long will you need to use this appliance? Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know about wearing a retainer after Invisalign.
Why Do You Need to Wear a Retainer After Your Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign puts small amounts of pressure on the teeth in order to move them to new positions. However, it takes time for the bone around the teeth to stabilize. Consequently, if your teeth are left alone, they will start to drift back toward their original alignment. As such, if you don’t want to lose the hard-earned results of your Invisalign treatment, you need to wear a retainer in order to keep your teeth where they’re supposed to be.
Exactly How Long Does a Retainer Need to Be Worn?
Simply put, you should plan on wearing your retainer for the rest of your life. Even after your jawbone has finished stabilizing, your teeth could still drift out of place over time due to aging and other factors. But if you continue to wear a retainer, you’ll be able to keep enjoying your straighter smile for many years to come.
It’s worth noting that retainers can either be fixed or removable. A fixed retainer stays in your mouth 24/7. In contrast, a removable retainer can be taken out at any time. When you first get a removable retainer, you’ll be instructed to wear it for around 22 hours every day. After a certain point, you’ll be able to transition to only wearing it at night.
How Do You Take Care of a Retainer?
If you want your retainer to last as long as possible, you need to take good care of it. For a fixed retainer, this means brushing it along with the rest of your smile at least twice a day. You should also use an interdental brush to get rid of plaque that might be hiding in the hard-to-reach spaces between the teeth that the retainer is attached to.
To clean a removable retainer, you should brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap. Toothpaste is not recommended, as it can potentially scratch the retainer, which creates spaces where bacteria can easily accumulate.
In short, wearing a retainer after Invisalign is a lifetime commitment that helps ensure that you’ll be able to continue enjoying your straighter smile. Don’t be afraid to speak to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about your retainer.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew R. Glynn went to The Ohio State University for his dental degree. To this day, he continues to pursue continuing education in a wide variety of subjects, including clear aligners and dental aesthetics. He has helped many patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles with personalized Invisalign treatments. If you’re interested in getting clear aligners to correct your crooked teeth, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Glynn at Glynn Dental of Reynoldsburg by visiting his website or calling (614) 864-4618.