Invisalign Clear Aligners: What Happens After Treatment Is Over

Invisalign® clear aligners can straighten teeth without compromising the appearance of a patient's smile. These invisible braces are made out of clear plastics and are barely noticeable when worn. It is a huge change from the traditional metal braces that were the standard way to straighten teeth for more than a century.

An overview of Invisalign clear aligners

Clear aligners straighten teeth the same basic way metal braces do. The aligner applies a constant force on the patient's teeth, slowly pushing them to a better position. Braces do the same thing but with metal wires and brackets that are impossible to miss. This ruins the appearance of the patient's smile, and children who wear braces often report being bullied or teased because of it.

Invisalign® clear aligners can be used to fix a wide range of dental issues like overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gaps between teeth. The range of orthodontic issues Invisalign® can fix has improved over the years, but these oral appliances are most effective on teeth issues caused by poor alignment.

Life after treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners

The quest for straighter teeth does not stop when the Invisalign® treatment is over. The reality is that a person's teeth will continue to move and shift throughout their lives. That is where retainers come in. These oral appliances are used to keep the alignment of the patient's teeth in the desired position.

There are a variety of retainers that can be used to maintain the alignment of a person's teeth:

• Fixed retainers: These are permanently fixed appliances that are fastened to the back surfaces of the patient's teeth. They prevent the person's teeth from moving back toward their position before treatment. Fixed retainers are often recommended for children to ensure they are able to keep the results of their teeth straightening treatment.
• Removable retainers: These are removable appliances that are worn as directed. Some patients only need to wear these at night to maintain the alignment of their teeth.
• Hawley retainers: These consist of a plastic piece and a wire that goes over the front surfaces of the patient's teeth. They are the least aesthetic retainers, but they are easy to adjust and durable.

How often a patient has to wear their retainer often varies based on the severity of the alignment issue that created a need for treatment. Some patients have to wear one for most of the day, while others only need to wear it at night. It is important to follow the schedule recommended by the dentist to prevent teeth from shifting.

Frequently asked questions about retainers

Getting to the end of your teeth straightening treatment? Let us go over some of the questions you might have regarding retainers:

1. Are there different types of retainers?

There are two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. Fixed retainers are also called bonded retainers, and they are firmly attached to the back of the patient’s teeth. This makes them the most effective type of retainer since they constantly keep the patient’s teeth properly aligned.

Removable retainers are the more convenient option since they can be removed for oral hygiene and meals. However, their effectiveness is diminished if the patient fails to wear them daily as instructed.

2. How long must patients wear retainers?

There is no clear answer to this question since it comes down to how severe the patient’s teeth alignment issues were. Generally speaking, the longer a patient wears a retainer, the longer their teeth remain straight.

Many patients start with fixed retainers and then transition to removable ones. They will initially have to wear their removable retainer all day and night, but they will eventually be cleared only to wear it when they go to bed.

3. How long does it take to get used to retainers?

It typically takes a few days to adjust to having a retainer. Patients might feel extra pressure on their teeth, their saliva production might increase, or the appliance might impact their speech. Most of these issues go away within a few days as your teeth and gums get used to it. 

Retainers maintain the results of treatment

There is no point in doing all that hard work to straighten your teeth only to lose the results. A retainer prevents that from happening, and there is a good chance you will not have to wear it all day long. Call or visit our San Luis Obispo clinic to learn more about how to take care of your teeth after getting Invisalign® treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.missionfamilydentalslo.com or call Mission Family Dental at (805) 205-9278 for an appointment in our San Luis Obispo office.

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