Congratulations on completing your Invisalign treatment! As you celebrate your newly aligned smile, be thinking about the next step—keeping those hard-earned results. Using a retainer will be an important part of your oral health routine going forward. But what is it used for, and how long will you have to use it?
Continue reading to learn more about retainers and how they help sustain your Invisalign results.
Why Do I Need to Wear an Invisalign Retainer?
You may be dismayed that you’ll need to use a retainer after your treatment is complete, but it’s necessary. Over time, your teeth will begin to shift back to their original positions, undoing all of the progress from your treatment. Wearing your retainer will prevent the teeth from moving and ensure that your teeth remain aligned.
How Long Will I Need to Use My Retainer?
Wearing a retainer after Invisalign treatment is a life-long commitment. One the results are complete, the teeth will always try to move along their old path back into their prior positions. The only way to prevent this is by wearing your retainer every day. How often you need to wear it is based on the complexity of your treatment. Your dentist will give you specific instructions.
How Can I Protect my Invisalign Retainer?
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your retainer, proper care is essential. While retainers are relatively inexpensive, you’ll want to get the most time out of them. Here are some tips:
- Remove your retainers before eating or drinking to avoid food particles.
- Clean your retainer by brushing it with toothpaste every day.
- Avoid scrubbing it roughly or with abrasive pastes.
- Avoid letting it sit in extreme heat like your car dashboard.
- Put it in a protective case when not in use.
The most important part of the post-treatment phase of Invisalign is committing to wearing your retainer. By following aftercare instructions and being in communication with your dentist, you can ensure that your newly aligned smile stays beautiful for a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder has been improving the smiles of his patients for over 20 years. He takes pride in his customized treatment plans that use the latest dental technology and techniques to provide long-lasting results. Dr. Harder received his dental doctorate from Creighton University and since then has expanded his skills and is now a contributing author for the Dental Economics publication. Call (509) 765-4351 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Moses Lake Family Dentistry, or visit the website to explore other services.