Remember the first day you started your Invisalign treatment? You were nervous and excited to begin the journey and achieve a radiant smile. And today here we are, you have completed your Invisalign treatment. Congratulations on coming a long way! But the journey doesn’t end here. One of the most crucial steps to follow after your Invisalign experience is to invest in a retainer. It will assist you in maintaining your beautifully aligned teeth. Without a retainer, there are high possibilities for your teeth to shift back to their original position and undo all the progress you have made. We do not want your hard work to go to waste. And that’s why we are sharing how wearing a retainer after Invisalign can make a difference in preserving your smile.
Do You Have To Wear Your Retainers Forever?
So you are wondering if you will have to wear the retainers forever? The short answer is yes and no. Let’s break it down for you.
First Few Months After Invisalign
Right after you have completed your treatment, it is highly advisable to wear the retainers for at least 22 hours a day. Removing them while eating and oral hygiene is doable. The reason why we highly emphasized wearing them is because your teeth are most likely to shift back. So consistent wearing is important.
12 Months After Invisalign
After 12 months, you can continue to wear your retainer at night. By this time, your teeth should be in a better position and more stable.
Night Time Usage
Wearing retainers for night-time usage is necessary to prevent any minor movements. This is precisely what we mean by forever, that on some level, retainers will always be needed.
It might seem like a long-term commitment, but the effort required is minimal in comparison to the benefits of maintaining the perfect smile.
Benefits Of Wearing Retainers After Invisalign Treatment
If you have been dreading wearing a retainer post-Invisalign treatment, then let’s talk about all the perks that retailers offer.
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Ensure Your Teeth Don’t Relapse
The first and foremost benefit of wearing a retainer is to ensure that your teeth stay in an aligned position. It maintains the precision of your orthodontic results and offers you the best comfort. The surrounding soft tissues will adjust to the new alignment and minimize the relapse.
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Stability And Comfort
Wearing a retainer also contributes to better oral health. It acts as a stabilizer and prevents minor orthodontic issues from becoming more severe.
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Investment Protection
Investing in a retainer might seem to be expensive and going extra all the way. But trust us, it’s going to reap all the benefits. Years down the line, you will thank yourself for investing in the retainer and wearing it every day.
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Easier Maintenance
Retainers are super quick to maintain. You can remove them at any time and, using soft bristles, clean them regularly. By doing so, it reduces the risk of cavities and gum diseases.
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Boosts Self-Esteem And Confidence
Last but not least, the boost in self-esteem and confidence will do wonders. Whether you are posing for a photo, giving a presentation, or simply laughing around your friends – a straight smile will make all the difference. You won’t shy away or feel conscious anymore.
Different Types of Retainers
There are various types of retainers that your orthodontist will suggest. You can select the one that fits within your budget and provides the utmost comfort.
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Fixed Retainers
As the name suggests, these retainers are fixed to the back of your teeth. It’s a brilliant option for anyone who lacks the discipline to wear the removable retainers consistently. One drawback of these retainers is that flossing becomes tricker and will require constant dental checkups to ensure everything stays in place.
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Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth. They are clear plastic retainers that give you a comforting experience. It’s a popular choice among all the different types of retainers. In addition to that, they are super efficient to maintain.
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Hawley Retainers
Lastly, we have Hawley retainers. They are the classic wire and acrylic plates that rest on the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth. They are adjustable and durable enough to make minor tweaks. Another advantage is that these retainers are available in various colors and patterns.
Choosing the suitable retainer is about balancing comfort, durability, and lifestyle. Talk to your orthodontist to see which type will keep your smile looking its best!to Care for Your Retainer? Taking care of your retainer is easy and quick.
How Do You Clean Invisalign Retainers?
All it requires is little care consistently so that the retainers continue to do their job effectively. Here are some of the crucial tips to follow to keep the retainers in top shape.
Regular Brushing: Just like your teeth, your retainer needs regular cleaning. Brush it gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent bacterial buildup. Make this a part of your daily routine.
Rinsing: Every time you remove your retainer, give it a quick rinse with lukewarm water. This helps wash away saliva and trapped bacteria, keeping it fresher between more thorough cleanings.
Soaking: Once in a while, soak your retainer in a denture or retainer cleaning solution to give it a deep clean. This can help eliminate any stubborn bacteria and keep your retainer smelling fresh.
Proper Storage: Always store your retainer in its case when you’re not wearing it. This not only protects it from damage but also keeps it from collecting dust and germs. Make it a habit to put it in its case, especially when traveling.
Conclusion
Wearing a retainer might seem like an extra mile but it’s worth it in the end. Think of it as the finishing touch to your orthodontic treatment. You have already invested effort and money, so don’t let that investment go to waste. By incorporating this simple habit of wearing into your daily routine, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles. Remember, a little effort now means a flawless smile for years to come!
FAQs
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Can I eat or drink with my Invisalign retainers in place?
It’s best to avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing the Invisalign retainers. The food particles and sugary drinks will bring in cavities and cause damage. Permanently remove them before meals and snacks to keep them in the best condition.
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How to stop grinding teeth with retainers?
If you grind your teeth at night, then it’s a case of bruxism. A retainer can help you in protecting your teeth from wear and tear. Consulting an orthodontist will help you in taking the next crucial steps. They will suggest to you the aligners made explicitly for teeth grinding. It will provide a protection barrier between the upper and lower teeth thereby reducing the damage.
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What happens if I don’t wear retainers?
Not wearing a retainer can shift your teeth to its former position. It means that all the hard work, time, and monetary resources go into vain.
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Can I wear a mouthguard instead of a retainer?
It’s essential to understand the difference between mouthguards and retainers. The former is supposed to protect your teeth from impact during sports. While the latter safeguards the teeth alignment.
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.