Within a short period of 12 to 18 months, your teeth can get straightened if you’re using Invisalign. Sounds good, right? But your orthodontist will ask that you use retainers right after treatment – it’s important. Why? The function of retainers is to prevent a relapse (a condition where your teeth become crooked again after straightening). Should you not take wearing retainers serious, it will impact the appearance of your smile and overall dental health.
Here, we would be looking at certain common questions asked by our patients upon finishing treatment with clear aligners.
When it comes to retainers, this is what you need to know.
Why is there teeth movement after removing retainers?
In our experience, we understand how reluctant most patients are to start using another dental appliance right after weeks of Invisalign. It is not about making you suffer. Do bear this in mind! But it is so importance that you put on your retainers following the directive of the orthodontist. This is because when you don’t do so, your teeth will eventually return to their former position. You wouldn’t like that, right?
It is true that teeth relapse is not something you would notice initially, but with time, the change will become obvious. If you have missed wearing your retainers for a few days, they will feel tight and cause discomfort when you try putting them on again. But a consistent wearing of retainers will ensure they fit very well each time.
Teeth movement is typical following the removal of Invisalign or when you stop wearing them. It is so because of the daily activities you subject the teeth to: biting, chewing, speaking, and swallowing. With time, it wears down. Retainers work to prevent changes that can be easily noticed just so you could keep up a smile that’s beautiful and bright.
Is a retainer necessary post Invisalign?
It is not just necessary but very important you wear retainers following treatment with Invisalign. The result of teeth straightening is the same whether you use Invisalign invisible braces or traditional braces. To maintain the result of realignment, commit to wearing a retainer. It is great for any method of tooth alignment.
After Invisalign, what should I look out for?
The jawbone surrounding your teeth supports them partly. While receiving Invisalign treatment, this jawbone may become soft or disappear – a process known as resorption, to allow for movement of teeth into the desired position.
Immediately you stop wearing your clear trays; there is a need to pick up retainers to keep your teeth in position, during which time the new bone is grown. For your body to grow enough bone that will make your teeth stable, it takes around 9 to 12 months.
After Invisalign, What should be my expectation in 12 months?
In the space of 12 months, there should be sufficient bone around your teeth to help them stabilise. Following this, there won’t be a need for frequent wearing of your retainers to keep up your straight and beautiful smile. During this time, our dentist may ask that you wear orthodontic retainers 3 to 5 times every week.
When the bone tissue in the jawbone is restored, there may not be a significant movement in your teeth, but as you grow older, there will be a minimal inward and forward movement of the teeth. Will you notice this when it begins to happen? No, you won’t. It is a slow procedure that takes time.
In the event that my retainers get lost, what will happen?
If it happens that your retainers are nowhere to be found, simply give us a call to book an appointment. Retainers get lost for so many reasons. Sometimes, you could lose them while having lunch in a restaurant. Your pet can even eat your retainer! This is why we usually advise our patients to ensure retainers are stored in safe and comfortable places. You can even get a retainer case to store them. Well, for whatever reason you can’t hold the retainers in your hands anymore.
We would arrange for a new retainer in the shortest possible time. This is important because if you lose track of wearing retainers, the progress you have made so far will be lost; a relapse sets in.
To cover up for this time, a new retainer will be made for you as quickly as possible using impressions of your teeth which will be obtained during the appointment.
Key takeaways
As much as you would like to maintain that beautiful smile after working so hard in wearing Invisalign, commit to wearing your retainers. This is your sure ticket to always smiling better! Initially, you may have to wear your retainers all the time, but after 12 months of Invisalign, wearing time will reduce.
We understand that it may not be easy to have an appliance in your mouth, but which is better: having a crooked smile or a brighter and healthier one?
Do you need more information about retainers? consult an orthodontist, they will examine and advise you on the most suitable treatment option.
