It’s estimated that more than 10 million people have undergone Invisalign treatment to help transform their smiles – and this number appears poised to explode in the coming years. An alternative to traditional orthodontics, Invisalign is unique in that the aligners used to correct tooth alignment are clear and not easily noticeable. That’s part of the reason why it has become a particularly popular orthodontic treatment for adults. At Invisalign in Belleville, we’re dedicated to helping you attain that perfect smile – both during and after the treatment. In this post, we’ll cover the steps to preserve your new smile following Invisalign. Here’s a look:
Finished with Invisalign in Belleville? Here are the Next Steps
Following Invisalign treatment, patients enter the retention phase. That is, a phase to help keep the results the Invisalign treatment has achieved. It’s important to keep in mind that teeth change as people age, and if you want to retain the smile you’ve gained through the Invisalign treatment, you need to put in a little bit of work after it’s over with. Hence, a key tool in the retention phase is a retainer.
Why do I Need a Retainer?
Fitting to the name, a retainer is designed to ensure your teeth remain in the same position. In fact, it’s the only way to ensure the teeth don’t begin to move over time. Following Invisalign, it’s common to have to wear a retainer all day and night for a certain period of time. Then, patients gradually transition to just wearing them every night and then perhaps just a few nights per week.
Types of Retainers: Fixed and Removable
There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. Fitting to the name, fixed retainers are permanently installed on the backside of the teeth to keep the teeth in place long-term. The more common types of retainers are removable ones. They simply slip over the teeth and can be easily removed during meals and as patients are able to transition to wearing retainers less often following treatment.
Both fixed and removable retainers have their pros and cons. Fixed retainers ensure you’ll never misplace your retainer and they provide extra insurance that your teeth won’t move following treatment. However, they can take time to get used to and require more thorough cleaning. Removable retainers tend to be the more convenient option for patients, especially those who transition to wearing them from all day, every day to just a few nights each week. However, it can be easy to forget to wear your retainer – which can impact long-term results – and removable retainers are also easier to misplace.
Be sure to speak with your dentist to determine which type of retainer is best for you following Invisalign treatment.
Other Post-Invisalign Tips
In addition to sticking to wearing a retainer, be sure to stick to a healthy brushing and flossing schedule. The experts say you should be brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once per day. Also, be sure to see your dentist regularly – at least once every six months – for checkups and professional teeth cleanings. Your dentist can also use these cleanings to make sure there are no issues with your Invisalign treatment or make suggestions to adjust retainer wearing accordingly.
Contact Us Today
For more information on Invisalign in Belleville, contact us today.