When you finish your Invisalign treatment, you may be excited to finally be done. You are now showing off the straight smile you worked hard to get. With a new wave of confidence and accomplishment, you may be ready to flaunt it! Though it’s important you maintain your results with a retainer. This may not sound too exciting, but here’s why it’s crucial and how long you’ll need it for.
Why Do I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?
This oral appliance is needed after any orthodontic service, whether it’s braces or clear aligners. It helps keep your teeth in their desirable positions, as there’s a risk they shift back to where they used to be. This can happen because your jawbone had to become spongy to allow for movement in the first place! By keeping them still with a retainer, the bone will be able to harden and stabilize around the tooth roots once again.
So, For How Long Will I Need My Retainer For?
In short, the answer depends on how long you want an aligned smile for. If you want it for a lifetime, then you’ll need your retainer for just as long. The good news, though, is you’ll slowly wean off it over time.
At first, you may need to keep it in for 22 hours every day for two to four months. Once your gums and jaw get used to your healthier bite, then you can switch to having it in at night. However, the exact timeline of when you can do this depends on what your dentist recommends.
How Can I Take Care of My New Retainer?
You’ll need to keep your retainer for a long while, so you should make sure it doesn’t break or crack. The good news is that taking care of it is largely the same as you done with your aligners, so just stick to the general routine you had. Here’s a quick reminder of what you should do:
- Don’t eat or drink anything other than water while wearing them.
- Keep them in their case when you don’t have them in and avoid wrapping them in a napkin.
- Brush the appliance twice a day with clear, gentle soap to remove bacteria that might have transferred to it.
Keep these simple tips in mind while you wear your retainer, and you’re all set! Stick to it for a bit, and then you don’t have to wear it for as long. That way, you can show off your new grin confidently while also protecting the results you worked so hard to get.
About the Author
Dr. Kyrslyne Thomas earned her dental degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She has since become a certified Invisalign provider, allowing her to give effective treatments with clear aligners to the Pearland community. By sticking with you throughout your journey, you can do your best to avoid any delays and keep your healthy bite in great shape. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Thomas’ office at (832) 520-2949.