Do You Need a Retainer After Invisalign® Treatment?

When it comes to your smile, most people visiting our Wylie, TX office want a straight and white one. Many of our patients want to straighten their crooked, cracked, or crowded teeth with Invisalign treatment. At Trusted Dental Care, Dr. Fesaha Gebrehiwot uses clear Invisalign aligners for teeth straightening. To ensure that your teeth look and feel their best, following a good oral hygiene routine is helpful. Invisalign aligners are a great option for someone who doesn’t want to undergo a long orthodontic treatment. They are virtually undetectable and make it easier for you to keep your teeth and gums clean.

What can Invisalign aligners correct?

Invisalign treatment can be used to correct many orthodontic concerns, including:

  • Crooked or cracked teeth

  • Overcrowded or overlapping teeth

  • Missing teeth

During a consultation, Dr. G. can evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment in Wylie, TX.

How long is Invisalign treatment?

At Trusted Dental Care, we use Invisalign treatment to fix any concerns you may have with how your smile looks. Dr. G. will map out a custom treatment plan that addresses your goals. With the help of digital impressions of the upper and lower arches, he will send specifics to the dental lab to create your aligners. When they’re ready, you will come back in to try on your first set and to learn how to use them. Your aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours a day for optimal results. Follow-up visits at our Wylie, TX office allow Dr. G. to track your progress. Ultimately, the length of your Invisalign treatment depends on your existing teeth position and your smile goals. On average, our patients use clear aligners for about a year.

How long do I have to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment?

Wearing a retainer after your Invisalign treatment is essential for maintaining your results. If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will gradually shift to where they were before Invisalign treatment. The changes may be subtle at first but will become more noticeable over time. It takes at least 9 – 12 months for your body to build up enough bone to stabilize your teeth, so they don’t move as much. After this time, you won’t have to wear your retainer as often. Dr. G. still recommends wearing it 3 – 5 times a week to keep your results. As you age, your teeth may move slightly forward and inward.

What happens if I lose my retainer?

If you lose your retainer, call our Wylie, TX, office to schedule an appointment. We can fit you for a new one so you don’t lose any progress from your Invisalign treatment. We will take impressions of your teeth to create your new oral appliance.

Learn more about how to maintain your Invisalign results in Wylie, TX

When you feel self-conscious about your smile, Invisalign treatment can help straighten your teeth. At Trusted Dental Care, Dr. Fesaha Gebrehiwot helps patients to straighten their broken, crooked, misshapen, gapped, or overlapping teeth in Wylie, TX. To determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign aligners, schedule a consultation by calling our dental team today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.