Do You Need A Retainer After Invisalign® Treatment?
Even though Invisalign® clear aligners move teeth differently from traditional orthodontic methods, the result is still the same. After any orthodontic work, you'll need to wear retainers to maintain your beautifully straight smile. At Trusted Dental Care, Dr. Fesaha Gebrehiwot and his dedicated team of dental professionals provide this smile makeover treatment at their premier dental facility in Wylie, TX. Read on to learn more about this innovative Invisalign® technology and how often you'll need to wear retainers afterward to maintain the results.
Will I have to wear a retainer after Invisalign® treatment?
Invisalign® treatments are an aligner-based orthodontic option for adults and teenagers to straighten and correct gapped, crooked, misaligned, or overcrowded teeth. With a series of customized aligner trays created from digital impressions of a patient's lower and upper arches, these highly precise and computer-generated mouth trays will gently apply incremental pressure to straighten teeth. Invisalign® treatments can provide successful results in as little as 12 – 18 months. However, it is essential to wear a retainer afterward to prevent teeth from moving back to their original positions. If you neglect to wear your oral appliance, you will eventually begin to see noticeable changes in your fantastic results once you stop wearing Invisalign® trays.
How long will I wear retainers after Invisalign® treatments?
Orthodontic treatments, like Invisalign® clear aligners, offer an inconspicuous solution for teens and adults to realign teeth for a straighter, more appealing smile effectively. Customized trays on the lower and upper arches are worn at least 20 – 22 hours a day and switched to the next tray in the series every 1 – 2 weeks. After Invisalign® treatment, a retainer will be required and should be worn as directed by Dr. G. Otherwise, teeth gradually shift back to their original positions. After about a year, enough new bone deposited around the teeth will keep them stable, allowing you to wear your retainer less frequently.
What happens after teeth straightening treatments?
It is entirely normal for teeth to slightly shift after traditional braces are removed, or Invisalign® clear aligners are no longer worn. During Invisalign® treatments, the jawbone structure softens to allow teeth to move into their final positions. Once patients stop wearing Invisalign® trays, it will take 9 – 12 months for the body to build up a new bone structure around the teeth to stabilize their new position and solidify results. Retainers are a necessary oral appliance after orthodontic treatments to prevent noticeable changes so you can maintain your beautiful smile. As a result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth from talking or chewing, teeth will shift or move slightly. Wearing a retainer as directed prevents your teeth from gradually going back into their original position.
While you may not see your teeth move at first, subtle changes will happen over time. Wearing a retainer after Invisalign® treatments is necessary to keep your teeth in the proper place. If you are wondering if you are a candidate for Invisalign® clear teeth aligners, consulting with a qualified dental professional, like Dr. Fesaha Gebrehiwot at Trusted Dental Care, is the first step to start your smile makeover. Invisalign® orthodontics is a transparent and convenient way to have an attractive, healthy smile. To request an appointment with Dr. G at our premier dental facility in Wylie, TX, call our dedicated team today.