You’re on your last set of Invisalign clear aligners, and you’re loving your beautifully straight smile. Just a few more days, and your life-changing treatment will be done. The question is, do you really need to wear a retainer? And if so, will that be forever?
Invisalign: An Overview
Invisalign is a discreet orthodontic solution that utilizes clear, virtually invisible aligners to straighten your teeth and perfect your smile. Your custom trays are created from 3D scans of your mouth and 3D printing technology. Invisalign’s clear aligners place precise pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them into alignment.
To ensure your treatment stays on track, you’ll need to wear your custom aligner trays for 20-22 hours each day. Once you achieve the smile of your dreams, you’ll need to wear custom retainers to maintain your brilliant results.
Why Wear Retainers After Invisalign Treatment?
Orthodontic treatments work by adjusting the jawbone and teeth. However, newly straightened teeth tend to move back to their original, familiar positions. Wearing retainers will help your teeth maintain their new, improved position while the bone and connective tissue solidify the treatment’s results and the area stabilizes. The length of time you’ll need to wear your retainers will depend on your smile’s unique needs.
How Should You Care for Your Retainers?
As with any other treatment or oral appliance, it’s critical to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices. You’ll need to take proper care of your retainer to remove food debris and discourage bacterial growth.
The following are some retainer care tips:
- Make sure to remove your retainer before you eat and store it in its case to prevent any damage.
- Clean your retainer carefully using a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleanser before storing it to prevent any debris from hardening.
- Avoid high temperatures and chemicals, including alcohol-based mouthwash or bleach to prevent warping or damage to the plastic retainer material.
- For a thorough clean, mix lukewarm water with mild dish soap and use a toothbrush to gently scrub away plaque and any debris.
- Follow your trusted team at Dental Care of North Carolina’s retainer care instructions to ensure their longevity.
If your retainers have stains or debris that just won’t come off, contact our office for an appointment. We’ll clean your retainers and ensure they stay in tip-top shape.
Invisalign in Greensboro
Visit Dental Care of Greensboro to learn more about maintaining Invisalign treatment’s beautiful results. With all the time and effort that went into redesigning your smile, it’s important to safeguard your valuable investment. Call us and schedule your appointment today!