Many people look forward to the end of their Invisalign treatment because they’re excited to show off their beautiful straight smiles. While you may think your journey stops there, you actually have to wear retainers to preserve your hard-earned results. If you fail to do so, your teeth may shift back to their original position. Read on to learn more about wearing a retainer after Invisalign and how it can help you maintain a stunning smile.
The Importance of Wearing a Retainer
Every Invisalign patient looks forward to the day their last set of aligners is off. After finishing treatment, you may think your journey ends there – but that’s not the case at all. Your teeth are much more likely to move back to their original positions in the first few months after finishing Invisalign because the jawbone is spongy. It takes some time for it to harden again and keep your teeth firmly in place.
That’s where a retainer comes in handy! It’ll help the teeth stay in their final perfect position and stop unwanted movements from happening. Wearing your retainers as instructed by your dentist or orthodontist will ensure your hard-earned results last as long as possible. Many dental professionals strongly recommend that a patient wear a retainer several nights a week for the rest of their life!
How Long Do You Need to Wear Your Retainers After Invisalign?
The initial protocol for wearing a retainer after Invisalign is generally the same for every patient. It’s strongly recommended that patients wear their oral appliance for 12 to 22 hours every day for about three to six months. After that point, most people can stop wearing a retainer during the day and only wear it at night. It’s incredibly important for everyone to follow their orthodontist’s instructions on wearing retainers for life.
Tips to Protect Your Retainers
Oral health should always be a priority no matter what! To prevent bacteria growth, you must take proper care of your retainer. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Remove your retainer before eating and store it in its retainer case to keep it safe
- Every time you remove your retainer, make sure you rinse and gently brush it
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol-based mouthwash because they can damage the plastic
- Always remove your retainer before brushing your teeth to allow for a more thorough cleaning
Having the smile of your dreams takes time and dedication. By taking the extra step to wear your retainer as instructed, you can preserve your stunning results for the rest of your life!
About the Practice
At Grateful Dentists, we strive to deliver high-quality and personalized dental care unlike anywhere else. Our goal is to help every patient maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for the rest of their life. If you have any questions about wearing a retainer after Invisalign, don’t hesitate to ask. You can make an appointment via our website or call (978) 667-5807.