Finishing your Invisalign treatment is a big deal towards getting a better smile, but you need to pay attention to how to use your Invisalign retainer to keep those results. At Specialty Smiles we know many patients feel better when their active treatment is over but the retention phase is just as important for long term success. If you don’t wear your retainer every day your teeth will slowly move back to where they were before and ruin the great results you worked so hard for.
The final aligners you wore during your treatment are very similar to the Invisalign retainers so the change feels natural and comfortable. These transparent custom made appliances keep your teeth in line and are almost invisible when you wear them. Since you’ve already been used to wearing transparent aligners during your treatment switching to a retainer is easy and natural.
The retention phase starts right after you finish your last Invisalign aligner. Your teeth need time to get used to their new positions while the bone and tissue around them do the same. Wearing your retainer consistently during this critical time stops your teeth from moving and makes sure your orthodontic investment pays off for years to come.
Depending on how complicated their treatment is and what risk factors they have different retention schedules work for different people. Most patients wear their retainers all the time for the first few months. As their teeth are more secure they switch to wearing them only at night. Some people wear their aligners for longer periods of time during the day to keep their teeth in the best possible position. This is especially true for people who moved a lot during treatment.
Taking care of your Invisalign retainer properly will ensure it works as well as possible and lasts as long as possible. We suggest washing your retainer every day with warm water and mild soap. Don’t use hot water, as it could deform or harm the material. Soaking your retainer in special cleaning solutions helps get rid of bacteria and keep them fresh between cleanings. Storage is a big part of taking care of and protecting your retainer. When you’re not wearing your retainer always put it in its case so it’s safe. Pets like to chew on retainers and retainers left on counters or nightstands get thrown away or broken by accident. If you store your retainer the same way every time it will stay safe and be there when you need it.
Invisalign retainers usually need to be replaced every 1-3 years depending on how much you wear and how long the materials last. We can check the fit and performance of your retainer during regular dental visits and recommend replacement when necessary to keep it working properly. If your retainer is cracked, warped or doesn’t fit anymore it’s time to get a new one.
The design and production of retainers is getting better and better thanks to technology. Digital impressions and new materials make retainers more comfortable and last longer. These changes make patients wear their appliances more consistently which leads to better long term treatment stability and happier patients during the retention phase.
The cost of replacing your Invisalign retainer is a small part of the total cost of your treatment. It makes sense financially to follow the rules for your retainer to protect thousands of dollars of orthodontic work. Most dental insurance plans cover some of the cost of getting a new retainer but the amount of coverage varies by provider and policy.
People in North Miami love how easy and nice Invisalign retainers are to wear during the retention phase. The transparent design lets you look professional while still safeguarding your orthodontic investment. Retainers can also help prevent teeth from shifting at sleep among other things.
We now offer full Braces for Adults treatment for patients in North Miami who want traditional orthodontic solutions. Our experienced staff is here to help you every step of the way including creating individualized retention plans. Call Specialty Smiles today to talk about your Invisalign retainer needs and keep your beautiful smile straight for life.