Your teeth are much more resilient than you might think. They’ll naturally find the most comfortable positions, even if that means not perfectly aligning themselves with others.
As such, many people opt for Invisalign – a dental treatment that aligns your teeth, straightening crooked ones and closing any gaps. Here at Dentistry in Canterbury, our friendly team of dentists specialise in cosmetic dentistry, meaning we offer the best Invisalign treatment Melbourne in the area.
After your Invisalign treatment is finished, you may still have queries over what comes next. As your teeth will not stay straight on their own, you’ll need to wear a retainer. For all the information relating to post-treatment, including how to sleep with Invisalign retainers, check out our guide below.
Do you have to wear Invisalign forever?
No, Invisalign treatment isn’t a lifelong process. It typically lasts for around 6-18 months, after which your aligners will be replaced with retainers to keep your teeth in place. Shrug off those thoughts of “how can I quit Invisalign early” – it’s worth sticking with the treatment because it won’t last forever.
You must wear your retainers for around another 6-12 months after treatment has finished. This leaves enough time for the bones around your teeth to ossify and be strong enough to fix your teeth in position.
Do I need a retainer after Invisalign treatment?
Yes, all patients need a retainer after they finish their Invisalign treatment. This is to ensure your teeth remain fixed in their new positions, as they’re still prone to movement in the months following your treatment.
If you fail to wear your retainer, your teeth may eventually shift out of place, which could affect your oral health and render the Invisalign treatment pointless. You don’t have to wear your retainer forever, just until enough bone tissue has grown to cement your teeth in place.
What happens if you don’t wear your Invisalign retainer?
If you end your Invisalign treatment but don’t wear your retainer, your teeth can shift out of position. While they likely won’t revert entirely back to what they were pre-treatment, they’ll move into positions that affect your smile and possibly your dental health.
What if I lose my retainer?
If you lose your retainer, arrange to see your dentist as soon as possible. This is especially pressing if you;ve just finished your Invisalign treatment, because you want to give your teeth the best chance of maintaining their new positions. Contacting your dentist can also work, as they can have a new retainer made from your last impression relatively quickly.
Why do my teeth move when I take off my retainer?
Your retainer keeps your teeth fixed in their new positions. Because they’re not fully used to their new places yet, your teeth will gradually shift out of place if you take your retainer off. This is due to the strength of your bones around your mouth.
The bone tissue around your teeth and jaw will not have properly ossified in the months following your Invisalign treatment. This means that, while the bone is still hardening, your teeth are still liable to movement. It’s best to wear your retainer for the same amount of time as you would your Invisalign trays – around 20-22 hours a day – to properly strengthen your bones.
Why a patient needs a retainer after orthodontic treatment
Wearing a retainer is a vital part of any orthodontic treatment. It prevents your teeth shifting out of place and allows them time to get used to their new positions. In this way, your teeth won’t lose their newfound alignment you worked so hard to get.
A retainer is generally worn anywhere between 3-12 months after orthodontic treatment. It’s crucial you wear yours for the first few months, just while the bone tissue around your teeth and jaw are strengthening. After that, your teeth are still liable to movement in the first year or so post-treatment, so wearing your retainer every now and then is recommended.
Wearing a retainer immediately after Invisalign
After your Invisalign treatment ends, every patient has to wear a retainer. At first, you’re asked to wear your retainer for the same schedule as you did with your Invisalign – that’s around 20-22 hours per day. This is crucial in the period immediately following your Invisalign treatment, as your teeth are not used to their new positions. Wearing a retainer is all part of the process, so it’s important to ensure you wear it as often as you can.
Wearing a retainer in the months after Invisalign
As the months and years after your Invisalign treatment pass, you can consult with your dentist about reducing the time you wear your retainer for. After a year or two, your teeth will have strengthened a lot more, meaning you won’t have to wear your retainer for extended periods of the day.