Invisalign, like traditional orthodontic treatment, is something that needs to be maintained post-treatment. This is because the teeth can be prone to shifting back into their original positions.
The risk is increased in the first year after treatment, as the bone is still setting and the gums and ligaments are still firming into position. This can take a while, and if not properly managed with a retainer, the teeth may begin moving.
Retainers are a necessary and strategic post-treatment device. Critical to locking in the position of the newly aligned teeth. Patients who avoid wearing their retainer may find their teeth move back into their old positions, and they will need to be retreated to correct the misalignment.
Immediately after treatment
Patients will visit their orthodontist immediately after treatment, which allows them to assess if the treatment has worked effectively. The orthodontist can then remove the composite resin guides (SmartForce) from your teeth by gently drilling them off.
The orthodontist will likely take a bite impression, or 3D scan of the teeth, to send to a lab for a retainer to be designed and manufactured. This usually takes around a few days to a week, and you can then collect from the orthodontist.
Wearing a retainer after Invisalign
A retainer is an appliance that needs to be worn nightly in the first six months post-treatment. Then recommendations can vary; in most cases, patients will be advised to continue to wear the retainer during sleep for the following six months.
Depending on the severity of the teeth’s misalignment before treatment and the overall success of healing, the orthodontist will give one of three recommendations:
- Reduce wear time and then eliminate use – In cases where the patient has positively responded to treatment and the teeth have shown no indication of movement. Short, continued use may be recommended, around a year after treatment, and patients can then throw away the retainer.
- Continued use for a prolonged period – In cases where the teeth have been more resistant to moving, and may be at increased risk of shifting, longer-term use may be advised. This can span anywhere from two to ten years, depending on the individual. The orthodontist will likely ask you to make appointments to check the progress of healing and retention.
- Indefinite use – For some patients, indefinite use is required. When patients are advised to wear it indefinitely, it’s usually recommended to wear it between three and four nights a week to help sustain the results of treatment.
There are two main types of retainers the orthodontist will consider for patients, the first being a fixed lingual retainer. This adheres to the back of the upper and lower arches of the teeth. This is known as a permanent retainer; it cannot be taken out by the patient.
This type of retainer can offer some convenience as it doesn’t need to be removed to eat or drink.
The second type of retainer is the traditional acrylic clear retainer. This looks similar to Invisalign; it’s a clear tray that sits on top of the aligned teeth. This cannot be worn whilst eating or drinking and must be kept well-maintained to reduce the risk of plaque and decay.
If you have any questions regarding treatment or aftercare, don’t hesitate to book a consultation. Our team of expert orthodontists are able to answer any questions or concerns you may have