Maintaining Your Results After Invisalign®: Why Retainers Are Essential
Here at Goehring Dental in Austin, TX, we know how much effort goes into achieving a straight, beautiful smile. While reaching this milestone is exciting, your journey doesn’t end here. Wearing retainers is essential to keeping your results intact and ensuring your hard work pays off for years to come.
Teeth naturally tend to shift after Invisalign® treatment, often wanting to return to their original positions due to natural forces. During your treatment, the ligaments around your teeth were stretched to guide them into their new alignment, but these ligaments have an elastic memory and may try to pull your teeth back once you stop wearing aligners. Over time, natural aging can also cause subtle changes in your jawbone and teeth, leading to gradual shifting. Additionally, daily habits like grinding, chewing, or other repetitive motions can nudge your teeth out of place. Without retainers, these factors can compromise the alignment you worked so hard to achieve, making post-treatment care essential.
Let’s dive into why retainers are important and how they help you maintain your smile.
Retainers Protect Your Smile
Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and ligaments stabilize. This process can take months—or even years—depending on your case. Consistent retainer use is key to preventing relapse and preserving your smile for the long term.
The Two Main Types of Retainers
After Invisalign®, you’ll likely be given one of these types of retainers:
Removable Retainers:
Made of clear plastic and resemble Invisalign® aligners.
Convenient and easy to clean but require regular use to be effective.
Fixed Retainers:
Bonded to the back of your teeth, offering continuous support.
Ideal for patients who may forget to wear a removable retainer.
Your dentist will recommend the type that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Tips for Retainer Care
Taking care of your retainer ensures its durability and effectiveness. Follow these tips for proper maintenance:
Clean it regularly: Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water daily and clean it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp plastic retainers.
Store it safely: Always keep your retainer in its protective case when not in use. This prevents damage and keeps it away from curious pets.
Avoid harmful substances: Skip harsh cleaners like bleach or toothpaste, as they can damage your retainer.
Replace as needed: Retainers don’t last forever. If yours feels loose or shows wear, visit your dentist for a replacement.
How Long Should You Wear Your Retainer?
For the first few months after treatment, you’ll likely need to wear your retainer full-time, removing it only for meals and brushing. After this period, you can transition to nighttime wear. Lifelong use is recommended to ensure your teeth remain perfectly aligned.
What Happens If You Skip Your Retainer?
Neglecting your retainer can have consequences, including:
Teeth shifting back: Undoing the results of your Invisalign® treatment.
Additional costs: Requiring further orthodontic treatment to regain alignment.
Wearing your retainer consistently is a simple way to protect your investment and avoid these issues.
Protect Your New Smile with Goehring Dental!
We’re here to guide you through the post-treatment phase and help you maintain the smile you’ve worked so hard to achieve. If you have questions about retainers or need to schedule a post-treatment appointment, contact us today. Your smile deserves the very best care, every step of the way! Give us a call at (512) 892-8822 or contact us by filling out the form below.
