The Invisalign journey is an exciting one for many people looking forward to a beautiful straight smile. But what happens after the last set of Invisalign aligners? Are the changes to your teeth permanent, or will you have to wear a retainer after your Invisalign treatment is over to keep your smile in perfect condition?
Here we answer your questions about wearing a retainer after Invisalign to prepare you for the road ahead and help you maintain the stunning smile you have always wanted.
How Invisalign works
In order to understand why you have to wear a retainer after Invisalign, you need to know how the treatment works. As a more discreet alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign straightens your teeth using a series of clear aligners, which gradually move your teeth into place.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment suitable for teenagers and adults wanting a straighter smile – but early orthodontic treatment can begin from as young as 8 or 9 years old, giving kids the best possible advantages when it comes to their teeth.
The importance of wearing a retainer after Invisalign
When you’re excited after your Invisalign treatment, ‘how long to wear a retainer’ might not be the first question that comes to mind. But it is something you need to think about as soon as your treatment is over.
This is because following orthodontic treatment, your teeth will not stay in their new places indefinitely. Over time, they will try to move back into their original positions, so your smile will gradually become less straight if you don’t wear a retainer after Invisalign.
How long do I have to wear retainers after Invisalign?
If you want your smile to stay straight and beautiful, and you don’t want to waste all the time you have invested in your Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear retainers for the rest of your life once your treatment is over.
At first, the bone and gums in your jaw will not be familiar with your new straight set of teeth. It could take a few years for the remodelling process to complete. Our teeth sit in a balanced position between our lips, gums and tongue. Continued facial and dental growth could influence this, these changes are all part of the normal ageing process that carries on throughout our lives.
That’s why it’s super important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions to wear your retainers for life!
Which retainer is best after Invisalign?
Your orthodontist will advise you on the options available when it comes to retainers following your Invisalign treatment. Always be guided by them – they are specialists who have a lot of experience, and they want the very best for your teeth.
At every stage of your treatment, from your initial consultation onwards, your orthodontic specialist will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your individual circumstances. This can cover a wide variety of issues, from simply straightening your teeth through to more complicated problems such as sleep apnea.
Whatever your age and however long your Invisalign treatment has been, it is worth taking the extra step and wearing a retainer after Invisalign to keep the beautiful straight smile you have worked so hard for.
Find out more about Invisalign
If you would like more information about Invisalign treatment, or you want to book a consultation, the expert team here at Smile Team Orthodontics are happy to help. We operate in a variety of locations in NSW, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, the Southern Highlands and Parramatta.
