Invisalign treatment usually takes one to three years to restore the teeth to their correct position and alignment. Patients must wear clear aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day. Although the aligners will reposition the teeth correctly, there is a chance that the teeth may attempt to return to their original position. Wearing a retainer after treatment helps to prevent this.
The retainer maintains the final position of the teeth. The amount of time the patient must wear the retainer is determined by how far their teeth shift throughout Invisalign treatment. The dentist may recommend 24-hour use of the retainers for a year. The retainer, like the aligners, can be removed when eating or brushing the teeth.
Most patients eventually only need to use the retainer overnight after the first year. Some people may need to keep wearing their retainer every night for the rest of their lives. For instance, patients with a case of tongue-thrust will need to keep wearing the retainer to stop the teeth from moving forward during sleep.
Patients can choose between two retainer options: a transparent plastic retainer and a retainer made of plastic and metal.
These retainers cover the teeth just like aligners do and are almost identical to them. There are instances where patients may use their last aligner as a retainer for a short period. The retainer works in the same manner as the aligner in that it keeps the teeth in place. This retainer differs in that it keeps teeth in their permanent place. It is not necessary to change it out like the aligners. As a result, it is critical to take excellent care of it and protect it from being destroyed or lost.
Plastic and metal retainers are placed on the roof of the mouth. After that, they attach a wire to the plastic piece in front of the teeth. The teeth are positioned between the metal wire and the plastic component. The advantage of this kind of retainer is that the metal may be modified as needed. As a result, if an adjustment is required, the dentist can do it without replacing anything. These retainers are also often less expensive, making them a more appealing choice for certain patients.
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No matter what kind of retainer a patient has, they must be handled with care. It is a good idea to keep them in a plastic case while not in use and rinse and wash them regularly. The teeth should stay in place following Invisalign treatment if they are worn as recommended. Speak with your dentist to learn more about what occurs after teeth straightening.
Request an appointment or call Potomac Woods Family Dental Care at 301-202-1553 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
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