Orthodontic Retainers and Post-Invisalign Care
Madison, AL
 Achieving a perfect smile through Invisalign is an exciting journey. The anticipation of a perfectly aligned smile is very exciting, especially once we get to the point where the aligners come off. However, this is not the end of the treatment.
Post Invisalign care requires the use of orthodontic retainers. These retainers are crucial to maintain the teeth alignment we've worked so hard to achieve.
Retainers must be worn as recommended, cleaned regularly, and inspected by our team here at Singing River Dentistry during regular appointments in order to maintain proper teeth alignment and oral health.
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Understanding the Importance of Retainers
After completing Invisalign treatment, teeth are vulnerable. Without proper retainer wear, they may shift back into their original positions. Using a retainer as part of post Invisalign care prevents this from happening, and keeps smiles aligned for years. Orthodontic retainers for teeth alignment are crucial maintenance after Invisalign.
Each retainer is a custom made device designed to hold each individual patient's unique teeth in their new, corrected positions. Retainers ensure that the investment that our patients put into their Invisalign treatment doesn't go to waste, and that their smiles stay aligned and beautiful.
Types of Retainers
There are several types of retainers available, and each has its own unique characteristics, pros, and cons.
Clear Retainers
Clear retainers after Invisalign are made of transparent plastic that is nearly invisible. These removable retainers for teeth alignment are popular with patients who want a discreet option to maintain their smiles. Clear retainers are comfortable, easy to clean, have a discreet appearance, and are easily taken out while eating or drinking.
Traditional Removable Retainers
Traditional removable retainers typically feature an acrylic base with a wire that wraps around the teeth. These are more noticeable than clear retainers, but they offer excellent teeth alignment maintenance. These retainers are recommended to our patients who require stronger tooth stabilization than clear retainers are capable of.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are also known as bonded or fixed retainers. They are thin wires permanently attached to the back of the front teeth that prevent shifting. Permanent retainers are ideal for patients who have a high risk of teeth shifting, or those who might struggle with consistent removable retainer wear. Permanent retainers provide continuous alignment support and remove the possibility of misalignment due to failure to adhere to the wear schedule.
Retainer Wear Schedule
The initial retainer wear schedule is critical to maintain a new, aligned smile. The typical recommendation is full time wear (22 hours per day) for the first three to six months after Invisalign treatment. After that period, we typically follow it up with nighttime only wear for the next 12 to 18 months.
Eventually, our patients transition toward only wearing their retainers several nights per week to maintain their smiles long term. It is important to note that individual patient needs are varied. A patient's retainer wear schedule is based on the complexity of their original treatment.
Retainer Maintenance and Cleaning
Learning how to clean retainers is crucial to proper oral hygiene, as well as the longevity of the retainer. For clear and removable retainers, rinse with lukewarm water after each use. In addition, clean them once per day using a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap. It is crucial to avoid cleaning with hot water because it can warp the plastic retainer.
Weekly use of retainer cleaning tablets or solutions also contribute to keeping the device clean. Lastly, always store removable retainers in a protective case when they are not in use. Do not wrap them in napkins or tissues. Failure to keep retainers in the mouth, or in the protective case inevitably leads to a lost or damaged retainer.
Permanent retainers require specialized care. Patients with permanent retainers should use floss threaders to clean between teeth and around the wire. It is important to pay extra attention to oral hygiene near the device to prevent plaque buildup. In addition, checkups by our dental team include professional cleanings, and inspection of the permanent retainer. This allows our team to catch any problems early, and address them quickly.
Common Challenges and Solutions
There may be some initial discomfort when first wearing a retainer. This is normal, and typically subsides within a few days. If persistent pain occurs, please call us at 256 - 562 - 4001 to schedule an appointment and find a solution.
Over time, retainers wear out and become less effective. Most retainers need replacement every one to three years. Replacement depends on wear from usage, proper care, and the materials that the retainer is made from.
Potential Complications of Poor Retainer Care
Failing to wear and properly maintain a retainer can lead to several problems. Without keeping a proper wear schedule, teeth can easily shift back into their original positions. Failing to wear the retainer leads straight back to misalignment after months of treatment.
In addition, failure to wear a retainer as scheduled creates some increased risks, such as the need for additional orthodontic intervention, or the development of a misaligned bite and jaw.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
For our patients who use removable retainers, some important key tips include:
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Remove retainers before eating or drinking anything (except water).
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Always store retainers in their protective case.
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Never wrap them in napkins or tissues.
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Always clean retainers thoroughly before reinserting them into your mouth.
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Keep your retainer away from pets and small children, in order to avoid loss or damage. |
Schedule a Checkup With Your Dentist in Madison, AL Today!
Regular follow up appointments are crucial. The purpose of scheduling these routine checkups is to examine the way the retainer is fitting, assess teeth alignment, make any necessary adjustments, and provide any additional personalized care recommendations.
Every smile is unique, and so is every retainer care routine. We work closely with all of our patients to develop a personalized approach that ensures that their teeth remain aligned and healthy for many years. Contact us at Singing River Dentistry for advice on maintaining your retainers and let us guide you through a successful post-Invisalign treatment. Give us a call at 256 - 562 - 4001 to set up an appointment with us.
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