Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
You've done it. You've finished your orthodontic treatment! Now, you will need to focus on maintaining your straight smile. Our orthodontists at Village Orthodontics discuss the types of retainers used after Invisalign treatment and how long you will need to wear one.
Do you have to wear a permanent retainer after Invisalign?
Teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original position even after being in the new position with braces for several years. This shifting is most likely to occur in the period shortly after orthodontic treatment is complete.
To prevent this, it's important to wear removable or permanent retainers after Invisalign. It's crucial to continue using a retainer for as long as needed after the treatment, as teeth can continue to shift due to changes in the jaw as we age and sometimes due to changes in both gum and overall health. You may also experience shifting due to factors such as oral habits (like teeth grinding), which can create pressure against your teeth, or poor oral hygiene, leading to tooth loss.
Some individuals may experience more shifting than others. It's not uncommon for people who had braces many years ago to have crooked teeth today simply because they didn't use a retainer for a long enough period.
So now we know that wearing a retainer is important. But what type will you need?
As part of your treatment plan, your orthodontist at Village Orthodontics will assess your specific needs and circumstances to determine which type of retainer you'll require. They will then recommend the best retainer for you.
Types of Retainers After Invisalign
Here are some types of retainers we may recommend for patients to wear following Invisalign treatment:
Permanent Retainer
Do you need a permanent retainer after Invisalign? If your orthodontist has said yes, the process will involve placing a small wire on the back or inside surface of your front and/or back teeth.
These retainers may be used indefinitely so that your teeth can never move back to their original positions. The retainer is inconspicuous, making it difficult for a casual observer to notice while you are wearing it. Additionally, the retainer is bonded to your teeth, which will ensure that it will never be lost.
Removable Retainers
Depending on your needs, your orthodontist may prescribe a removable retainer after you've completed Invisalign treatment. The two types of removable retainers include:
Hawley retainer: These dental appliances are made of a custom acrylic plate that rests against the roof of the mouth (palate) or behind the lower teeth. They include a wire that wraps around the front teeth, usually made of stainless steel or a combination of stainless steel and nickel titanium.
Clear retainer: Clear retainers, also called Essix or 3D retainers, look much like the Invisalign trays. You can see the wire components from the outside, but you will have the ability to remove them if needed.
While these are general descriptions of removable retainers, your orthodontist may recommend a variation of one of these appliances to meet your specific needs.
After Invisalign treatment, you must use retainers as advised by your orthodontist. Otherwise, your teeth may begin to shift back. The type of retainer used will depend on your needs and the orthodontist's recommendations.
Can you ask to get a permanent retainer after Invisalign?
Yes, a retainer will be needed either way, so you are welcome to discuss the different options available with your orthodontist. They will make retainer suggestions based on availability and your specific needs and circumstances.
What are the guidelines for wearing a removable retainer after Invisalign?
The Invisalign process is tailored to each patient's unique needs. Likewise, how long you'll need to wear your retainer will depend on your individual circumstances.
Generally, patients wear a removable retainer every night to sleep for the first year following their treatment with Invisalign.
How long do you have to wear a fixed retainer after Invisalign?
We recommend that the permanently attached retainers remain for life. However, they may require maintenance, such as rebonding, from time to time. Your dentist and dental hygienist will examine your retainer during routine visits to determine if maintenance is needed.
Can I get Invisalign if I have a permanent retainer?
If you plan on undergoing treatment with Invisalign and currently have a permanent retainer from previous orthodontic treatment, then your orthodontist will remove the retainer. You will not need both simultaneously, as the Invisalign clear aligners will be responsible for moving your teeth into their new positions and holding them in position during the process. Once you have completed treatment with Invisalign, your orthodontist will recommend having new permanent retainers fixed.
How often do you need a checkup after Invisalign?
After you finish your Invisalign treatment, you may understandably feel relieved about reducing your visits to the orthodontist's office. However, it's important to remember that although you won't have to go as often, you still need to schedule follow-up visits.
These follow-up appointments are crucial for ensuring that your teeth are transitioning properly and that the treatment has been effective. Therefore, it's essential to attend a follow-up appointment 4 months after Invisalign treatment is completed to monitor your progress and address any potential issues. A second follow-up appointment, one year following the completion of Invisalign treatment, will also be scheduled.