Importance of Invisalign Retainers and The Risk of Ignoring It
Invisalign is a reliable and popular alternative to conventional braces. The technology makes use of invisible aligners to shift the teeth to correct alignment. The treatment is aesthetically appealing compared to that of conventional braces and is much less invasive in nature. The ground-breaking technology is still evolving to provide more effective and comprehensive results. One of the latest technologies that have developed in this connection is AcceleDent. You can use it as a complementary treatment to safely and effectively accelerate the process of your teeth straightening using Invisalign.
The invisalign technology thoroughly relies on dentists and orthodontists to provide the necessary care and treatment to patients. However, these dentists and orthodontists undergo special training on invisalign to treat patients using clear transparent aligners. Invisalign specialists have to constantly stay abreast with the constantly upgrading technology to provide the latest ground-breaking methods and practices to their patients.
The office of an invisalign specialist reflects an impressive picture that is in contrast to the messy surroundings of a dental practice in the yesteryears. Invisalign providers rely upon hi-tech digital scanning to perfectly replicate the images of your teeth and jaws almost immediately. Perfection and accuracy of digital imaging go a long way to producing the ideal aligner trays for your teeth with unparalleled precision that fit accurately with necessary tightness. Typically the revolutionary technology takes about a year to correct teeth misalignment in adults. However, it may take lesser time for teens.
Maintenance begins after the end of your Invisalign treatment
The day your invisalign treatment ends, maintenance to hold on to the treatment results begins. This post-treatment maintenance is of utmost importance to make the treatment results last for the rest of your life. You have undergone any type of teeth alignment treatment using any type of braces – this maintenance is most important once the procedure ends. If you ignore this maintenance effort then your teeth may undergo a relapse. That is new and correct alignment of the teeth that has been achieved through the treatment may get undone.
When the treatment results get undone –
- Your teeth may start shifting into their original position again
- The teeth once again become misaligned
- Remodelling of the tooth socket as well as the retaining bones remains incomplete
- Total wastage of your time and hard-earned money in improving your smile
Any maintenance effort following the end of orthodontic teeth straightening treatment starts with retainers. Thanks to ever-evolving technology, the retainers that we have today are much less invasive and more comfortable than the previous versions. Here are a few important tips on how to take proper care of your retainers –
- Never eat wearing your retainers. Sticky foods easily catch on to these orthodontic appliances. Remove the retainers from your teeth while eating and slip those back in place when done.
- Never sip on any hot beverage wearing your retainers. It can deform and damage your retainers.
- Your retainers must be cleaned well at least once a day. At least rinse the retainer once with water between taking it out and wearing it back on the teeth every time.
Continuing with your basic oral hygiene regimen is also a part of the effort related to post-treatment maintenance of the newly aligned teeth. You should make sure to properly brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. Go for a routine check-up with your dentist every six months. Immediately report any damage to your retainers to your dentist or orthodontist. If you feel any inconvenience with the retainers or there is any other problem, do not ignore it. Let your oral health specialists assess the issue including the level of damage your retainers have undergone to provide the right solutions.
In the following section let us explore a few common questions that dentists get to hear frequently from their patients related to post-treatment maintenance of their teeth.
- What are the best retainers to use?
Varieties of teeth retainers are there in the market. But the most commonly recommended variety is the Vivera. Compared to the other alternatives, it is made from a stronger and clear, transparent material. Just like the invisalign trays, Vivera retainers to are custom-made to precision using the same hi-tech 3D scanning software. Vivera ensures the perfect fit for your teeth. moreover, this whole thing is accomplished in your dentist’s office. So you do not need to visit an unfamiliar location. You can place your order for Vivera retainers through your invisalign provider. Last but nevertheless least, every order includes an extra set.
- Is it okay to continue wearing my last aligner set instead of retainers?
No, that does not make sense. Aligner trays are not meant for continuous wear beyond your treatment phase. Those are easily prone to damage and may not fit perfectly once the treatment ends. Retainers are a better fit to meet your current needs once the treatment terminates. Moreover, retainers are also custom-fitted and are quite durable.
- How long do I have to be on retainers?
There is no specified time frame for your retainers. You may have to continue wearing the appliance for the rest of your life. Initially, you have to wear it all the time. Gradually that will get reduced over time.
- How will I know if my retainers get damaged? (Or)
- How do I know when my retainers need replacement?
You have to be a little caring and conscious about your retainers. Remove it every time before sipping on a hot beverage or while eating. Rinse and clean it well every day. If you ever feel the appliance is fitting differently or there is a different feel in your mouth after wearing the retainer, you should better visit your dentist. Damaged or worn-out Invisalign retainers are also difficult to slip in or take out of the mouth. A damaged or worn-out retainer must be replaced immediately without any delay.
- What will happen if I do not wear retainers?
It is a big risk if you decide to go without retainers. In that case, chances are pretty high that your teeth may sink back into their initial position with time. In dental terms, it is called relapse. It is common among adults who wore braces in childhood but ignored using retainers at the end of the treatment. When a relapse occurs, all the effort, time and money you invested in the treatment go down the drain.
