Protecting Your New Smile with Invisalign+ Retainer

Have you recently completed Invisalign treatment? Then you’re likely enjoying your newly straightened smile. But did you know that maintaining this smile requires an extra step? This is where a retainer comes in. 

What to Expect after Invisalign+ Treatment?

So you've spent some time straightening your teeth into ideal positions. Teeth have a way of drifting back once braces or aligners come off. Many people choose retainers so that the teeth stay put in their new positions. After getting your teeth straight, skipping this step might shift your teeth back to their old positions. That is why wearing a retainer matters - it holds everything in place once braces or Invisalign come off.

After removing your last aligner, your teeth tend to move back into their original positions, just like a stretched rubber returning to its original position, reversing months of hard work. This movement is especially likely in the initial few months after treatment.

This is because when your teeth are moving, the jawbone that holds them in place undergoes remodelling. It takes a while for the same to stabilise again. Another reason is that teeth will also drift with age. Changes in the position of your teeth are a normal part of ageing. This is why retainers must be worn following Invisalign treatment to keep your teeth in their final perfect positions and prevent them from moving over time.

What is A Retainer?

The retainer is a custom-made dental appliance which is designed to be used after teeth straightening treatment to maintain the positions of the newly aligned teeth. There are various types of retainers, which can broadly be classified as either removable ones or fixed to the teeth.

For example, there are Vivera Retainers which are produced by Align Technology, who are the makers of Invisalign. The Vivera retainers are custom-made, comfortable and removable.

At Dental Designs Clinic, we also offer Zendura retainers. They have similar features to Vivera in that they are removable and clear, but Zendura retainers are fabricated at Dental Designs' in-house lab. Zendura retainers are BPA and phthalate-free and are proven to be stain-resistant. Learn more about Zendura retainers here.

How Often to Wear the Invisalign+ Retainer?

It is recommended to wear the retainer for at least 20-22 hours for the first three to six months after completion of teeth straightening treatment. After that, your dentist may advise you to wear it at night time only. As every case is different, we recommend checking with your dentist to know what is ideal for you. Wearing the invisalign+ retainer as prescribed is essential to avoid your teeth shifting out of alignment.

Benefits Of Using Invisalign+ Retainer

The key benefits include:

• Each retainer is made for you, based on the shape of your mouth. You will get a comfortable fit.
• They are made from specialised materials to last longer and handle daily wear and tear.
• The retainers are easy to clean, like the clear aligners.

Related Articles

• What's the Difference between invisalign vs invisalign+?

How to Maintain Our Retainer?

• Daily cleaning is important for it to work effectively. You can use any mild cleanser or soap suggested by your dentist.
• The retainers are made of plastic. Avoid using hot water when cleaning as it can warp the material.
• You should store it in its protective case when not using. This helps to prevent damage or loss.

Learn more on how to clean removable retainers here.

Conclusion

Even after that final Invisalign aligner comes off, the treatment isn’t finished. A steady habit with an Invisalign+ retainer helps support your new smile. You can maintain your teeth in their newly aligned positions by following your dentist’s guidelines on how to wear your retainer.

For more questions about retainers or Invisalign treatment, drop us a message here, and we will get back to you!

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does Invisalign treatment work?

Invisalign treatment uses aligners that comfortably fit over your teeth. These aligners are custom-made and come in a series of sets, with each set being worn for 1-2 weeks.

You can take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss. Then you move to the next set in the series. The aligners apply controlled pressure on your teeth to move them into the final position planned by your dentist. The clear aligners are easy to use. Invisalign treatment helps straighten your teeth.

2. Why do you need a retainer?

Teeth have a tendency to drift once braces come off. Following instructions about retainer wear helps prevent that movement. Without retainers, your teeth gradually try to shift back toward their original places.

3. How long do I have to wear retainers after Invisalign?

Following Invisalign treatment, full-time retainer use typically lasts for the first few months. Then, nighttime wear becomes the routine for years. Teeth have a way of drifting if left unchecked, so regularity and consistency matters more than most assume.

4. What is the difference between retainer and Invisalign?

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays to shift your teeth into planned positions. A retainer is a device worn after teeth straightening treatment to hold the newly aligned teeth in place. It prevents them from moving back to their original positions.

5. What are the types of retainers after Invisalign?

Following Invisalign treatment, retainers come in two primary categories. One is a removable option. This resembles the aligners in terms of how they look and is for discreet daily use. Another type is a fixed retainer, such as bonded retainers. This fixed version requires no removal, and is typically indicated for lower front teeth only.