Retainers are the unsung heroes of Invisalign treatment, preventing your teeth from shifting back towards their original alignment. Wearing your retainers as instructed and cleaning them daily (plus using cleaning tablets designed for retainers once a week) will help extend their lifespan.
There are many options for retainers, including the premium Vivera retainers which offer robustness, clarity, and a custom fit. Other options include traditional Hawley retainers and bonded retainers.
1. Invisible
The clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, providing a discreet treatment option for kids, teens and adults. The trays are also removable, making it easier to brush and floss your teeth and maintain proper oral hygiene.
Your orthodontist may recommend a retainer after treatment to keep your teeth from shifting back into their original position. To prolong the life of your retainers, they should be cleaned regularly with a toothbrush and lukewarm water (skip toothpaste, as it can scratch the plastic). They should be stored in their case when not in use.
2. Comfortable
Once your Invisalign retainer San Antonio TX is complete, you must wear a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting back into their old positions. At Thrive, we offer custom Vivera retainers, which are celebrated for their robustness, clarity and personalised fit.
Unlike traditional retainers, which can cause irritation to your cheeks and tongue, the smooth surface of Invisalign retainers reduces the likelihood of mouth sores. Some patients may experience a slight lisp while they’re wearing their retainers, but this should resolve within a few weeks.
3. Easier to clean
The trays are usually dishwasher-safe, but cleaning them by hand is also an option. You should rinse them daily to remove bacteria, prevent plaque buildup in/on the retainer, and make it easier to brush.
Distilled white vinegar is a natural antiseptic that helps clean the plastic and kills bacteria. Soak your Invisalign retainer San Antonio TX in a mixture of water and vinegar for 15-20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the trays.
4. Less time in the orthodontist’s chair
Once treatment is complete, your orthodontist will prescribe retainers to maintain the new position of your teeth. Wearing your retainers as instructed will prevent any unwanted movement and ensure long-lasting results.
Orthodontists recommend using custom-made retainers for this phase because reusing old trays can compromise your results. They are also designed to fit your teeth better and are more durable and long-lasting than traditional trays. You’ll spend less time in the orthodontist’s chair and can enjoy your straight smile for years to come!
5. Less discomfort
While some discomfort is typical during Invisalign treatment, it usually subsides within a few days of putting in a new tray. If the pain persists, it may indicate that the trays do not fit properly. Contact your orthodontist to discuss the issue.
Eating soft foods can help reduce discomfort by putting less pressure on the teeth and gums. Cleaning the aligners daily can also help, especially with the use of cleaning tablets to remove bacteria. It is also important to keep the retainers in at night to prevent shifting of the teeth back to their original positions.
6. No metal
After your orthodontic treatment is over, you’ll need to wear retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your orthodontist may recommend either a removable Invisalign retainer or fixed retainers (also known as Hawley retainers) made of both plastic and metal for more stability.
Both treatments can help correct bite problems like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Both are nearly invisible and require compliance with wearing schedules for effective results.
7. Less time in the dentist’s chair
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear your retainer every day. If you don’t, your teeth will likely relapse into their original crooked positions.
With Invisalign, there is less need for frequent visits to the dentist. This is because there are no wires or brackets to fix or replace. You can also take advantage of flexible financing options like FSA or CareCredit to make Invisalign even more affordable.
8. Less expensive
Retainers are a small investment in the long-term health of your smile. They protect the hard work done by braces or Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth, and prevent them from shifting back to their original positions. They are made of smooth plastic and reduce irritation to cheeks, lips and gum tissue. They are also not as restrictive on dietary intake as braces.
Retainers are more affordable than you might think. Ask your doctor about using tax-free dollars from your HSA or FSA or a monthly payment plan to offset treatment costs.
