Anyone who has ever had braces knows one of the best feelings ever is finishing the treatment and revealing your new smile — you’ll probably want at your straight, beautiful teeth all day long! But wouldn’t it be sad if those results were only temporary? If, after only a few weeks, you started to notice your teeth getting sore and those small gaps starting to come back again? It might happen if you don’t wear your retainer. The same is true even for clear aligner systems like Invisalign in Ponte Vedra Beach. Keep reading to find out why!
Retainers Keep the Teeth in Check
Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic treatment that can help you reveal straighter teeth and a well-aligned bite without the need for metal brackets and wires throughout the process. It’s a wonderful way to realign the bite and improve the appearance of crooked teeth. But just like with conventional braces, the teeth will be eager to move back into their former comfortable (and crooked) spot once the constant pressure of a metal wire — or in this case, aligners — have been removed.
Fortunately, a top retainer is a removable device that will help your teeth gradually transition back to freedom without moving around too much in the process. A bottom retainer may be permanently affixed to the back of your teeth, depending on your unique needs and your dentist’s recommendation.
As soon as you complete your time with the aligners, you will need to wear the retainer(s) almost around the clock. Once a few months pass, however, most people are able to transition to wearing the retainer only at night. It is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions closely, as even a few retainer-less days or nights can cause the teeth to shift quite a bit. If this movement is too significant, you may require retreatment.
Invisible Vivera Retainer
It would be a rough transition to go from the practically invisible Invisalign aligners straight to a visible retainer — but Vivera is a special Invisalign retainer for the top teeth that looks just like the clear aligners you will have already gotten used to by that point. This type of retainer is custom-made for you using the same sturdy, translucent material that your Invisalign trays were made from. No one will be able to see the Vivera retainer when you are wearing it, and it’s just as easy to clean as the Invisalign trays!
Options for the Bottom Teeth
You may need a little extra stability for the teeth in the lower jaw, which can move around with more force. To keep these pearly whites in the proper position, your dentist may recommend a lingual wire — one that is permanently placed on the back side of the teeth — with a Vivera retainer that will be placed over it. This is an effective way to keep the front and back teeth right where they should be, for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles following Invisalign treatment.
If you’re getting ready to wrap up your Invisalign treatment, that’s great news! Now just follow the final step to ensure your smile stays as beautiful as it is right now for years and years to come.
Meet the Practice
Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry offers a wide variety of dental services, including Invisalign, from the comfort of a state-of-the-art office. To learn more about Invisalign or why a retainer is required after the treatment is complete, you are invited to contact your cosmetic dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach at 904-285-7711.