When completing treatment with Invisalign in Lake Zurich, many patients assume it’s all officially over. However, there is another component that must follow – retainer wear. The retention phase of treatment is crucial if individuals want to avoid undoing the months (or years) of hard work.
How Long is Wearing a Retainer Necessary?
No two Invisalign treatments are the same, so the retention stage of care will be different for each person. Once the process of swapping trays is complete, an orthodontist will recommend a retainer be worn for a designated amount of time.
Retainers will need to be worn for the remainder of one’s life, but the frequency will differ over time. Initially, after completing Invisalign treatment, a person should expect to wear their retainer for a similar amount of time as their original aligners. The reason is that it can take up to one year for the bone to stabilize and keep teeth in their new position.
After the one-year mark, individuals may be free to wear their retainers only at night or only a few times a week. This is dependent upon the status of the person’s smile and the recommendation from the orthodontist.
What Happens If I Lose My Retainer?
Instead of a patient avoiding the problem and forgoing a replacement, individuals should immediately contact their orthodontist for help. Depending on the timeframe in which retainer wear is occurring, going without it for a few days can be problematic.
It is best to have a replacement retainer made to avoid the potential of one’s teeth shifting out of alignment again and effectively, undoing the Invisalign aligners’ work.
Why Is Retainer Wear a Lifelong Commitment?
Orthodontists recommend patients wear retainers for the remainder of their lives so that teeth will continue to remain in their new location. Over time, as a person ages, teeth will begin to shift and can eventually move in a way that negatively affects their bite.
Because additional dental problems can occur over the course of a person’s life, bite misalignment does not have to be an issue. Instead, an individual can confidently eat, speak, and smile knowing their teeth are in perfect alignment. This not only minimizes potential wear and tear to the tooth enamel but also limits the possibility of chronic jaw pain that commonly occurs as a result of an improper bite.
Retainer wear is a non-negotiable aspect of orthodontic treatment. But instead of viewing it as an inconvenience, patients should see it as one of the most beneficial steps they can take to maintain straighter, healthier smiles.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, our team is pleased to have an in-house orthodontist with more than 30 years of experience. This ensures our patients have the ability to undergo necessary orthodontic treatment without seeking a referral to an outside specialist. Individuals who need a clear retainer after completing Invisalign treatment should visit our website or call (847) 443-3953 to learn more about this necessary step.