17 Jul 2023

How to Keep Your Straight Teeth in Place after Invisalign Treatment

Are you undergoing any orthodontic treatment? If yes, then having straight teeth and beautiful smile should be your ultimate goal for the confident look. It is important to take necessary measures after the treatment and enhance the positive effects of wearing Invisalign braces. This will make it easy to maintain the results you have really worked so hard to attain. Go through this blogpost where we discuss about some ways to keep teeth straight after the Invisalign method.

Will your teeth remain in place after Invisalign method?

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a suitable option for patients who want discreet orthodontic Work. It works by means of teeth adjustments when patient need to wear customised aligner trays. The clear and removable trays will put some pressure to shift teeth into their proper position. Based on the case, this method usually requires somewhere between three and twenty-four months.

If you have performed Invisalign recently, then you must be thinking whether the teeth will remain in place after the treatment ends. The positive news is that the teeth generally stay in place after Invisalign treatment. But this will depend on different factors such as – dental hygiene, fixed wire retainers and whether the night time retainers are worn regularly. Patients who have undergone the treatment found results to last for a long time. They need to wear the retainer and not ignore their oral health. It is advisable that you follow the instructions of your dentist for maintaining the position of teeth after Invisalign treatment.

What are some reasons for the teeth to shift after Invisalign method?

Once Invisalign treatment is done, your teeth may still shift out of the alignment. This is what you call orthodontic relapse and is usually caused due to several reasons. Some of these include the following:

Not wearing retainer as prescribed by the dentist: If you do not wear aligners for the recommended number of hours each day, the teeth may begin to shift out of place.
Improper oral hygiene habits: When you do not brush and floss daily, this may cause significant shift in the tooth alignment. This is because the accumulation of plaque and tartar can be the reason for periodontal disease. This can lead to bone loss and eventual teeth movement.
Habitual oral behaviours: If you have the habit of teeth grinding, chewing on ice, using teeth as tools or thumb-sucking, then you may even cause the teeth to shift.
Injury to mouth or jaw: When there is an injury to the mouth or jaw, this may cause the teeth to get misaligned. Even a minor chip or dent in one of your teeth can cause disruption to the alignment of other teeth.

You need to consult a dentist when there is visible shift to the teeth. Orthodontic procedure, when it is not addressed right away, can cause changes in your bite and crowding and misalignment of teeth. You may lose straight smile that you have achieved with the help of Invisalign method. Preventing teeth shifting by means of proactive actions is the ultimate key to achieving your dream smile.

How can you prevent teeth shifting after Invisalign method?

You will have to keep the teeth in place and ensure your Invisalign treatment does not go into waste. Here are some ways to avoid orthodontic decline:

Wear braces for at least 20- 22 hours in a day and complete the suggested treatment time.
Use an retainer at night or as suggested by the dentist during your retention phase. This can maintain beautiful teeth and straight smile after Invisalign method.
Practice good oral hygiene habits by brushing and flossing daily.
Use a mouthguard when you have teeth-grinding or jaw-clenching habits. Do not chew on hard objects like pens and pencils. Also, avoid using teeth when opening containers or packages.
Take a well-balanced diet of healthy vegetables and fruits. Eat these than acidic drinks or sugary treats which may cause damage to the tooth enamel.
Schedule routine mouth cleanings once in every six months. This can prevent the accumulation of bacteria which cause shifting of the teeth.

These tips can help Invisalign treatment results to last for a long time.

What are different types of retainers?

The retainers can help to maintain proper alignment of teeth after orthodontic method. Different kinds of retainers include the following:

Fixed retainers

These are called lingual retainers. There is a metal wire bonded to the back part of the front teeth. It is then attached To front teeth which will be secured properly in place with cement.

Fixed retainers are said to be non-intrusive which enables you to eat and speak naturally. They are hardly visible after wearing them for a short span of time. You need to exert additional effort at the time of cleaning them. As the retainers remain fixed, they will accumulate plaque in due course. So, regular oral cleaning is necessary to keep them clean and dirt-free.

Removable retainers

Removable retainers are usually made of acrylic or clear plastic and wires. These retainers provide flexibility and are a good choice for adults. You may remove them at the time of eating, drinking, brushing and flossing without disrupting your daily life.

Removable retainers are a great choice for patients who have lower risk of relapse. You will find different kinds of removable retainers such as – clear retainer, wire retainer and vivera retainer.

It is advisable that you keep your aligners clean despite the kind you may choose. They require proper care to be effective in keeping your teeth straight.

How often should you wear your aligners after Invisalign?

After the Invisalign treatment is done, wearing orthodontic retainers should be a regular part of the routine for your beautiful and straight smile. But how often you will have to wear the braces will vary based on your condition. You are advised to wear them for 15 to 18 hours daily for the first few months after the completion of the treatment. Soon, you can transit to wearing them only during the night. This will also help to maintain proper alignment of your teeth.

Can you eat and drink normally with your retainers in the mouth?

Though you can eat and drink normally with retainers, here are some things you should keep in mind:

Brush teeth before putting back the retainer
Always remove the aligner before you eat to maintain its shape and keep them from distorting
Hot water should not be used for cleaning as it can wrap your retainer

How long do you have to wear aligners after Invisalign?

Your dentist will guide on how long you need to wear your retainer after the Invisalign treatment. Also, he will tell about other steps needed to keep your teeth straight. Most dentists advise that the retainers should be worn for the rest of your life. Based on your condition, you may have to wear braces at night or only occasionally as a part of maintenance routine.

Will your retainers wear out and have to be replaced after Invisalign?

Yes, the aligners will eventually wear out and should be replaced. The dentist will assess the condition of your retainers. They will also suggest when it is the right time for a replacement. So, you should keep up with routine dental check-ups.

How often should you perform dental checkups after Invisalign treatment?

You need to visit the dentist for a check-up in every six months. He will evaluate whether the teeth remain in place and that relapse is not taking place. He will also check if there are any issues with wear or tear on your retainers. The dentist can adjust retainers when required and advise on how to care for them properly.

Invisalign treatments require additional visits to your dentist. This occurs when the teeth need further adjustment or refinement after the completion of the procedure.

What happens when the teeth begin shifting after Invisalign?

Even though this may take place for any orthodontic procedure, Invisalign provides some options to remedy orthodontic relapse. When they are addressed promptly, this slight movement may likely be addressed with minimum number of additional aligners. It is necessary to know why this may take place such as lack of compliance when wearing braces and avoid unnecessary chances that cause teeth to shift after the treatment. You will have to speak with the dentist and assess what is causing the movement for effective possible solutions to overcome this problem.

Though shifting teeth can take place after the Invisalign method, it does not mean you can’t have straighter teeth again. Based on your cause, the dentist will suggest different solutions to help realign teeth. You need to follow the advice and recommendation of your dentist to practice good dental hygiene habit. Ask your dentist about affordable Invisalign in London so that you can perform the treatment for straighter teeth and beautiful smile.