Knowing you will not be getting another set of Invisalign aligners at your following office visit, it is a thrilling time when you realise you are removing your very last set of aligners and showing off your brand-new smile. Your formal Invisalign treatment is now over, but there is still some work to be done to make sure your healthy smile endures for the rest of your life. We are the largest Invisalign provider in the UK, with over 100 practises offering beautiful Invisalign smiles! You won’t have to drive very far to have a straight smile because our Network is made up of dental offices that are UK registered, from Truro to Edinburgh and Narberth to Norwich.
Phase of Retention
You enter the retention phase after the orthodontic treatment phase, when we make sure your results last even beyond treatment. Utilizing a retainer during the retention phase helps to reduce the likelihood of unavoidable, aging-related changes to your teeth by maintaining them in the appropriate position over time. By allowing your gums, bone, and ligaments to reorganise around your teeth after receiving Invisalign treatment, retainers reduce the possibility that your teeth will move out of place.
After Invisalign, using a retainer helps to ensure a long-lasting, straight smile. The majority of patients initially wear their retainers full-time for a brief amount of time before switching to wearing them solely at night, and in some circumstances, only a few nights per week, over time. Each case is unique, depending on your mouth and the recommendations of our orthodontists.
Options for Retainers
Despite the fact that it can seem like a smart idea, using your previous Invisalign tray as a retainer is not possible. Because the Invisalign aligners do not exert enough pressure to maintain your teeth in the proper position for an extended period of time, they are not intended for long-term use. Instead, we recommend two types of retainers to our Invisalign patients:
- Fixed Retainer: A tiny metal wire is glued to the back of your teeth on the tongue side. Retainer loss is prevented by fixed retainers, which provide a better long-term solution.
- Removable Retainer: This design is available in two variations, one of which is a clear retainer that mimics an Invisalign tray and the other of which is a standard wire retainer. Because it is what they are accustomed to and because it is a comfortable and dependable option, many of our Invisalign patients select the clear removable retainer!
Care for Retainers
Retainers are known to survive for many years, but it’s crucial to remember that you should replace them as soon as you see any indications of wear and tear. They can only exert the proper amount of force and fit precisely to be effective.
Here are some helpful pointers for maintaining the condition of your retainers:
- Every day, brush both sides of your detachable retainers with a gentle toothbrush. Soak them in a retainer-cleaning solution once a week to give them a deeper clean.
- Brush around your wire twice a day and floss once a day if you have permanent retainers. To avoid tooth decay or gum disease, this wire must be kept thoroughly clean as it is prone to catching food particles.
- Remove removable retainers if you eat or drink beverages that can discolour and deform the retainer, such as coffee or tea.
- When not wearing your retainer, remove it and put it in its case. To protect your permanent retainer from impact, wear a mouthguard.
- Never make an independent attempt to modify your retainer. Take it to your orthodontist first if you believe an adjustment is necessary so they can make it properly.
Following Invisalign, you should use a retainer to maintain the longevity and health of your smile. Maintain regular brushing and flossing, as well as frequent check-ups and cleanings with your general dentist. In order to maintain strong teeth and improve overall oral health, it’s also crucial to have a healthy, balanced diet full of essential vitamins.
How much does Invisalign cost? Cost is a crucial factor, which is something we are aware of. Your specific needs will determine how much your treatment will cost, but on general, Invisalign is less expensive than conventional fixed braces. In fact, you may get Invisalign for as little as £28 each month.