After you finish with Invisalign in Gramercy Park, you might be ready to show off your straight smile. You worked hard during your treatment, and you are now able to flaunt your results. However, before you head out of your dentist’s office, you will be given a retainer first. You might wonder whether it’s really necessary, so here’s all you need to know about this oral appliance and how long you will need it for.
What Is a Retainer For?
A retainer is needed after any type of orthodontics. It’s meant to keep your healthy bite in place, as there’s a risk that it’ll shift back into its original position. That’s because your jawbone had to become spongy to allow for movement in the first place. The pressure from your aligners moved your teeth, but the bone supporting them will need to harden and stabilize once again. By holding your grin in place, it won’t be able to relapse back to how it was.
So, How Long Will I Need My Retainer For?
Your retainer will look similar to the trays you wore, so you might imagine you’ll need to wear it for just as long. Many people have to keep this appliance in for 22 hours every day for the first two to four months, but they might be able to switch to nightly use afterward. However, when you can just depends on what your dentist says. Regardless, keeping up with this habit will help make sure you can show off your straight smile for a lifetime.
How Can I Take Care of My Retainer?
Since you will need your retainer for a good while, it’s important you keep it in great shape. The good news is that taking care of it isn’t much different from what you’re already used to with Invisalign. Here’s a simple refresher to know:
- Don’t eat or drink anything other than water while wearing this appliance.
- Put it in its designated case and don’t wrap it in a napkin or leave it on a counter; that way, it doesn’t get accidentally thrown away.
- Brush your retainer twice daily with a gentle, clear soap to remove bacteria on it.
In the end, you should feel excited that you’re finally done with Invisalign! It might’ve felt like a long process, but you are now reaping the rewards of a straighter smile you love. Your retainer will help you enjoy them for longer, so stick with it, and you will eventually not need as much.
About the Author
Dr. Ira Newman earned his dental degree from the Emory University School of Dentistry. As a silver-level Invisalign provider, he is happy to help the New York community get the healthier bites they deserve. By sticking to your side throughout your treatment, you can trust that you know how to avoid delays and get to the results you want. If you are curious about why you need a retainer after this service, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Newman’s office at (212) 924-6890.