It’s an exciting time…you have finally completed your Invisalign treatment! You are looking forward to enjoying your newly aligned smile. However, your dentist may have recommended that you use a retainer for a while as a final stage of your orthodontics. While you may be tempted to not wear them, it’s best to adhere to your dentist’s treatment plan so you can count on your beautiful grin to last for years to come! Here are three reasons why you should wear your retainer for the designated time.
#1. You Will Prevent Relapse
Invisalign is an incredibly effective orthodontic since the series of aligners gently place pressure on your teeth to move them into new spots. However, since your teeth have been used to their old location, they will naturally want to begin moving back to their original place. By wearing a retainer consistently after your last set of aligners, you will train your pearly whites to stay in their new positions. You will ensure to reap the awards of all your hard work and effort by wearing your retainer!
#2. You Will Save Time and Money
Naturally, the longer your treatment is, the more money and time you will have to spend to implement it. If you fail to wear your retainer as recommended by your dentist, your teeth won’t stay in their new places and your smile can go back to where it started. You would then need to have further treatment to correct it! Fortunately, if you are consistent with your retainer and follow the directions given by your dental team, you will save both time and money in the long run.
#3. Your Will Keep Your Teeth Straight into the Far Future
Once your teeth have finally settled into place, they can still move in your later years. Age causes many changes throughout the body, including in the face and mouth. Teeth can begin to shift and move, as your jaw changes shape over the years. This can lead to overcrowding of the mouth again. The good news is that by sticking with wearing your retainer, you are likely to keep the changes in your teeth for as long as possible, despite getting older. Your retainer will minimize as many changes in the future to your smile as possible!
While you may feel great relief for finally getting to the end of your Invisalign treatment, there may be a bit more of a commitment to stick with to get your newly aligned smile to last as long as possible. The good news is that by wearing your retainer as recommended, you will reap all the benefits that your orthodontics can offer for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Katie Carroll and her team at Sedalia Dental are eager to help you achieve your dream smile! She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and is an active member of the American Dental Association. As a certified Invisalign provider, she can successfully help straighten your teeth with a customized plan. To schedule an appointment, contact her through her website or call (614) 836-2222.