Novato, CA Cosmetic Dentist Discusses Maintenance after Invisalign Treatment

Written by Dr. McConnell on Jul 28, 2014

Invisalign clear aligners have really altered the way we view orthodontic treatment. Treatment is generally so easy, and produces such dramatic results, that it’s easy to understand why patients overlook important post-treatment maintenance.

During our discussions about the Invisalign treatment process, patients are often surprised to learn that they will need to wear retainers once the alignment portion of treatment is complete. If you want to maintain the beautiful results, wearing retainers after completion of Invisalign treatment at the Novato, CA Cosmetic Dentist office is essential.

 Whether you’ve gone through Invisalign treatment or not, your teeth are always moving to some degree and it may not always be perceptible. This means that you will need to wear some type of orthodontic retainer after your Invisalign treatment is completed to maintain the corrected alignment.

If you do not wear the retainer provided by your Novato, CA Cosmetic Dentist, it is likely that your teeth will begin to drift. You may be surprised to learn that going without a retainer for even a relatively short period of time can give teeth an opportunity to shift causing another misalignment.

There are two types of retainers: fixed and removable. As the names imply, these terms refer to the fact that the retainer is either permanently attached to your teeth or is removable. Each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Your cosmetic dentist can discuss both these options with you and help you make the decision as to which will be most beneficial for your situation.

Once you’ve completed Invisalign treatment successfully, it makes sense to consider the retention phase as an ongoing and necessary part of your treatment. You’ve already made an investment in a beautiful, healthy smile. By conscientiously using your retainer you are simply protecting your investment.