Invisalign® clear aligners can straighten teeth without compromising the appearance of a patient's smile. These invisible braces are made out of clear plastics and are barely noticeable when worn. It is a huge change from the traditional metal braces that were the standard way to straighten teeth for more than a century.
Clear aligners straighten teeth the same basic way metal braces do. The aligner applies a constant force on the patient's teeth, slowly pushing them to a better position. Braces do the same thing but with metal wires and brackets that are impossible to miss. This ruins the appearance of the patient's smile, and children who wear braces often report being bullied or teased because of it.
Invisalign® clear aligners can be used to fix a wide range of dental issues like overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gaps between teeth. The range of orthodontic issues Invisalign® can fix has improved over the years, but these oral appliances are most effective on teeth issues caused by poor alignment.
The quest for straighter teeth does not stop when the Invisalign® treatment is over. The reality is that a person's teeth will continue to move and shift throughout their lives. That is where retainers come in. These oral appliances are used to keep the alignment of the patient's teeth in the desired position.
There are a variety of retainers that can be used to maintain the alignment of a person's teeth:
How often a patient has to wear their retainer often varies based on the severity of the alignment issue that created a need for treatment. Some patients have to wear one for most of the day, while others only need to wear it at night. It is important to follow the schedule recommended by the dentist to prevent teeth from shifting.
Getting to the end of your teeth straightening treatment? Let us go over some of the questions you might have regarding retainers:
There are two main types of retainers: removable and fixed. Fixed retainers are also called bonded retainers, and they are firmly attached to the back of the patient’s teeth. This makes them the most effective type of retainer since they constantly keep the patient’s teeth properly aligned.
Removable retainers are the more convenient option since they can be removed for oral hygiene and meals. However, their effectiveness is diminished if the patient fails to wear them daily as instructed.
There is no clear answer to this question since it comes down to how severe the patient’s teeth alignment issues were. Generally speaking, the longer a patient wears a retainer, the longer their teeth remain straight.
Many patients start with fixed retainers and then transition to removable ones. They will initially have to wear their removable retainer all day and night, but they will eventually be cleared only to wear it when they go to bed.
It typically takes a few days to adjust to having a retainer. Patients might feel extra pressure on their teeth, their saliva production might increase, or the appliance might impact their speech. Most of these issues go away within a few days as your teeth and gums get used to it.
There is no point in doing all that hard work to straighten your teeth only to lose the results. A retainer prevents that from happening, and there is a good chance you will not have to wear it all day long. Call or visit our Federal Way clinic to learn more about how to take care of your teeth after getting Invisalign® treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://smilecenterdentalcare.com or call Smile Center Dental Care at (253) 336-0023 for an appointment in our Federal Way office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Clear Aligners in Federal Way, WA.
Clear aligners are a discreet way of straightening the teeth. Patients will wear them for 22 hours or more every day. These only come out for cleaning or eating and drinking something other than water. The patient will get a new set of aligners every couple of weeks, and each moves the teeth a bit…
You have likely heard of clear aligners as a way to repair crooked teeth and bite problems. But how familiar are you with the process and benefits that this approach can offer? There are some similarities between clear aligners and metal braces. However, the differences between them can be significant. To help you feel comfortable…
Whether you are an adult or a teenager, a clear aligner might be just what you need if your dentist recommends a minimal alignment or straightening of your teeth. Clear aligners are designed especially for minimal alignment issues and can help restore your smile and your confidence.Clear aligners are devices that an orthodontist can use…
Attending regular checkups with a general dentist is crucial for maintaining oral health. People can be tempted to put off these regular dental visits, tending only to see a dentist when they notice a problem. However, the following are some key reasons for making biannual checkups a priority. How often someone visits a dentist can…