3 Reasons Why It’s Important to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign

Once you’ve reached the end of your Invisalign treatment, you’ll probably be more than ready to start enjoying the benefits of your newly straightened smile. That said, it’s crucial to remember that once the orthodontic process is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer. Exactly what makes this oral appliance so important? Below is a closer look at 3 key reasons why you should be diligent about wearing your retainer.

1. A Retainer Can Prevent Relapse

It takes time for the gum and bone tissue around your teeth to resolidify after orthodontic treatment. Until they do, there’s a risk that your teeth could start to drift back toward their original positions and ultimately undo all of your progress.

Fortunately, wearing a retainer can help ensure that your teeth stay in their new positions. Initially, you’ll need to wear your retainer for most of the day in order to prevent relapse. After a certain point, you’ll be able to switch to only wearing it at night.

2. A Retainer Can Help You Avoid Future Misalignment Issues

Even after a successful Invisalign treatment, there are various factors that could cause your smile to become misaligned again in the future. For example, as you get older, your jawbone may start to change shape, which can cause your teeth to shift.

By continuing to wear your retainer, you can prevent your teeth from drifting out of place over time. As a result, you’ll be able to maintain your straighter smile for the rest of your life.

3. Wearing a Retainer Could End Up Saving You Money

There are a few different reasons why wearing your retainer could be the best option for your bank account. For one thing, it reduces your chances of needing orthodontic retreatment. After having already invested a significant amount of time and money in Invisalign, you will likely want to take whatever steps you can to avoid needing to pay for additional aligner treatments.

On top of that, properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, and they tend to be less prone to injury. In other words, by maintaining your straighter smile, you can protect yourself from cavities, cracked teeth, and other oral health issues that might be costly to treat.

In short, wearing your retainer is an important step for making sure that your Invisalign treatment is successful in the long run. Be sure to carefully follow any instructions your dentist gives you when it comes to wearing your retainer, and don’t be afraid to voice any questions you might have about your appliance.

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb has more than 45 years of dental experience under his belt. He is a proud graduate of Baylor School of Dentistry, and he is currently putting his expertise to good use by bringing high-quality dental care to patients in Odessa. Thanks to Invisalign, he has been able to help many individuals address their crooked smiles. If you’re thinking of pursuing Invisalign treatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Cobb by visiting his website or calling (432) 367-4774.