What Happens After Invisalign | WHAT NOW 5 FACTS

Last Updated on February 22, 2022 by Gio Greenard

What happens after your Invisalign treatment is completed? Patients come out with a beautiful new smile that has taken over a year to receive. But it is not over yet. In order to keep that beautiful smile, patients have to continue with the orthodontic aftercare process. In this post, we’ll show you what to expect after Invisalign treatment is completed and your last tray has been used. Let’s get cracking.

After Invisalign Treatment is Completed

The first thing that every Invisalign treatment plan patient will receive after their Invisalign treatment is completed is an Invisalign retainer. These retainers keep the teeth aligned and give them something to lean against so they cannot shift back into their original positions. This can especially be a problem for teenagers because their bones are not yet fully hardened.

How Do Retainers Work?

The orthodontist will make one final scan of the patient’s teeth in the same process used for the Invisalign trays. Once that scan is complete, a retainer will be developed that fits perfectly over the patient’s teeth. This prevents the teeth from going back to their original position.

Can I wear my last Invisalign tray as a retainer?

Several Invisalign patients make the wrongful assumption that their final Invisalign tray can serve as a retainer in order to save time, money, or physical appearances. This cannot work due to the fact that the trays are not made for long term wear and can become weakened over time.

Since the trays were only made for short periods, they can get dirty very quickly. They are not designed to be cleaned the same way retainers are and will, therefore, get less and less appealing the longer they are worn.

Does Invisalign hurt more towards the end?

Invisalign’s aligners tend to cause temporary discomfort, with the greatest risk occurring during the first week of wearing them. One study, published in 2005, showed that 83 percent of invisible aligner users became accustomed to the dental aligners within a week. However this is case specific see more comments here.

Retaining Devices

1. Traditional Wire Retainers

The fixed retainer is commonly used after metal braces.  The most-used method for keeping teeth aligned. These retainers have a custom plastic top that fits the roof of the mouth and bendable wire that stretches across the teeth. This form of retainer is simple to clean and extremely durable. Orthodontists usually suggest traditional wire retainers for patients who lead active lifestyles.

This retainer also allows the teeth to come together naturally, rather than being covered with clear plastic lining. The cons to this form of retainer are that individuals will often speak with a lisp until they get used to the feeling of plastic against the roof of their mouth. Wire retainers are also extremely noticeable, as opposed to the tray retainers which are clear.

2. Clear Plastic Retainers

These are similar in appearance to the Invisalign treatment trays but are composed of tougher material. A Vivera clear Retainer will slip over the teeth in the same way Invisalign trays do. Since nothing goes over the roof of the mouth, is easier for individuals to speak while wearing them.

They are also clear, which makes them less noticeable while being worn. If the retainer is not cleaned properly, they have a tendency to turn yellow or gray, which can affect the appearance of the teeth. Also, since the plastic retainers go over the teeth, they are not able to come together naturally.

Invisalign Last Tray Concerns

Retainer Care Once Invisalign Treatment is Completed

It is extremely important to take care of a retainer in order to receive the best results. It also guards against having to purchase a replacement retainer too soon.

1. Keeping a Retainer Clean

The number one thing that every patient has to keep track of. Harmful bacteria can build up inside a retainer and damage the teeth that a retainer was meant to protect. Rather than using an abrasive toothpaste that can damage the retainer, there are two basic cleaning options.

The first is that an individual can thoroughly scrub their retainer using soap and water. The other option is purchasing tablets that are specifically made for cleaning retainers. This process is easier since the retainer only needs to be soaked in the water with the dissolved tablet for about 20 minutes.

2. Protecting a Retainer while Eating or Drinking

Another important step, especially with clear plastic retainers. In order to avoid getting food stuck inside retainers, they should be removed while eating. Once an individual is done eating, they should brush their teeth, rinse their retainer and place it back into their mouth.

With clear plastic retainers, hot beverages should not be consumed while the retainer is inside the mouth. The heat from the beverage can melt the retainer so it no longer fits properly over the teeth.

3. Avoiding Harmful Actions

While you wear your retainer can save teeth from several harmful damages. If an individual is a smoker, they should quit immediately in order to protect their teeth. If that is not an option, clear plastic retainers should be avoided as the smoke will turn them yellow.

Sporting individuals involved in a lot of action should wear a classic wire retainer due to its superior durability. Individuals should also never chew gum or sticky candy that can get stuck against their retainer.

How Long Do Retainers Last?

Once an individual has gone through an Invisalign aligners process, they will have to wear a retainer for the rest of their lives. While this sounds awful, retainers usually only have to be worn during the nighttime hours.

Most patients will need to wear one for about six months of having to wear a retainer daily, once those six months are up, they will only have to wear one while sleeping. This can differ depending on a patient’s situation.

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.