After Invisalign Treatment: Wearing a Tray at Night

In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable as metal braces. As with braces, though, patients must wear retainers after completing the treatment.

Retainer instructions after Invisalign® treatment

Patients must be diligent about wearing retainers after Invisalign® treatment. Otherwise, teeth may shift and become misaligned again. After completing orthodontic treatment, the last thing anyone wants is to have to start the process over. Retainers are a great tool for preventing this.

Wear nightly

After any type of orthodontic treatment, a patient must wear retainers nightly. These are usually clear trays that snap onto the teeth to hold everything in position. The retainers are very similar to Invisalign® trays. In fact, the patient may use the last set of aligners as retainers. This is another benefit of this treatment over regular braces — patients are already used to wearing and sleeping in this type of device.

Clean daily

Because saliva flow is reduced at night, bacteria thrive in the mouth during this time. Therefore, retainers must be cleaned well each day. Brushing the retainers with a toothbrush is usually sufficient. The main goal is to remove plaque and bacteria from the trays. If one does not clean the retainers daily, the trays become cloudy or stained over time. Ideally, one should clean the trays twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime. 

Replace as needed

Retainers are not meant to last forever. If the patient has any type of dental treatment done, a new set of retainers may be needed. A new crown or filling can change the fit of a retainer, so it is often better to get a new set made. Patients who suffer from teeth grinding may need to replace retainers on a more frequent basis because the plastic may become worn over time.

Retainers also need to be replaced if they become cracked or broken because the fit will change. Patients may choose to replace retainers that get stained over time, and patients may want a spare set in case the retainers are lost. Patients should always discuss retainer care and replacement options with the orthodontist at the end of treatment.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces in San Diego, CA

Conclusion

Invisalign® is a great treatment option for patients who want to correct teeth alignment problems. To maintain results, patients need to wear retainers and know how to care for them. Patients should be used to wearing aligners at night, so the transition to wearing retainers can be a relatively smooth one. Retainers keep a patient's orthodontic results stable over time. When patients are fully compliant with care after treatment, they can enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come. 

Request an appointment or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at 619-805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.

Related Posts

How Your Custom Invisalign Aligners Are Designed

Patients who qualify for and choose the Invisalign® system of teeth straightening over braces receive a series of customized clear aligners. These fit snugly over the teeth so as to be nearly invisible to observers. The treatment does not take as long as traditional straightening with braces and is typically more comfortable for the patient…

Invisalign Can Be Safer For Teens And Adults In Sports Than Braces

A lot of people wonder if teeth straighteners like Invisalign® and playing sports are compatible. If you are active and involved in sports, you might think teeth straighteners and physical activity cannot mix. But many older teens and adults successfully use Invisalign while continuing to play sports. You may not want to choose between improving…

Invisalign Uses Less Force Than Braces During Teeth Straightening

Dealing with crooked teeth can be a challenge. Many patients have found that Invisalign® trays can provide the same results as standard orthodontics but with less force. In addition, this option is often faster and can even go unnoticed by others. The nature and design of the aligner trays make them an excellent alternative to…

Dr. Yassi

Share
Published by
Dr. Yassi

Recent Posts

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Fix Common Dental Issues

Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular as more people use these procedures to improve their…

3 days ago

Examples of Denture Repair

Relining is the process of readjusting the acrylic lining of the denture to create a…

1 week ago

3 Reasons You Should Visit a Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist can help if you are not happy with the way your smile…

1 week ago

When to See a Dentist About a Chipped Tooth

If someone has a broken tooth and are unsure if they need to see your…

2 weeks ago

How Your Custom Invisalign Aligners Are Designed

Patients who qualify for and choose the Invisalign® system of teeth straightening over braces receive…

3 weeks ago

Invisalign Can Be Safer for Teens and Adults in Sports than Braces

A lot of people wonder if teeth straighteners like Invisalign® and playing sports are compatible.…

4 weeks ago