Invisalign Retainers: 9 Things about Invisalign you Should be Aware of 

9 Things about Invisalign you Should be Aware of 

Invisalign aligners are a great way to achieve the smile of your dreams. If you’re considering Invisalign braces, here’s what to know.

• Make sure to wear your retainers!

Invisalign retainers are removable, but ideally you should strive to wear them as much as possible. Take them out only when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth – and definitely wear them at night. Using your aligners for less time than recommended will slow down (or even reverse) your progress.

• Your teeth may feel strange.  

Invisalign teeth alignment braces aren’t as obtrusive as traditional wire braces, but you will be able to feel them in your mouth. Expect to have a bit of a lip when you first get your aligners, and don’t be surprised if you feel some pressure or discomfort as your teeth move.

• Invisalign is made for you!

Invisalign retainers are customized to your unique bite and needs. Each set of trays is tailored to you, ensuring that you achieve the straight bite you’ve always longed for as quickly and effectively as possible.

• Invisalign requires patience.

While people with very minor crowding might only wear their retainers for as little as six months, generally treatment takes between one and two years. Keep wearing your retainers as recommended, and your teeth will improve bit by bit!

• You can eat and drink what you want.

Unlike traditional braces, with Invisalign you don’t have to worry about food damaging your braces or staining the area around brackets. Simply take out your retainers when eating or drinking anything other than water – but be sure to pop them back in right after (and after you’ve rinsed, brushed and flossed). 

• Maintaining good dental hygiene matters!

Invisalign makes it easier to brush and floss than traditional braces, but you still need to be vigilant about maintaining good dental hygiene. Eating or drinking while wearing your retainers (a no-no) can trap bacteria around your teeth. Rinse, brush and floss after eating or drinking to reduce the risk of the bacterial build-up that can lead to dental decay.

• Look after your retainers!

Invisalign retainers are strong, but they need to be cared for. They’re not designed for biting down on, so make sure you take them out when eating or drinking. Clean your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush to keep them free of buildup and discoloration. This will help protect your aligners – and your teeth! 

• Invisalign is for (almost) everyone!

Invisalign braces are popular among adults of all ages and can be suitable for teenagers as well. They’re increasingly covered by insurance and can be used to treat mild to moderate cases of crowding. However, they might not be the right choice for very severe cases.

• You’ll need to keep wearing your retainers after treatment

Just like traditional braces, expect to keep wearing your aligners even once your treatment is complete. This will help prevent your teeth from moving back to their original positions. This shifting can be very minor, and you might not notice it until the teeth have visibly moved. But your retainers might feel “tight” after just a few days of not wearing them! Avoid another round of treatment by wearing your retainers for as long as your dentist recommends. 

Ready to achieve the smile you’ve always longed for? Talk to the team at Optimal Dental about Invisalign teeth alignment braces today!