Invisalign Clear Braces: What happens after treatment is completed?

Invisalign clear aligners are an alternative treatment to dental braces for teeth straightening. Over the past several years, Invisalign has made further inroads into the teeth straightening process allowing for treatment for many types of malocclusions making Invisalign a practical solution for just about any type of teeth straightening need.

Teeth straightening can be completed in six months or longer depending on the severity of the dental malocclusion. Invisalign aligners are fabricated utilizing 3-D digital technology and the models, x-rays, and photographs provided. The aligners are designed to be worn for approximately two weeks before advancing to the next corrective aligner.

Over time, the aligners are gently shifting teeth to their correct position. Aligners have numerous advantages including:

They are clear … making Invisalign a practically invisible means to straighten teeth.

They are removable … making so many daily functions easy. You can continue to eat all the foods and snacks you love because aligners are taken out to eat. Brushing and flossing makes keeping teeth and gum tissue healthy while teeth are being corrected. With traditional metal braces, flossing is possible but difficult and brushing can’t reach 100% of your dental enamel no matter how hard you try.

Being removable also allows your six month dental appointments to be completed thoroughly keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Progress is easily monitored as well.

Invisalign aligners must be worn twenty to twenty-two hours every day to keep the corrective process on track. Your dentist will schedule periodic checks to make sure you are making steady progress and to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Once straightening treatment is completed, the patient must be diligent about wearing the retainer provided. The purpose of the retainer is to hold teeth in place while they form a “memory” of their new position. Many patients make the mistake of wearing the retainer for only a brief period, but this can allow teeth to drift back to their incorrect position.

The retainer will initially be worn 24/7 (except for eating, brushing and flossing). Your dentist will advise how long this is to be done. Often you will be advised to wear the retainer during the night even after you have discontinued wearing it during the day. This will help assure your new smile holds firmly for a lifetime.