After you’ve spent over a year straightening your teeth with Invisalign in Evanston, will your results be permanent? Will your teeth change or shift? Do you need to do anything special to maintain your Invisalign results? Get all the answers you need in this blog from Fischl Dental Associates.

Invisalign Treatment Will Last A Lifetime – With Proper Care!

Invisalign treatment is permanent. But there’s a catch. In order to keep your teeth aligned and healthy, you will need to take a few steps to keep them healthy, and to prevent them from shifting in your mouth. 

For example, you need to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent cavities, infected teeth, and gum disease, which could all alter your bite and the alignment of your teeth. 

You’ll also need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from moving after your treatment is over. Why are retainers so important? Find out below.

You’ll Need To Wear A Retainer To Keep Your Teeth In Place

After you get Invisalign, your teeth will never shift back to their original positions. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t move at all. Once your treatment is over, your teeth may begin to shift and move, which can ruin your smile. 

So, similarly to braces, you’ll need to maintain your Invisalign results with the help of a retainer. Retainers are special dental devices that help keep your teeth in place. They look similar to an Invisalign aligner, but they are not meant to move your teeth. They are designed only to keep them in the same position.

After you get Invisalign, you will need to wear your retainers between 12-22 hours per day, for up to 3-6 months, depending on your dentist’s recommendations. Everyone is different, so make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.

There’s good news, though. Your smile will stabilize after about 3-6 months, and the teeth will be less likely to shift and move around. After this, you can start wearing your retainers at night when you sleep, and you won’t have to worry about wearing them during the day. 

Wearing your retainers properly is absolutely essential for maintaining your results. If you don’t follow your instructions from Fischl Dental Associates, your smile could be ruined. So be diligent about wearing your retainers. We promise it’s worth it!

Understanding Your Options – Permanent Vs. Removable Retainers

Above, we discussed removable retainers, which are similar to Invisalign trays, and can be worn and removed just like Invisalign. But there’s another option, too. Permanent or “fixed” retainers are small wires that attach to the top or bottom teeth.

This wire runs behind your teeth, and is snugly attached to them to keep them from moving or shifting. This means you won’t have to remember to wear a removable retainer.

However, fixed retainers usually still must be replaced every few years, and some patients may not like how they feel, and may prefer removable retainers. We recommend discussing the pros and cons of permanent vs. removable retainers with your dentist at Fischl Dental Associates.

Interested In Invisalign In Evanston? Come To Fischl Dental Associates Today! 

At Fischl Dental Associates, Dr. Paul Fischl and Dr. Marie Bradley Fischl are experts in Evanston Invisalign treatment. If you’re interested in improving your smile and you have any questions or need more information about the treatment process, we’re here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (847) 864-0822 to schedule an appointment, and see if Invisalign is right for you.