Invisalign^®

Invisalign® Aligners

Invisalign® aligners are an effective and discreet orthodontic treatment option that are worn comfortably over your teeth to continuously adjust alignment and spacing.

Invisalign® aligners are custom-made using models of both your current teeth and the end result you hope to achieve. With Invisalign® aligners, you will switch to new aligners about every two weeks with each set shifting the teeth slightly—this continues until you have achieved your final results, which usually takes about two years.

You remove the Invisalign® aligners for eating, drinking, and cleaning only. At first, they will feel very tight, but they will begin to loosen and feel more comfortable after a few days.

Post-Treatment Care

First 3-6 Months After Invisalign®

After completing orthodontic treatment, wear your retainers day and night for the first 3 months. Remove them only for eating and brushing your teeth. Afterward, wear them only at night to maintain your smile. Consistent nighttime wear is necessary to prevent teeth from shifting. Neglecting to wear the retainers regularly will cause them to lose effectiveness.

Retainers typically last up to two years, but some may wear out sooner, especially if you grind or clench your teeth unknowingly, which is common in over 85% of the population. The first tray used intensively for the initial three months is also prone to stretching. Several uncommon factors, like irregular retainer use, can lead to premature stretching. Regardless of the cause, teeth may shift even if the retainer is used as instructed.

Every 6 Months

Try on a new duplicate retainer every six months. If the new retainers feel noticeably tighter, it means your current set has stretched. To prevent teeth shifting, switch to a new set.

Having only one set of retainers makes it hard to detect teeth shifting until it becomes apparent, by which time it’s too late to prevent changes in your smile. Getting new retainers through a scan or impression will halt further shifting, but it won’t realign your teeth to their previous ideal position.