During orthodontic treatment, your teeth are slowly pushed into alignment and this adjusts the supporting structures. The periodontal ligaments are extremely elastic. This means that if you do not use your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist, there is a chance that your teeth may migrate back to their original position. This would have wasted your efforts at compliance during the orthodontic treatment and your money as well.
Invisalign does more than move your teeth in place. The slow and gentle movement also adjusts the placement of your alveolar or tooth sockets. To avoid the possibility of drifting, you will be instructed by your orthodontist to wear the last aligner or a new retainer for a certain period of time. This will in effect “hold” the finished product in place and stabilize the new position the teeth are in.
By allowing each tooth to adjust to its new position, you will give the supporting structures a chance to heal and remodel. The main goal is to decrease the chance of relapse. You will be asked to wear your retainer for a full 24 hours for the first six months. After that period, you will be instructed to wear your appliance every night at bedtime. This will help your supporting structures (i.e. periodontal ligaments) stay in place and lower the chance of drifting.Whether you opt to invest in Invisalign or braces, retainers are a must-have post-therapy appliance that will keep your teeth straight. If you plan on investing in Invisalign, visit Dr. Seth Newman, your orthodontist serving Nassau County, for a consultation and find out more about the benefits of tooth alignment.
