How Often Should I Be Wearing My Invisalign Retainers?

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How Often Should I Be Wearing My Invisalign Retainers?

Invisalign treatment is a wonderful thing; not only does it improve the functionality of your smile, but it also enhances its overall aesthetic. But the importance of practicing proper dental habits doesn’t stop once your treatment is over.

Our local dental clinic offers Invisalign in Saskatoon. Give our team members a call for more information about this process.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign falls under the category of orthodontics. This is a dental specialty that centers around straightening teeth and improving your bite pattern and jaw function. You can go about doing this in a few different ways:

1. Traditional braces.

Traditional braces are what typically pops into our minds when someone says orthodontics. A framework of metal archwires and brackets is installed over your teeth and exerts continual pressure on them. In some cases, tiny elastics are incorporated as well.

2. Ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces are practically identical to traditional ones, except that, as the name illustrates, they’re made using clear ceramic. They function the same way as their counterpart, but it’s much more subtle.

3. Lingual braces.

Lingual braces are fastened to the underside of your teeth. This is another great option to consider if you’re feeling a bit self-conscious about receiving orthodontic treatment.

4. Invisalign.

This form of treatment falls under clear aligner therapy. No metal framework is employed to improve your smile; rather, plastic trays are designed from impressions taken by your Saskatoon dentist, so they fit your oral dimensions exactly. The forces that they exert on your teeth stimulate bone movement, eventually leading to a straighter smile.

Are you interested in learning more about acquiring Invisalign? Our dentists are here to aid you on your oral health journey; we’ll happily address any queries that you have.

Receiving Invisalign

Before you can get your customized trays, you’ll need to attend an initial consultation at a Saskatoon dental office. This is an important step because it allows your dentist to develop a conclusive image of your overall oral health. Once a physical evaluation and x-rays are done, your dentist will discuss your dental history and preferences with you. By the end of your visit, they will let you know whether Invisalign is a suitable approach for your case.

You’ll be referred to an orthodontic specialist to undergo the actual process.

Your next appointment involves taking impressions of your top and bottom row of teeth. These are sent to a dental lab and aid in the production of your trays. It takes between 2 and 3 weeks for them to be made, after which you’ll come back to receive them.

To make sure that everything remains on track and that your teeth are indeed shifting into a better position, you’ll need to attend periodic checkups with your orthodontist.

Invisalign Retainers

Once your treatment officially comes to an end, you’ll most likely be provided with a customized retainer. Most people wear retainers even though their teeth are now straight because this device helps keep your teeth from reverting to their original places.

But just how often are you supposed to wear it?

That’s a great question, and a very common one too. Everyone’s dental situation is different, but on average, it’s recommended that you wear your retainers between 12 to 22 hours each day for the first few months. To elaborate on that; some of us need to wear our devices during the day too, while others only need to wear them at night.

With all that said, always be sure to follow the advice of your dentist.

At Saskatoon Smiles, we provide Invisalign treatment to all our patients. Our staff is excited to welcome you to our Saskatoon dental clinic and get started with your journey. We’ll be sure to guide you through each step of the process,s so you understand what to expect. Phone us, send us an email, or stop by our practice in person to set up an appointment at a time that works for you. See you soon!