In the world of dental perfection, where straight teeth and irresistible smiles are the end game, the journey doesn’t quite end with the last aligner. Yes, we're talking about the unsung hero of post-Invisalign care: retainers. So, let's dive deep into the world of retainers after Invisalign, shedding light on everything you need to keep that smile bright and right.
Ever wonder why after spending months with those almost invisible aligners, you still need to wear a retainer? It's simple: teeth have a memory, like elephants, and without a nudge in the right direction, they can wander back to their original positions. Retainers are the night guards that keep your teeth in line, ensuring your smile stays as intended.
Post-Invisalign, you’re not just thrown into the retainer deep end without a lifejacket. There are choices, folks! Primarily, you’re looking at two types: fixed and removable. The fixed ones are like silent guardians, glued discreetly behind your teeth. Removable ones, on the other hand, offer the flexibility to take them off during meals or social encounters.
Ah, the freedom of removable retainers! But with great freedom comes great responsibility. Wearing them as prescribed is the secret sauce to maintaining that perfect smile. Forget "out of sight, out of mind"; these bad boys need to be on your nightstand, not in the depths of your drawer.
Let’s talk hygiene. Removable retainers need some TLC to keep them clean and functioning. A gentle brush, some lukewarm water, and avoiding harsh chemicals will keep them in tip-top shape. Remember, a clean retainer means a happy, healthy mouth.
Living with a fixed retainer is like having a silent bodyguard for your teeth – always there but hardly noticeable. The key here is vigilance in cleaning. It’s a bit of a tightrope walk, but with the right tools (think floss threaders and interdental brushes), you’ll be a pro in no time.
Initially, your tongue might be on a little exploratory mission, finding this new, strange object in your mouth. Give it time, and soon enough, you won’t even remember it’s there. Patience, young grasshopper, is key.
Here’s the million-dollar question: "How long?" Well, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The initial period is crucial, often full-time wear for a few months, followed by a transition to nights only. But remember, this journey varies from person to person.
Think of your retainer as that one friend who’s always there for you, through thick and thin. Wearing your retainer at night, in the long run, can ensure your teeth stay in place, keeping that smile as dazzling as the day your Invisalign journey ended.
The grand finale of your orthodontic odyssey, retainers after Invisalign, are not just an accessory but a necessity. They are the silent heroes, working behind the scenes to ensure your smile remains flawless.
Got questions? You’re not alone. From how often to wear them, to what to do if they feel tight, common concerns have simple solutions. Regular check-ins with your orthodontist and following their advice to a T will keep you on the right track.
Initially, no. But after the full-time wear phase, you'll likely transition to just nights. Listen to your orthodontist's advice.
A tight retainer means your teeth are trying to move back. Wear it as prescribed to get back on track.
Gentle brushing and lukewarm water will do the trick. Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals.
If it’s removable, pop it out. Fixed retainers don’t require removal, but steer clear of sticky, hard foods.
Contact your orthodontist pronto. The sooner you replace it, the better.
Depends on wear and tear. Regular check-ups will keep you informed.
Living with retainers after Invisalign is an adjustment, but think of it as the final lap in the race to lifelong dental perfection. With a little care, discipline, and a positive attitude, you'll cross that finish line with a smile worth every effort.
Once your braces are removed, the journey to a perfectly aligned smile isn't quite over. Retainers play a critical role in maintaining and sometimes continuing to straighten teeth after braces. In this article, we'll explain how retainers work and why they are essential in the final stage of orthodontic treatment.
When braces are taken off, your teeth will naturally want to shift back to their original positions. Retainers prevent this from happening by holding your teeth in their new alignment while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize.
In some cases, retainers can make small adjustments to your teeth, especially if minor shifting occurs after braces. Certain types of retainers, such as Hawley retainers, can be adjusted to correct minor alignment issues.
Without wearing a retainer as instructed, teeth can gradually shift back to their previous positions, undoing the work that braces have achieved. Consistent use of a retainer is essential to maintaining your straight smile.
Retainers are a crucial part of maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. By wearing your retainer regularly, you ensure that your newly straightened teeth stay in place for the long term.
Congratulations on achieving your new smile! After completing your orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or clear aligners, the next crucial step is to use a retainer. Retainers play a vital role in maintaining your smile and ensuring that your teeth remain in their new positions. Here’s everything you need to know about retainers after achieving your perfect smile.
Retainers are custom-made dental devices designed to keep your teeth in their new alignment after orthodontic treatment. They help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions and ensure the stability of your smile. Retainers can be either fixed (bonded to your teeth) or removable, with removable options often being the most common.
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth are still settling into their new positions. The supporting structures, such as bone and gums, need time to adjust to these changes. Wearing a retainer as directed helps to ensure that your teeth remain stable during this transition. Without a retainer, there is a significant risk of relapse, meaning your teeth could shift back toward their original alignment.
There are two main types of retainers:
Removable Retainers: These are plastic devices that can be easily taken out when eating, brushing, or flossing. They are often more comfortable and allow for better oral hygiene practices.
Fixed Retainers: These are thin wires bonded to the back of your teeth, typically on the lower front teeth. They provide continuous support and are not removable, making them an excellent option for long-term retention.
Your orthodontist will recommend the type of retainer that best suits your needs.
The duration for which you need to wear your retainer can vary based on individual circumstances. Generally, your orthodontist will suggest wearing your retainer full-time for at least the first few months after treatment. After this initial period, you may transition to wearing it only at night. However, some patients may need to wear their retainers longer to maintain their results. Follow your orthodontist's advice closely to ensure the best outcome.
Proper care of your retainers is essential for maintaining oral hygiene and prolonging the life of the device. Here are some care tips:
Clean Your Retainers Regularly: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a retainer cleaner to brush your retainers daily. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
Store Your Retainers Properly: When not in use, always keep your removable retainers in their protective case to prevent damage or loss.
Avoid Eating with Your Retainers In: Remove your retainers while eating to prevent staining or damage. This also helps maintain good oral hygiene.
If you lose or damage your retainer, contact your orthodontist immediately. They can provide a replacement or make adjustments to ensure your treatment stays on track. Avoid trying to fix a damaged retainer yourself, as this could compromise its effectiveness.
As time goes on, your retainer may need to be replaced due to wear and tear or changes in your dental structure. Signs that you may need a new retainer include:
If you notice any of these issues, consult your orthodontist for an evaluation.
Retainers are a crucial part of maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. By understanding their importance and following proper care guidelines, you can enjoy your new smile for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, don't hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist for guidance.
Insurance
If you’re paying for insurance, you should make the most of it. NewSmile™ Clear Aligners are covered by many dental insurance providers that offer HSA benefits, often allowing you to get a portion of your aligner costs reimbursed. However, keep in mind that the cost of the Impression Kit may not be covered by insurance.
HSA
HSA stands for health spending account, and are great to have. HSA's are offered by employers so you can spend on what you like and may cover yoga, golf, cosmetic procedures, etc. You'll have to check with your insurance company on this, and each employer offers different benefits.
Get Started
To use your HSA, just go to the checkout page and use them like you would a normal credit card and submit a reimbursement form that is available by your employer.
Give your smile the love it deserves and saves money with your HSA! It is that easy!
If you’re considering straightening your teeth during pregnancy, NewSmile® invisible aligners are a safe and cost-effective option. Before starting treatment, your dentist will likely advise that x-rays and scans be completed before conception. However, clear aligners can be safely worn throughout pregnancy, as they don’t stress your body or baby and require no medication.
Pregnancy hormones may make your teeth looser than usual, changes to your original orthodontic treatment plan may be necessary. In addition, pregnancy hormones may affect how your body responds to oral bacteria and plaque and cause swollen gums and a bit more discomfort.
If you do wish to get invisible aligners while pregnant, it’s best to begin the treatment about a month before you conceive so that your mouth can have some time to adjust. In the event this is not an option; you should consider starting treatment when morning symptoms are typically no longer present, usually during the second trimester.
NewSmile® aligners are BPA and latex free, licensed by Health Canada and U.S. FDA approved and require no bonding, and are prescribed by our licensed dentists and orthodontists to straighten your teeth. Just remember to keep good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing teeth, cleaning appointments in order to keep your gums and teeth healthy during this time.
The primary goal of clear braces or clear aligners is to straighten teeth, correct misalignment, and enhance both appearance and function.
People seek orthodontic treatments for various reasons, including medical concerns or simply to achieve a straighter smile. There are two main types of orthodontic treatments: clear braces and clear aligners. Understanding the differences, benefits, and unique advantages of each will help you make an informed decision when the time comes to choose.
1. Comfort:
With clear braces, there are initial discomforts, the brackets and wires can irritate the mouth, but patients can manage them. While with clear aligners, there might be discomfort when a patient switches to new aligners, but this discomfort can be easily managed.
Clear aligners are preferred because they can be removed. You can take them out to eat, to brush, for special occasions, unlike clear braces. While it does its primary purpose of teeth straightening, it cannot be removed unless, of course, some specific foods are taken.
Clear braces are visible with wires, brackets, or rubber bands sticking out, making it embarrassing for some people. On the other hand, Aligners are clear and thin, making them seemingly "invisible" because they are designed to minimize their appearance.
With clear aligners, you can eat your favorite food whenever you want. While with clear braces, there’s some dietary restrictions as certain foods cannot be consumed: hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, mainly to prevent popping a wire or other damages.
Patients with clear braces need to keep teeth, gums, and braces free of food debris and plaque to prevent bacteria; also, brushing and flossing is more difficult, but with clear aligners, it can be taken out and the teeth adequately cleaned; as teeth need to be spotless when aligners are placed back.
Clear aligners allow for easier brushing, and food does not get stuck like clear braces where brushing and flossing is hard; food gets stuck and requires management to get through the difficulties.
Clear aligners require less visits to the orthodontists unlike the clear braces.
Clear braces to take more time in adjusting and teeth straightening, unlike aligners, which take a shorter time according to study.
Clear aligners cost less than clear braces, and savings with clear aligners are up to 75% (or thousands of dollars).
Clear aligners help you achieve that perfect smile, unlike with clear braces where wires and brackets poke out with each smile.
Most times, people prefer concealing their orthodontic treatments due to numerous reasons, and clear braces do not give you this option like clear aligners, which is made to be invisible.
Clear aligners began to be widely used in 2000, but clear braces have a history and have been used long before clear aligners were made.
Clear braces are more useful for more complex issues, unlike with clear aligners.
Less self-discipline is required for clear braces as there are no temptations to leave them out of one's mouth.
Clear braces may bring about sores, pain, or general discomfort from its wires or brackets, unlike clear aligners.
With clear braces, tooth discoloration due to difficult hygienic care is possible, while clear aligners give room for proper care since they can be removed and thus no discoloration.
Clear braces and clear aligners function as teeth straighteners and are both useful. It's important to note that it is less about the appliance and more about the orthodontist's skill as both are effective and work pretty well. For more informations and to order for your clear aligners here.
Clear aligners offer numerous advantages over traditional metal braces: they are discreet, straighten teeth quickly, and often require fewer dental appointments. Since they’re nearly invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. In fact, years from now, you might look back and hardly remember wearing them—except when you see how much straighter your smile has become!
Still, wearing clear dental aligners can be an adjustment for some people. They may not be sure of how long to keep aligners on, how much discomfort is normal, or what they can do while wearing them. Here are some tips to help you adjust to aligners in your everyday life:
By following these tips, you’ll be much more prepared for life with clear aligners. Before you know it, you’ll be totally used to wearing them and on your way to a straighter smile. Check out our other blog posts for more information on
NewSmile® aligners.
We all know someone who was lucky enough to be born with perfectly straight teeth, but that’s far from the norm. Most people experience some degree of crookedness over time, as there are many factors that can cause teeth to crowd or grow in at an angle.
If you have crooked teeth, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, you’re part of the majority, and in many cases there isn’t anything you could have done to prevent it.
We can’t pick our parents, but they have a big role in our lives starting with our genetic makeup. Sometimes poor jaw development or a small mouth are simply inherited (thanks, mom).
A person born with a misaligned jaw may develop irritating underbites, overbites, and crossbites. With an underbite, the lower teeth fall in front of the upper teeth when the mouth and jaw are closed. An overbite means the upper teeth are too far over the lower teeth, and a crossbite involves at least one tooth that is tilting toward either the cheek or tongue.
With the teeth out of position, they tend to stick out. These conditions can also make it difficult to chew and cause headaches.
Being born with a small mouth is another genetic misfortune that can cause our teeth to crowd and move around to make room for each other.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association looks into orofacial myo-functional disorders (OMDs) because they often lead to problems with tongue movement and speech. They define OMDs as “abnormal movement patterns of the face and mouth,” such as:
MOUTH BREATHING
TONGUE THRUSTINGIt takes some time for babies to learn how to control their tongues. You’ve probably noticed the way they tend to push out their tongue when they talk, drink, or eat. But if they continue those behaviours for too long, they won’t develop the necessary muscles and bones in their face and mouth.
THUMB SUCKINGWhile sucking on thumbs and fingers has a calming and soothing effect on young children, it can affect teeth alignment. Even pacifiers and bottles can have a negative impact on a child’s teeth if they are used for too long.
When you think of respiratory issues, you probably don’t think about how they impact teeth. But common allergies and asthma can lead to prolonged periods of open-mouth breathing, which contributes to jaw misalignment, incorrect facial development, and crooked teeth.
Any crash, fall, or fight can lead to facial trauma that may cause crooked teeth. Any injury to the jaw or mouth can interfere with your smile, whether you knock out a tooth or knock your jaw out of alignment.
When you lose a tooth, the remaining teeth begin to move into all that new space. This is your body’s way of healing, and it can happen rather quickly. If you are injured in a way that impacts your jaw or teeth, it’s important to see an orthodontist right away. They can help solve the issue before your teeth begin to shift.
Baby teeth need to be kept intact and healthy long enough to allow the permanent teeth to form properly. If your baby teeth come out too early, your permanent teeth may come up crooked and out of place. Trauma or decay can both cause a baby to lose their teeth prematurely.
Fixing crooked teeth is about much more than vanity. Over time, they can affect your overall health, and lead to discomfort and pain. You may even have trouble chewing. Wide gaps and spaces in your gums can also cause gum disease and tooth decay. It becomes more difficult to properly brush and floss when your teeth are unevenly spaced.
If money is holding you back from fixing crooked teeth, you might justify it with the high cost of other medical issues that may arise if they are left out of place. In the long run, treating issues of plaque build up and jaw pain will cost much more than straightening your teeth as soon as possible.
One of our favourite reasons to fix crooked teeth is to give you the confidence to smile. It’s a simple, beautiful expression of joy that too many people miss out on as they try to hide their teeth. Too many children and adults are self-conscious about their teeth. It’s never too late to love your smile and show it off as often as you can.
The great news is that regardless of what caused your crooked teeth, you can correct them. Whether it was your genes, a myo-functional problem, a respiratory issue, or an injury, you deserve to put it behind you and be proud of your smile. Even one crooked tooth is worth fixing if it means a healthier, more confident you.
Depending on how crooked your teeth are, your options include braces, invisible teeth aligners, or even surgery in severe cases. Consulting with an orthodontist can help you decide which option is best.
While many doctors need to take x-rays to properly examine your teeth and jaw alignment, NewSmile®'s process skips that step. The first thing we do is send you an impression kit which can be done from home whenever you have the time. It takes less than 30 minutes to complete, and our dental team use the impression to determine how long your treatment will be. From there, we will send you your aligners with instructions on how often to wear them, and you will begin seeing your smile improve.
It’s not always easy to determine what causes crooked teeth, but it’s comforting to know they can always be straightened. If you’re ready to save time and money, and start fixing your crooked teeth without everybody commenting on your braces, choose a NewSmile® plan today.
Resources
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Orofacial-Myofunctional-Disorders/
When researching the best options for straightening your teeth, you’re likely to come across various misconceptions about invisible aligners, including Invisalign. Given that braces have been used for much longer, you might believe they are your only choice. However, advancements in methods and technology have significantly expanded your options. We’re here to clear up common myths about Invisalign-style treatments so you can decide if they are the right solution for your needs.
As the new kid on the block, invisible alignment methods get a reputation for being weaker than braces. Many people think that since they are made of plastic rather than metal, they couldn’t possibly have the same power to fix your teeth.
In reality, invisible aligners are capable of fixing even the most complicated cases of crooked teeth. Severe underbites and overbites, crowding, and even smiles with a missing tooth can be corrected by invisible aligners. As long as you are treated by an experienced, knowledgeable dental professional, you will see similar, if not better results with a treatment such as Invisalign, as opposed to braces.
Learn more about how clear aligners work.
The time it takes to achieve a beautifully straight smile will vary between cases, but invisible aligners are often able to straighten teeth even faster than braces. In general, an Invisalign-type treatment takes about the same amount of time as traditional braces. Your teeth move at essentially the same pace with either one, and the length of treatment will depend on how crooked your teeth are.
At NewSmile, the average treatment time is six months.
You should never pay more for invisible alignment than you would for braces. Straightening your teeth with invisible aligners will require either the same number of dentist or orthodontist appointments as braces, or far fewer.
NewSmile's invisible teeth aligners cost an average of 75% less than other teeth straightening methods.
Most insurance companies will cover Invisalign-style treatments in the same way they would cover conventional braces. If you have an orthodontic benefit, you are likely eligible for financial assistance for invisible aligners. Check with your insurance company to find out what kind of orthodontic coverage is included in your policy, and work with your dental professional to come up with a payment plan that works for you.
It is never too late to love your smile. You deserve to experience joy with confidence and never feel like you need to hide your mouth.
If you’re worried about people judging you for having metal brackets on your teeth past adolescence, invisible aligners may be the perfect solution. They are made from clear plastic that most people will never notice.
In the beginning, you may notice you speak with a slight lisp. After a couple of days, you will get used to your aligners and they shouldn’t have any impact on the way you speak. As long as you are following the treatment plan laid out by your dental professional and keeping your aligners in, you will quickly forget you’re even wearing them.
A few simple care taking steps to ensure your clear aligners stay clear.
Don’t let the myths about invisible aligners scare you. If you are interested in straightening your teeth, invisible alignment may be the quickest, most affordable, and least noticeable option. If you’re ready to find out more, complete your smile assessment today.
Considering clear braces? They might sound appealing compared to traditional metal braces, but it’s important to review this information before making a decision. This article provides everything you need to know about clear braces.
To get teeth aligned, the best time to do it is during your teenage years. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get your pearly whites when you get older. With clear braces, more and more adults are embracing (no pun intended) the idea of getting their teeth aligned as adults.
In case you haven’t heard of clear braces before, they are another form of teeth alignment treatment that gives the same result as traditional metal or wire braces. However, because they are clear, they are almost unnoticeable.
So, these braces are perfect solutions for those who are hesitating to get the conventional metal braces because they feel like they’ll look like teenagers. Clear braces or also known as clear aligners can make your teeth aligned without making you feel self-conscious.
As you know already, conventional braces are made of metal. On the other hand, clear braces are made of different materials.
These teeth aligners are usually made of polypropylene material that radically reduces the visibility of the dental fitting. With clear braces, your teeth will be covered entirely with materials of the same color, usually ceramic, which reduces their visibility.
Clear braces work the same way as traditional metal braces do – they exert pressure on the teeth to align them. The only main difference is that the materials used for brackets and wires.
Clear braces are made of two main different materials. The clear brackets are usually made of ceramic or polycarbonate, or sometimes, a combination of the two. On the other hand, the flexible wire that connects the brackets is usually made of titanium and/or nickel.
The less visible clear materials used in these types of braces cost more than the traditional metal braces. Clear braces for adults usually cost between $3,500 and $8,000 if you don’t have insurance.
But of course, the prices heavily depend on where you’re getting your braces from. Orthodontists in more rural places are usually cheaper compared to the professionals that are based in bigger cities.
Clear liners are made to work at a much faster pace compared to conventional metal braces. So, you can expect the same level of results as conventional metal braces, but within a shorter period.
On average, the clear braces treatment completes in 12 months – this can be shorter or longer, depending on the severity of the case.
Clear braces with ceramics tend to be more fragile. The pressure of your teeth aligning can cause low-quality ceramic brackets to break. This can also lead to the straightening process taking longer because of the delays in the straightening process.
Orthodontists recommend brushing, rinsing, and flossing your teeth immediately after eating. The same thing goes for any type of braces, but this is especially more important if you’re wearing clear braces.
Prolonged contact with food particles increases the concentration of stains. So, removing food from your teeth as quickly as possible is the best way to keep your clear braces clear.
Brushing your teeth right after every meal is highly recommended. Not only this will keep your clear braces less prone to stain, but this will also help you prevent tooth decay and other oral-related problems.
The white ceramic brackets don’t stain. However, the elastics that hold the wire to the teeth tend to turn yellow. This discoloration is usually due to the kind of food that is being consumed.
And while wearing clear braces shouldn’t prevent you from eating the foods you enjoy, it’s still a good idea to make yourself aware of the foods that have a higher tendency to stain your braces.
The truth is, determining the foods to avoid can truly be a challenge. However, the rule of thumb you may want to remember is: if it stains your tongue, then it will likely to stain your braces.
Just like any other form of orthodontic treatment, you must be aware of all the fine print associated with the process you’re planning to do. And just like any other teeth aligning treatment, clear braces have their fair share of pros and cons.
Pros:
Con:
Price: $92/mo. With $0 or $1,799 if you pay once
Invisible aligner is another orthodontic treatment that aligns the teeth without the use of metal braces. In this process, you’ll have a series of custom-made clear braces that pull the teeth into position gradually.
Unlike conventional braces, clear aligners use plastic molds that cover the teeth. These are also a great solution for adults who don’t want to wear old-school type of braces.
Pros:
Cons:
Price: $5,000-$7,000
Lingual braces work like traditional braces, the main difference is that they are placed at the back of the teeth (by the tongue and palate) instead of in front.
So, they are another great cosmetic alternative for those who don’t want to show their teeth alignment process. The treatment may take 18 to 36 months, depending on the severity of a patient's overcrowding of teeth or bite.
Pros:
Cons:
Clear braces have brought so much hype within the past few years. After all, they are an incredible alternative form of treatment to conventional metallic braces. This makes them an ideal option for adults who don’t want to look like middle school students.
However, while clear braces are not as visible as traditional braces, they are not completely invisible. Especially when you’ve been wearing them for a longer period and they become stained.
Fortunately, there are better options. Invisible aligners from NewSmile® can be the better option if you’re looking for a more unnoticeable way of aligning your teeth. Aside from being less visible, they are also more affordable and a faster aligning process.
Invisible aligners are designed with comfort in mind, so you don’t have to worry about feeling weird while you’re wearing them unlike when you wear clear braces. And because they are removable, eating and drinking remain enjoyable – you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces!
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