The Difference Between Invisalign and Retainers.Invisalign treatment is a popular option for helping attain straighter smile. In fact, it has been used around the world to help over five million individuals address crooked teeth. The popularity of Invisalign treatment has a lot to do with the fact that the aligners are clear, which makes them much more discreet than metal braces. They are also removable, which makes brushing and flossing a lot easier than with brackets.
While Invisalign aligners resemble a removable retainer, there are many differences between aligners and removable retainers.
Learn More about Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign aligners are designed as an alternative to traditional metal braces. The aligners are made from clear plastic. In this way, they are similar to retainers. However, Invisalign aligners are designed to apply pressure to specific teeth in order to shift them little by little. A person who chooses this treatment will use a series of aligners that help guide each tooth into the right position overtime. The goal is to slowly shift the teeth into a more attractive position, giving the wearer a straightened smile. Treatment time is often the same as it is with traditional braces. Once treatment is completed, you will be given a set of removable retainers.
Learn More about Removable Retainers
Retainers are used after a person has gone through orthodontic treatments designed to straighten their teeth. The retainer is used to hold the teeth in the new position. Wearing a retainer is especially important after a person’s braces come off. This is the time when there is the most risk of their teeth shifting back into the old position. A retainer should be used for a person’s entire life if they want to maintain the smile braces or Invisalign treatment have helped them achieve.
A mold of a person’s teeth is used to make a retainer. This means that the retainer will fit every curve of every tooth. An orthodontist will work closely with their patient when it comes to determining how long retainers will need to be used full time. Eventually, the retainer may only be required at night after the teeth have become more stable in their new positions. Experiencing tightness while wearing your retainer means the teeth have begun moving and the wearer may need to increase their wear time.
What Does an Invisalign Retainer Do?
Teeth can be difficult beasts to tame! After your last aligner is removed, your teeth will love nothing more than to move back, reversing months of hard work. This movement is especially likely in the first few months after you finish your orthodontic treatment.
Because during the teeth moving phase, your jaw bone becomes spongy, allowing your teeth to straighten. It takes some time for this to harden again and your teeth to set in place. Teeth also drift with age and can crowd up over time.
So, think of retainers like a ship’s anchor. They work by fixing the teeth in their final perfect position and stopping unwanted movements.
The Main Difference between Invisalign Treatment and Removable Retainers
Invisalign treatment is meant to shift your teeth into their optimal positions. Once those positions are achieved, you can keep them in place with a removable retainer. Patients of all ages can get Invisalign Treatment, and it is recommended that you wear a retainer for as long as you would like your teeth to stay in their new positions.
While a special grade plastic is used to create both products, Invisalign aligners are usually thinner than retainers as they are not meant to last as long. There is also a difference in comfort, because retainers are meant to hold teeth in place, there is no discomfort if you wear them consistently
How You Can Enjoy a More Attractive Smile
the entire team are eager to help you address crooked teeth and a variety of other problems and how much is an invisalign retainer may be preventing you from loving your smile. Schedule a free consultation.