The main types of retainers after Invisalign are clear, Hawley, and bonded. Deciding between the different types is a personal choice that often comes down to material preference, price range, and ease of use.
With Consumer Affairs stating that over 17 million people have received Invisalign treatments, understanding the steps after the main process is vital for many to maintain their beautiful smile.
At Wardlaw Ortho, we want to help you prevent your hard Invisalign work from reverting back. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the right retainer to keep your smile exactly how you want it!
Why Consider Types of Retainers After Invisalign
Once your Invisalign treatment finishes, the hard part is over. Now it’s time to keep your teeth in their new places. If left alone without the rigidity of a retainer, teeth can revert to their original positions.
That’s why choosing retainers after Invisalign is a vital part of the process.
The good news is that the feeling of wearing one is often much like wearing the Invisalign device. Some even feel that the retainers are less noticeable, and they got used to the sensation quickly. Plus, there are several options to help you find a retainer that suits both your personality and your dental needs.
Invisalign Retainer Options
There are three main types of retainers that people choose after Invisalign. While they all achieve the same goal of keeping your teeth in place, their methods differ greatly. You should take the time to examine the pros and cons of each retainer option before making your decision, since your chosen retainer will soon become a regular part of your life.
Clear
Clear retainers are made of a plastic material that is custom-made for your teeth. Your dentist will take an impression of the current alignment of your teeth and then make a clear plastic sheath that sits on top.
Since the retainer is see-through, many people tend to choose this option so they can wear it without it being noticeable. However, due to being removable, it does require a little more care to ensure that you don’t damage your teeth underneath the retainer as you wear it.
The pros of clear retainers include:
- Customized size and fit
- Transparent material
- Can be removed while eating
- Similar to wearing Invisalign
- Less expensive option
- Comfortable
The cons of clear retainers include:
- Need replacing semi-frequently
- Easy to damage
- Easy to forget to put in
- Potential for cavities
- Not suitable for people who grind their teeth
Bonded
Much like its name suggests, a bonded retainer (sometimes called a fixed retainer) is a permanent option. A thin wire is placed behind your teeth to keep them from naturally shifting.
Many people feel this is the preferred option because it’s not noticeable, and they don’t have to worry about keeping track of their retainer. They often forget it’s even there. The biggest problem is that a bonded retainer can be a challenge to clean, and you might need to adjust your regular dental care regimen to suit the new fixture.
The pros of bonded retainers include:
- Discrete
- Permanent
- Won’t get in the way of speaking
- Can last up to 20 years without breaking
The cons of bonded retainers include:
- Cannot be removed
- Difficult to clean
- Requires frequent teeth cleaning
- Better suited for the front teeth
Hawley
As a clever mix of the other two retainer options, Hawley retainers make use of both wire and clear plastic to keep your teeth in place. A wire will sit over your teeth to keep them from shifting, while plastic will keep that wire in place.
It’s a removable option, and most dentists require patients to only wear a Hawley retainer during the night. However, some people can’t stand the feeling of the wire being close to their teeth.
The pros of Hawley retainers include:
- Removable
- Night-time regimen
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to adjust when necessary
The cons of Hawley retainers include:
- Visible wire
- Discomfort
- Potential to feel bulky in the mouth
- Not suitable for those with an aversion to metal
Importance of Retainer Maintenance
Long-term Invisalign retainer care can sound overwhelming at first, but after the first week or two, you’ll fall into a new rhythm with ease. By following the rules set by your dentist, you’ll keep your smile pristine and your retainer strong for a long time to come.
When in doubt, ask your local dentist before trying something new with your retainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Foods Should I Avoid While Wearing a Retainer?
Certain foods can damage your retainer and, in some cases, even cause it to break. While wearing it, you’ll need to be mindful of the foods and drinks you consume to maintain your Invisalign results. Foods to avoid include:
- Sticky candy
- Nuts
- Hard crusts
- Acidic fruits and juices
- Sugary drinks
- Hot drinks
- Popcorn
You’ll want to think about the material of your retainer before you eat something. Too much pressure, acidity, or temperature differences can be detrimental to your retainer’s lifespan.
What Age Is Too Late for Retainers?
People often think of younger generations when discussing retainers, but this is a stigma that shouldn’t dictate whether you retain your dream smile or not. Retainers are customized to an individual’s mouth, so they’re perfect for people of all ages.
Do I Have to Brush My Teeth Before I Put My Retainer In?
If you choose to have a removable retainer, you will need to brush your teeth every time you place it back in your mouth. Without this precaution, the retainer could press any remaining food bits up against your teeth for as long as you wear the retainer.
This can lead to a rapid onset of cavities or gum issues that will undermine your dental care efforts.
Find the Best Retainers for Post-Invisalign With Wardlaw Orthodontics
Choosing between types of retainers after Invisalign is easier when you have a trusted dentist to help you make the right choices for your needs.
As one of the top 1% Invisalign providers, Wardlaw Orthodontics can help you with every step of your Invisalign journey. From your first fitting to choosing a retainer, we’ve been helping people perfect their smiles since 2018.
Contact us today, and we can help you, too!