When you remove your last set of Invisalign® aligners, you’ll see your beautiful new smile, but there is still a little bit of work to be done to make sure that new smile will last a lifetime.
The Two Phases of Invisalign® Treatment: Active and Retention
During the active stage of Invisalign® treatment, a series of clear, custom-made aligners will slowly move your teeth into the proper position. The aligner trays are made of clear, smooth plastic, and they fit comfortably over your teeth. Invisalign® can be used to treat a variety of dental issues including crooked teeth, gapped teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbite, underbite and crossbite.
During the active phase of Invisalign® treatment, your teeth will actually move. You’ll wear a set of aligners for two weeks; then you will switch them out for another set of aligners that continue to adjust your teeth. This process continues until the active phase of treatment is complete. The force caused by your aligners will cause changes in the teeth, the supporting tissues, the periodontal ligaments, the bone and the gums. New bone and tissue form around the space left behind and secure the teeth into their new positions.
When the active phase of treatment is complete, you’ll stop wearing the aligners. Once the force is gone (the aligners are no longer putting pressure on your teeth), the teeth have a tendency to want to shift back to their old places. So after the active phase of Invisalign® treatment, you’ll go into a retention phase of treatment. This is when you will wear a retainer. The retainer will hold the teeth in the desired position so there is less likelihood of drifting or reversion. Typically, you will wear your retainer for a short time and then transition to wearing it only at night when you go to sleep.
After putting the time, effort and expense into Invisalign® treatments, you’ll want to make sure your results are long lasting, so don’t skip the retainer step.
To learn more about Invisalign® treatments, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Wright Orthodontics has two convenient locations to serve you in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia. As always, your initial consultation at Wright Orthodontics is offered free of charge with no hidden fees.
