The Lifespan of Invisalign Retainers: How Long Do They Really Last?

Invisalign aligners provide you with a discreet method of treating misaligned teeth. Most people prefer Invisalign as they are clear compared to traditional braces. So, after the Invisalign treatment is complete, you might think that your teeth will stay in their new position. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Teeth tend to shift back to their earlier position, and this is where retainers come in. The dentist in Port Hueneme will recommend wearing Invisalign retainers after treatment with Invisalign aligners.

One of the questions you may ask is how long will the Invisalign retainers last. You wouldn’t want to keep getting other retainers after a short period. Below, you will find the answer to this question and more about Invisalign retainers.

What are Invisalign retainers?

As mentioned earlier, your teeth will shift back to their previous position after Invisalign treatment. You wouldn’t want all your hard work and dedication to go in vain. You should visit the dentist who installs Invisalign in Port Hueneme for Invisalign retainer placement. As the name indicates, Invisalign retainers are orthodontic devices placed on aligned teeth to ensure they stay in their position.

It is recommended that any patient who has undergone Invisalign treatment should get either removable or fixed retainers. Some of the vital roles that Invisalign retainers include:

• Prevent teeth grinding and clenching while asleep.
• Prevent teeth crowding.
• Keep the gaps closed.
• Maintains bite correction.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Invisalign Retainers

The lifespan or durability of Invisalign retainers can be affected by different factors. They include:

The length of time the retainer is worn– the more you wear your retainer, the more wear and tear it gets, and vice versa.

The amount of wear and tear the retainer gets– dentist 93041 recommends storing your retainers in a safe space when not in use. Failure to do so might lead to the breakage or damage of the retainers. Moreover, biting on hard objects with your retainers or getting involved in contact sports can lead to more wear and tear, reducing their lifespan.

The type of retainer– there are three main types of Invisalign retainers. They include Howley, Essix and clear retainers. Howley retainers have the shortest lifespan lasting for about two weeks. On the other hand, Essix retainers last for about six months, with clear retainers being the most durable, lasting for about 3 years before needing replacement.

How Long Do Invisalign Retainers Last

Now that you know what can affect your Invisalign retainer durability answering this question becomes easier. How well you take care of your retainers dictates how long they’ll last. Furthermore, the type of retainer you have also dictates its durability.

Typically, Invisalign retainers last around a decade. Unfortunately, bruxism and poor maintenance of your retainers can significantly affect their lifespan. The good news is that there are tips that can help you extend the lifespan of your Invisalign retainer. They include:

• Store your retainers in a safe place- when you want to eat or are not wearing them, you should ensure that you store them in a safe place, from the reach of children and pets who can chew on them: damaging them.
• Have your retainers checked regularly- you should take your Invisalign in Port Hueneme for a checkup every 6-12 months. Taking them to the dentist ensures that they are in optimal condition and free from debris and harmful bacteria.
• Use only a little force- Invisalign retainers are made of delicate material; therefore, if too much force is used when brushing or cleaning them, they can easily get damaged.
• Keep your retainers clean- you should take care of your retainers the same way you do your teeth. This means that you should regularly clean them to keep them free of food debris and bacteria. Ensure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush when cleaning them.

Signs of Wear and Replacement

• Cracked or broken retainers
• Stained or discoloured retainers.
• A retainer that feels uncomfortable or loose.
• If it feels or looks warped.
• If you lose your retainer.
• Excess calcium build-up in the retainer.

Invisalign retainers are a sure way of keeping your teeth in place after months of Invisalign treatment. However, if you want your retainers to be in optimal condition and last as per their expected lifespan, you need to take good care of them. Additionally, you need to bring them to All Care Dental by the Sea for regular checkups. Our dentist will ensure that your retainers are in good condition and examine your teeth to prevent developing any oral complications.