How Do I Keep My Teeth from Shifting After I Complete Invisalign?

Invisalign® is an innovative teeth straightening system that’s revolutionized orthodontics, making it easy for teens and adults to get a terrific-looking smile without the need for traditional metal braces. 

At Sabrina E. Mickel DDS & Associates in Beachwood, Ohio, Dr. Sabrina Mickel provides Invisalign treatment plus follow-up care to ensure you keep your brilliant, even smile long after your treatment concludes.

Invisalign basics

Invisalign can completely transform your smile. Understanding how is critical to knowing what to do to maintain your results after you finish treatment.

The clear aligner system works in the same way as braces, by placing precise pressure on your teeth to gently but inexorably shift them into their new, ideal positions. 

Of course, your teeth aren’t just floating around in your gums. The roots are firmly seated in the bone of your jaw, anchoring them in place and providing stability across the entire arch. 

Contrary to what people might think, bones are living tissue. They’re constantly breaking down and renewing, and Invisalign treatment takes advantage of this fact. 

The pressure from the aligners encourages the breakdown of old bone cells (osteoclasts) to make way for the buildup of new bone cells (osteoblasts) that construct new jawbone around the new position of your teeth.

Maintaining results

Invisalign has transformed more than 18 million smiles using their “barely there” patented aligner trays. The results are faster than traditional braces, but what happens after the final aligner comes off?

While new osteoblasts form at about the same rate old osteoclasts break down, it takes time for the new bone cells to be firm and stable enough to hold up against the pressures placed on teeth. And it takes time to move tooth roots through even soft and shifting bone tissue.

That means you must wear a retainer at least at night for a while after you take out your final Invisalign aligner. The retainer applies mild pressure to keep your teeth in their new positions until the new bone solidifies around the roots of your teeth. 

Dr. Mickel gives you a custom-made retainer and instructions on how often to wear it. Depending on your teeth and how long you wore Invisalign, you may only need to wear the retainer while you sleep. But you may need to wear it during the day, too, for a few months. 

Compliance is key here. Without your retainer, your teeth may drift back to their pre-Invisalign positions. All the progress you’ve made toward your desired smile can be lost. 

Are you thinking about Invisalign? Consider a dentist who’s with you from the first day of treatment until your teeth are firmly rooted in their new positions. Contact our office at 216-510-9974 or request an appointment online today.