Everybody wants a straight, beautiful smile, and, indeed, it will be able to fulfill that wish through orthodontic treatments. However, choosing the right one can be a confusing choice. Two big common ones are Invisalign and Retainers. Though the names sound similar, they are different in their functions to create and maintain a great smile.
Enhance Dental Centre believes each smile is unique, so we seek to provide custom consultations to select the best treatment options. From correcting misalignment with Invisalign to retaining your new smile with retainers, we will walk you through the entire process.
In this blog, we will explain the major differences between Invisalign and retainers so that you can see how either of the two fits into your journey to a better smile.
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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is made of clear braces molded from special plastic designed to overlay on top of your teeth. Unlike retainers, aligners in Invisalign move teeth and shape your jaw. The process starts with digital scans of your teeth, usually taken from a mold or using direct imaging.
A computer program uses such scans to help an orthodontist plan your treatment and create aligners. It also provides a three-dimensional view of your teeth to show expected results.
Your orthodontist may have to adjust some of your teeth to create small gaps, which will help them move into their right position.
Each aligner is fabricated to apply pressure on some points, allowing gradual tooth alignment. Depending on your needs, you will probably change to another aligner after a week or two.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a new orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth over time. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and offer a more discreet option for fixing dental misalignments.
Invisalign journey at Enhance Dental Centre starts with a consultation. A dental specialist will evaluate your smile and design a personalized treatment plan. Advanced 3D imaging is vital in enabling them to take accurate, digitally mapped impressions of your teeth to allow for the design of custom aligners.
You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, after which the teeth gently move into place. So, roughly every couple of weeks, you change to a new set that continues to work from the one immediately before it. The length of treatment will vary in different situations, but most patients are done within 12 to 18 months.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has a number of advantages that make it one of the favorite treatments in orthodontics, including:
- Invisibility: Invisalign aligners are almost invisible; thus, no one would notice that you were straightening your teeth.
- Comfort: The aligners are made from smooth plastic, reducing irritation to your gums and cheeks compared to traditional braces.
- Dietary Freedom: Unlike braces, Invisalign does not restrict dietary intake, as you can remove the aligners while eating.
- Predictability: Advanced 3D technology enables a virtual image of your teeth before and after treatment, so you will understand what to expect from the treatment.
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What Is a Retainer?
An orthodontist uses retainers to retain teeth after braces or Invisalign straighten them. This may take four to six months while the teeth stay in their new position and are set permanently. Teeth try to move back to where they came from.
Invisalign aligners move teeth; retainers hold teeth in place after treatment. There are two different types of retainers: permanent and removable. Your orthodontist may give you a single type or use a permanent retainer for the bottom teeth and a removable one for the top teeth.
Retainers offer many advantages for keeping your teeth straight after orthodontic treatment.
Benefits of Retainers
- Stability: Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions, stopping them from shifting back over time.
- Versatility: You can use retainers after different orthodontic treatments to keep your teeth aligned.
- Reduced Relapse Risk: Wearing retainers regularly lowers the chance of your teeth moving back, saving you time and money later.
- Improved Bite: Retainers can help maintain a proper bite, ensuring your teeth fit together well.
- Comfort: Many retainers are comfortable to wear and easy to clean, making them a practical choice.
- Long-lasting Results: Consistent use of retainers helps you enjoy the results of your orthodontic treatment for years.
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Types of Retainers
There are three main types of retainers to keep your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment:
Hawley Retainers
These are made of metal wires and acrylic. They are removable and can be customized in color. They are durable and adjustable, letting your upper and lower teeth touch naturally.
Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix Retainers)
These clear, thin retainers fit closely over your teeth, like Invisalign aligners. They are nearly invisible and comfortable to wear, but they may need to be replaced more often than other types.
Fixed (Permanent) Retainers
This type consists of a thin wire attached to the back of your teeth, usually on the lower front teeth. They provide ongoing support without needing to be removed daily, which helps prevent teeth from shifting.
Each retainer type has benefits, and the best choice depends on your needs and lifestyle. Your orthodontist at Enhance Dental Centre can help you find the right one.
Cost of Retainers vs. Invisalign
Invisalign and retainers are used for different purposes, which accounts for the difference in cost. Invisalign costs range from $3,000 to $8,000 for active straightening, depending on variables such as complexity. This does indeed reflect the advanced technology and customization involved in the treatment.
Retainers are much more affordable and typically range from $150 to $700 per set. They are worn after orthodontic treatment, making them vital and reasonably priced investments for long-term smile maintenance.
Although the initial price of Invisalign may be higher, retainers will continue to protect that investment by keeping your teeth in perfect alignment. Most Invisalign treatment takes into consideration the cost of retainers for your convenience.
Conclusion
Knowing the differences between Invisalign and retainers will help if you are considering orthodontic treatment. Invisalign works to align your teeth, while retainers hold your teeth in place after active treatment has straightened your teeth.
Both have their own list of pros and costs; together, the two appliances help you maintain a beautiful smile.
Enhance Dental Centre provides personalized care in orthodontics, guiding you through your personal passage, whether it be Invisalign or a custom-designed retainer. Contact us for an appointment to discuss all the best options available for your smile and the beginning of your path to the desired results.
FAQs
1- How long do you need to wear retainers after Invisalign?
Typically, retainers should be worn full-time for the first few months after Invisalign treatment, then usually at night for life to maintain the results.
2- Can you use a retainer instead of Invisalign?
No, retainers are designed to maintain the position of teeth after they have been straightened, not to move them into place.
3- Do retainers hurt as much as Invisalign?
Retainers may cause some initial discomfort but are generally less painful than Invisalign, which actively moves teeth.
4- What happens if you stop wearing your retainer after Invisalign?
If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth may gradually shift back to their original positions, undoing the results of your Invisalign treatment.
5- Are there any dietary restrictions with Invisalign or retainers?
Invisalign aligners are removed during meals, so there are no dietary restrictions. With removable retainers, you should also remove them before eating to avoid damage. Fixed retainers don’t have dietary restrictions, but avoiding hard or sticky foods is wise.
The post What Is the Difference Between Invisalign and a Retainer? first appeared on Enhance Dental CA.