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Night retainers
Night retainers are removable retainers that you wear while you sleep. Retainers stabilize teeth and molars after they have been treated with braces. Seeing as this orthodontic tool is removable and only worn during the night, they are called night retainers. Similar to the Invisalign clear braces, night retainers consist of clear synthetic covers which slide over the teeth. They make sure your teeth stay put while they become fixed in their new position.
Night retainers keep your teeth aligned after an orthodontic treatment.
Why do you need night retainers
When you’ve finished with the clear braces treatment and you’re happy with your new straight teeth, it’s time to remove any attachments (the studs on your teeth) and be finished with braces in your day to day life. This does not always mean the treatment is over, however.
After active orthodontic treatment comes the retention phase: the stabilizing of the teeth and molars by using night retainers. This is necessary because they always move by natural design. Even if you just went through orthodontic treatment, your teeth will have a tendency to move back to their original position. They also move due to jaw growth, chewing power or tongue pressure.
Grinding or clenching of the teeth also lead to the movement of teeth and molars. In order to keep them in place as much as possible and keep the beautiful results of the treatment, wearing a retainer is a necessity.
There are different types of retainer, including bonded retainers and removable night retainers. A bonded retainer is a thin metal wire fixed to the inside of the front teeth. The wire keeps the teeth from moving. The downsides of a bonded retainer are that only the front four to six teeth are held in place, and that it is harder to clean behind and around the wire. Comfortho recommends night retainers, so all teeth are kept in place.
How often do you wear night retainers
The night retainers are to be worn every night throughout the first year. Ideally, we will guide you through the process of wearing the night retainers less and less, without relapse of the teeth. If the night retainers feel too tight, there is a large amount of pressure from the teeth. Should you stop wearing the night retainer at this point, the teeth will start to move again.
As a starting point, the night retainers are worn as long as it takes for the teeth to settle in their new position. In many cases, the teeth will always try to move to some degree. This means you will have to wear the night retainers for the rest of your life. You can feel the shifts in your teeth: in the morning, the retainer might feel fairly loose, while at night there is a lot more tension. It is not recommended to stop wearing the night retainers for multiple nights in a row.
No appointment needed
Send a selfie of your teeth and get advice right away
Wondering whether Invisalign works for you? Send a photo of your teeth by WhatsApp or e-mail. One of our practitioners will answer you personally, before you even come in.
How much do night retainers cost
After your Invisalign treatment at Comfortho, we will take (x-ray) photos of your teeth. In addition, retainers (night brackets) are ordered for you. They will have the same shape as the last set of your aligners. They are made from a stronger material, so that a set can last longer. You take home three sets when you leave.
You are therefore able to maintain a beautiful straight teeth, if you wear the night retainers according to the instructions, after the treatment for a longer period of time. And you will always have backup retainers, should you lose one of them. It’s always possible to order new retainers.
How your treatment works
Four steps, from the first conversation to the final check. You know beforehand how long it takes and what it costs.
What does Invisalign cost?- 1
Intake
A first conversation in which the practitioner assesses your situation. You hear what is possible, how long it takes and what it costs.
- 2
Photos and scans
We take photos and scans for your treatment plan. A 3D video shows you in advance how your teeth move into a straight arch.
- 3
Fitting
The aligners are made to measure. You take the whole series home and change them yourself every week.
- 4
Final check
Finished your last set of aligners? Then we see you for the final check. And then you smile.
Cleaning night retainers
Because you only wear the retainers after brushing, flossing or picking your teeth, they will not become filthy as fast as regular braces. Always rinse the retainers with cold water before putting them in and taking them out. Never use hot water. Besides that it’s a good idea to clean the retainers once a week with a tooth brush and dish soap. Don’t use tooth paste, as it contains an abrasive which may damage the retainers. If you want, you can apply products used for cleaning dentures, like steradent. Always be careful when handling your retainers, store them in their box and don’t leave them lying around.
Wearing night retainers will positively affect your self-assurance. Stick to the instructions and you’ll see that your teeth never get out of place. They’ll remain straight, attractive and beautiful.
A confident smile, sooner than you think
Book a first consultation, or send us a selfie first. Either is fine.