I am three months away from finishing Invisalign. I relocated last month to be closer to my parents. Do I need a new dentist, or can I finish the treatment on my own? I have all the aligners I need. I’ll just need a retainer when I’m finished. Thanks. Tyrell from Indiana
Tyrell,
If you’re nearing the end of your treatment and have relocated, you might wonder if continued dental supervision is essential. While completing your treatment without additional appointments is possible, establishing care with a local dentist supports a smooth transition and ensures proper treatment completion.
Do You Need Dental Supervision If You’re Almost Finished with Invisalign?
The level of dental supervision required for Invisalign treatment can vary significantly from person to person. While some cases may necessitate regular check-ins, others may need minimal oversight, especially toward the end of treatment.
Understanding Your Treatment Needs
Several factors can influence the need for dental appointments during your Invisalign journey. These may include:
- Minor Tooth Adjustments: Sometimes, slight alterations to tooth shape may be necessary to accommodate the aligners.
- Attachment Placement: Small “buttons” might be bonded to your teeth to enhance the aligners’ grip and effectiveness. Your dentist will eventually remove the buttons.
- Treatment Complications: Occasionally, minor issues requiring professional attention can arise.
Safeguarding Your Smile with a Retainer
Once your Invisalign treatment concludes, wearing a retainer is crucial to maintaining your newly achieved smile. Fortunately, your final set of aligners can often double as retainers.
To gradually reduce retainer wear, follow these guidelines:
Initial Phase: Wear your aligners continuously for a month.
Transition Period: Gradually decrease wear to nighttime only for a few months.
Testing Your Progress:
- Experiment with wearing retainers every other night.
- If your teeth shift, resume nightly wear.
- If stable, extend the interval between wears.
Maintenance: Once your teeth demonstrate consistent stability, you can reduce retainer use to once a week or as your dentist advises. However, keep retainers handy in case you need them.
Neglecting retainer wear can lead to a relapse, undoing the hard work and expense of your Invisalign treatment
Considering Your Options for Invisalign Care
To understand potential costs, consider contacting dentists in your new area to inquire about fees for taking over an existing Invisalign case. Your previous dentist can provide the necessary medical records to facilitate a seamless transfer of care.
Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.
