Video Transcript:
Dr. Burhenne of AsktheDentist.com here with a short tip about Invisalign.
Invisalign is an excellent system—I’ve used it personally for about 15 years and it works well. One important thing people don’t always realize is that aligners and retainers can break.
When an aligner cracks during treatment, you typically get a replacement within a couple of weeks. Retainers, however, are meant to last much longer—often five to ten years or more—and replacing them can be costly.
There’s a common spot where retainers tend to fail: around the canine area. It’s not usually at the front over the incisors or in the back near the molars. The material often fractures where it fits against the canines.
The reason is practical: that area becomes a hinge point when you remove the retainer. Many people remove their aligners by grabbing the back and pulling straight off. While this feels easy, it causes the retainer to bend around the canine region.
Instead, remove the aligner more carefully. Work your thumb forward and ease the retainer off gradually, spreading the release across the arch instead of levering from the back. If you repeatedly bend the plastic at the canine point, it will eventually crack and require replacement.
This small change in how you remove your aligner can extend the life of your retainer and save you money on replacements.
More posts about Invisalign:
Invisalign: Know Before You Go
“The Ugly Betty Effect” and the Case for Invisalign
10 Reasons to Get Invisalign That Have Nothing to do With Looks
Can Invisalign Absorb Food Allergens?
Dr. Mark Burhenne
Learn More:Can Invisalign Absorb Food Allergens?