How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?

Many of us weren’t born with the perfectly straight smile that we have always dreamed of. The good news is that with modern dental technology, you don’t need to settle for misaligned teeth, and you don’t need to have a mouthful of metal brackets and wires either. Invisalign in Newark uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their rightful locations. But when you get them off, how long will you need to wear your retainer? Continue reading to learn how long and why.

How Long Does a Retainer Need to Be Worn?

The number of hours you need to wear your retainer depends on your treatment. However, patients are usually asked to wear their retainer between 10 and 22 hours each day for about 3 to 6 months. At this point, it is recommended that patients wear their retainer while sleeping each night for at least one year. After this, your dentist may suggest wearing your retainer for a few nights a week in order to prevent future movement. Ultimately, if you don’t want your teeth to shift, a retainer is a lifetime commitment.

What Happens If You Stop Wearing Your Aligners?

Orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign, move your teeth from their original locations in order to align them, but they don’t necessarily stay in their new spots for long afterwards. A retainer is worn to lock your teeth in place and keep them from shifting back to their original locations. This way, you won’t require additional orthodontic treatment in the future. If you stop wearing your retainer too soon, your teeth will begin to shift gradually back to where they were, completely undoing everything you went through during your treatment.

When Will You Receive Your Retainer?

The retainer than you receive after you complete your Invisalign treatment will look very similar to your aligners. However, they are not designed to put pressure on the teeth. Instead, they are created in order to keep your teeth in place and prevent movement. You don’t want to have future misalignment issues, especially if they can be avoided.

Wearing your Invisalign retainer is a lifetime commitment to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best. The good news is that you won’t be needing to wear it all the time like you did with your aligners. With proper care and maintenance, you can show off your aligned smile for the rest of your life.

About the Author

Dr. Timothy G. Wigal is an experienced orthodontist who has been working in the field for over a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry before receiving a certificate in orthodontics from the West Virginia University Department of Orthodontics. Currently, he is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and the Six Elements Study Club. For more information on Invisalign or to schedule a consultation at his office in Mt. Vernon, visit his website or call (740) 397-2111.