How Long Do I Need to Wear Retainers After Invisalign®?

Did you know that many Invisalign® patients have already worn traditional metal braces? These patients need teeth straightening again because they didn’t consistently wear their retainers.

You must wear your retainer as directed by our Invisalign dentists for the rest of your life. Otherwise, your teeth will shift back to their original positions before you wore Invisalign braces.

Continue reading to learn how often you’ll need to wear retainers after Invisalign.

Do I Need a Retainer After Invisalign?

Yes, you’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Even though Invisalign moves teeth differently from braces, the result is still the same. You’ll need to wear retainers after any kind of teeth straightening.

What Can I Expect the First Few Months After Invisalign?

Your teeth are partly held in place by surrounding jawbone. During Invisalign treatment, your jawbone would have softened or disappeared (a process called resorption) so teeth could move into their final positions.

Once you stop wearing Invisalign, you need to wear orthodontic retainers so your teeth are held in place while new bone is deposited. It takes about 9 to 12 months for your body to build up enough bone to stabilize teeth.

What Can I Expect 12 Months After Invisalign?

Once 12 months have passed, you should have enough new bone deposited around your teeth to keep them stable. For this reason, you won’t have to wear your orthodontic retainers as frequently to maintain your beautifully straight smile. Our dentists may recommend only wearing your retainers 3 to 5 times a week.

While your teeth won’t move as dramatically once the jawbone regains bone tissue, they will slightly move forward and inward as you get older. This change isn’t something you notice overnight, but rather something that gradually happens over decades.

What Should I Do If I Lose My Retainer?

If you lose your retainer, just call our office to schedule an appointment. Whether you accidentally threw out your retainer on your lunch tray or the dog ate it, we can get you fitted for a new retainer as soon as possible so you don’t lose the progress you made with orthodontic treatment. During your appointment, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to create a new retainer.

Will I Really Have to Wear a Retainer Forever?

Once you’re done with Invisalign treatment, we can understand the reluctance you may feel to wear yet another oral appliance. (We promise we’re not trying to torture you.) However, it’s important that you wear your retainer as directed by our Invisalign dentists. Otherwise, your teeth will gradually shift to their original positions.

While you may not see your teeth moving at first, the changes become more noticeable over time. For example, your retainer may feel tight and uncomfortable if you haven’t worn it for a few days. Your retainers will fit for as long as you consistently wear them.

It’s normal for your teeth to slightly shift after having your Invisalign braces removed or once you stop wearing Invisalign. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak. The retainer is designed to prevent noticeable changes so you can maintain a beautiful smile.

Our Invisalign dentists in Westland, MI can straighten your teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months. Ask if you’re a candidate for Invisalign braces during your next visit with us. To request an appointment, call to Parkside Dental Team at (734) 261-6060.