If you’re nearing the end of your Invisalign treatment, you may have started thinking about the next and final phase of orthodontic treatment: the retention phase. During this phase, you get to enjoy the beautiful new smile you created during Invisalign treatment – but you also get to strengthen your results for years to come by wearing your retainer!
So if you’re wondering, “do you need retainers after Invisalign?” The answer is yes – and you will thank yourself for it in the future! Here’s everything you need to know:
How long do you wear retainers after Invisalign?
We say “nighttime for a lifetime!” That means your new smile is maintained best when you wear your retainer at night, for a lifetime.
Don’t think of your retainer as a burden. Think of your retainer as a lifelong friend who helps you live your most confident life. Your retainer wants what’s best for you and your smile – (just like us!)
The effects of not wearing your retainer after braces or Invisalign
If you do not wear your retainer after Invisalign or braces, you risk losing the results you worked so hard to achieve. That’s the real reason you have to wear your retainer after treatment!
Here’s why: Over the course of your treatment, your teeth have gotten used to the support of your clear aligners or braces. When you stop wearing your clear aligners or your braces are taken off, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift out of position. It takes them time to stabilize and reduce the risk of shifting out of place. Your teeth need all the support they can get!
Your retainer takes the place of your clear aligners, except retainers prevent your teeth from moving, whereas your clear aligners promote tooth movement.
If you forget to wear your retainer every now and then, you don’t have to worry about immediate relapse. (‘Orthodontic relapse’ describes teeth shifting back to their original, pre-treatment positions.) But if you forget a night, put them in the next day for a few hours to ensure your teeth don’t shift.
What happens if I go three weeks without my retainer?
The shift will be a slow migration. After three weeks, you may find that your teeth have shifted, and your retainer doesn’t fit easily in your mouth. In this case, never force a retainer into place. This could damage not only your retainer but your smile, too.
Give our team a call if your retainer no longer fits in your mouth. Your experienced orthodontist (Dr. Caudill or Dr. McNeight) can adjust your retainer accordingly to save your smile!
Still have questions about wearing your retainer?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re happy to discuss any part of the treatment process with you.
We’re proud to be the only Invisalign Diamond Plus provider in Brevard County offering expert Invisalign treatment for all ages. Looking for a leading family orthodontist in Viera, Merritt Island, or Melbourne? Come experience the vibes! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
