You Asked, We Answered: How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?

Patients often assume that once they’ve worked through their entire series of clear aligners, their orthodontic treatment is finished. That’s not the case because there is one last step: the retention phase. This involves us taking impressions of your teeth and using those to create a custom retainer. If you’re curious how long you need to wear this orthodontic device after Invisalign, and why wearing it consistently is so important, read on!

So, How Long Do You Have to Wear Your Retainer After Invisalign?

In short, wearing your retainer each night should be a life-long habit. After all, it’s one of the most effective ways of preventing orthodontic relapse (the phenomenon where teeth begin to move back into their previously misaligned positions). It’s actually something that upwards of 50% of patients experience in the years following their orthodontic treatment. So, if you want to prevent the valuable time and money you invested in Invisalign from being wasted, it’s important that you wear yours as directed!

Which Retainer Is Best?

Thanks to advancements in both the field of orthodontics and technology, there are several different types of retainers to choose from, including bonded and removable ones. There are even retainers that look almost identical to Invisalign aligners, making them incredibly discreet and comfortable! Ultimately, the decision regarding which one is best for you will be something that you and your dentist decide together.

5 Ways to Keep Your Retainer in Pristine Condition

Naturally, you don’t want to spend money on a new retainer every year – that can get costly quickly! To prevent that from happening, commit to the following best practices:

• Clean it regularly with a dentist-recommended cleaner
• Avoid hot beverages and chemicals that can cause your retainer to warp
• Don’t eat hard pretzels, candy canes, or any other extremely crunchy foods
• Brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash regularly
• Wash your retainer case regularly
• Look out for signs of wear, and replace your retainer as needed

In short, wearing your retainer each night is a small commitment that will make a large impact on the longevity of your results. So, do your best to make it a part of your everyday routine!

About the Practice

Our team at Drennan Family Dentistry isn’t just here to help you achieve your dream smile; we’re here to help you enjoy it for decades to come! That’s why we prioritize preventive care, provide a wide range of restorative services, and create custom retainers for our patients following their Invisalign treatment. If you are ready to start the teeth-straightening process, you need a new retainer, or you simply need to schedule your next checkup, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (817) 732-5522.