How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer After Invisalign Treatment?

You no longer need to settle for a mouthful of metal brackets and wires in order to get the straighter smile you’ve always dreamed of. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly move your teeth into their rightful locations. Once you finish the series, you will be given a retainer to keep your teeth in place, but how long will you need to wear this? Continue reading to learn more about the length of time you need to wear it and what happens if you don’t.

How Long Do Retainers Need to be Worn?

The number of hours that you wear your retainer depends on your individual treatment plan, but patients are generally asked to wear it between 10 and 22 hours each day for about 3 to 6 months. At this point, it is recommended that you wear it while sleeping every night for at least one years. After this, your dentist may suggest that you wear it a few nights a week to keep them from shifting over time. Ultimately, if you want to keep your alignment how it is, you will need to use a retainer indefinitely.

What Happens When You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?

When you get orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign, your teeth will move from their original locations to new ones. However, they won’t be staying in their new spots for very long afterwards if you aren’t using a retainer. Retainers are meant to lock your teeth into place and keep them from shifting back to their starting points. This way, you won’t end up needing any additional orthodontic work in the future to achieve the same results. You don’t want your teeth to undo all of that long, hard work.

When Do You Get Your Invisalign Retainer?

You will receive your retainer after you complete your Invisalign treatment. It looks very similar to your clear aligners. The difference is that they aren’t designed to put additional pressure on the teeth. Instead, they are created to keep your teeth in their places and prevent future movement. It is an easy way to avoid future misalignment issues.

Wearing your retainer is a lifetime commitment if you want to keep your teeth feeling their best. The good news is that you don’t have to wear it all the time like you do with your aligners. With proper care and maintenance, you will be able to keep your smile aligned and beautiful for the rest of your life!

About the Author

Dr. CJ Stec earned his dental doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Association. For more information Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his office in Grand Island, visit his website or call (308) 382-4440.