Invisalign is a great alternative to braces that straightens crowded or misaligned teeth in less time without dietary restrictions. Like braces, however, it requires the use of a retainer after the treatment is concluded to preserve its results.
Imagine the big day: After months or years of diligent care, the Invisalign process is over. You finally behold your straightened teeth. They are beautiful and perfect, and you want them to stay that way. You will probably want to ask your orthodontist, “How long will I have to wear my retainer?” Read on to find out.
How Long Will I Have to Wear My Retainer?
You will probably need to wear your retainer constantly for the first few months after your last Invisalign treatment. After that, the frequency and duration will decrease with time. It will become just a nightly routine and may then fall to just every two or four nights.
What Are Retainers Like?
There are a variety of models your orthodontist can use for your retainer. These include:
- Vivera® retainers, removable clear retainers made by Align Technology, the company behind Invisalign.
- Clear removable retainers made by other companies.
- Fixed retainers, made by a small wire cemented to the back of your teeth.
- Hawley retainers, which are removable and made of wire and plastic.
Why Are Retainers Important?
Immediately after your Invisalign treatment is over, your bones and tissues will not be accustomed to a straight smile. During the phase of moving teeth, your jawbone becomes spongy and pliable. Without boundaries, your teeth will try to migrate back into their original positions. Your jaw will harden again after some time, and you want your teeth to still be in place when it does.
This makes a retainer necessary to keep teeth in place and get them settled into their new arrangement. The remodeling process can take years, and neglecting maintenance can undo all the progress you worked so hard to achieve. Teeth will also slowly shift position as you age. This is why it is typically necessary to wear your retainers for life.
Invisalign is not only a commitment. It is an investment that needs protection. You put months or years of effort into straightening your teeth. Committing to proper retainer wear after Invisalign will preserve your hard work for decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. Eric L. Tolliver earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri—Kansas City. He heads Galleria Dental of Springfield with a friendly and experienced staff that knows how to get the most out of a patient’s Invisalign treatment. For more information on starting your own Invisalign treatment, contact him at his website or call (417) 887-5757.