After months of wearing Invisalign, you’ve finally achieved the straight smile you’ve been working toward! But before you celebrate the end of your orthodontic journey, there’s one more important step: wearing your retainer. Many patients are surprised to learn that retainers are – wait for it – a lifelong commitment. While the amount of time you’ll wear one changes over the years, wearing your retainer as directed is essential for maintaining your beautiful results.
Why is a Retainer Necessary?
Your teeth don’t become permanently fixed in their new positions once Invisalign treatment ends. The bone, gums, and supporting tissues surrounding your teeth need time to stabilize after they have been moved.
Without a retainer, your teeth can gradually begin shifting back toward their original positions, a process known as orthodontic relapse. Even small amounts of movement can affect the appearance of your smile and, in some cases, your bite.
A retainer helps keep your teeth in their corrected positions while your mouth adapts to the changes.
What is the Typical Retainer Schedule?
Although every patient is different, many dentists and orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer full-time for the first few months after Invisalign treatment. This usually means wearing it for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing it only for eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing.
Once your teeth have become more stable, your dentist may gradually transition you to wearing your retainer only at night. Night-time wear becomes a long-term routine for most patients. Since teeth naturally shift throughout life due to aging and everyday forces, wearing your retainer while you sleep helps preserve your orthodontic results in the coming years.
What Happens If You Stop Wearing It?
It’s tempting to stop wearing your retainer once your teeth look straight, but doing so can allow unwanted tooth movement to occur. In fact, you may notice that your retainer feels tight after just a few nights without wearing it, a sign that your teeth have already begun to shift.
If enough movement occurs, your retainer may no longer fit properly, and additional orthodontic treatment could be necessary to restore your smile. Making your retainer part of your nightly routine is much easier and less expensive than correcting relapse later.
Taking Care of Your Retainer
To keep your retainer in good shape, clean it regularly using the method recommended by your dentist. Store it in its protective case whenever it isn’t in your mouth, and keep it away from heat, which can cause it to warp.
Don’t forget to bring your retainer to your routine dental appointments so your dentist can check its fit and ensure it’s still doing its job.
Invisalign treatment is an investment in your smile, and your retainer helps protect that investment. While you may only need to wear it full-time for a short period, night-time wear is often recommended indefinitely to keep your teeth from shifting.
About the Practice
Looking for the right dental practice for Invisalign treatment? We’ve got you covered! We’re experienced Invisalign providers who will custom tailor your aligners so they fit you like a glove. And with convenient appointment hours, you don’t have to worry about missing school or work. If you’re ready to start your journey to a straighter, healthier smile, click over to our website to schedule an appointment or call our Silver Spring office at (301) 871-6660.