Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to standard braces. These transparent trays fit snugly over your arches to exert gentle but consistent pressure to shift your teeth to their ideal places.
Most patients finish treatment in about 12 to 18 months, but in many cases, you’ll need to wear a retainer after removing your last clear aligners to prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their previous positions. Continue reading to learn more about how long you can expect to wear a retainer after Invisalign!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Understanding how Invisalign shifts your grin is essential to knowing why and how long you’ll need to wear a retainer. This orthodontic alternative is considered much more comfortable and discreet than the traditional method of straightening smiles, which relies on sharp metal brackets and wires to push your teeth into place.
The clear aligners are designed to fit your teeth like a glove, and you must wear them 20 to 22 hours daily to keep them from relapsing. Then, after a week or two, your dentist will provide a new pair of trays to account for the ongoing movement of your smile.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?
Your teeth are anchored in place with tissues and ligaments that have a “muscle memory”, so they’re prone to migrating back to their original spots once you stop wearing Invisalign. This is especially true in the period immediately following treatment, before your mouth has enough time to fully acclimate to its upgraded alignment.
Retainers don’t generate enough force to shift anything, but they do provide enough structure to ensure that everything remains in its intended position. Your dentist will likely provide you with an oral appliance to maintain your newly straightened smile once you’ve finished Invisalign, but it depends on your individual circumstances.
How Long Will I Need to Wear a Retainer?
The length of time you’ll be required to wear a retainer depends significantly on your unique situation. Some people are instructed to wear them 24/7 for months or even years, while others are only asked to wear them overnight for a designated period of time. The longer you wear your retainer consistently, the less likely your pearly whites are to drift to their starting places.
Your dentist will provide specific instructions about when and how long to wear your retainer. Following their directions closely can help preserve your recently upgraded grin!
About the Practice
At Waterford Dental Group, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your and your family’s needs at one convenient location, including Invisalign. They strive to make each visit as stress-free as possible and utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (925) 803-5888.