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

Your Invisalign treatment is coming to an end and you are excited to take the trays off and flaunt your new smile. But, to maintain your results, you will need to wear a retainer. 

For how long? 

The exact answer depends on your specific situation, but this article will help you get a general idea. 

Let's dive right in! 

How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign? 

For the past months, the Invisalign trays have put controlled pressure on your teeth to move them into their correct position. But, just because your teeth shifted, it doesn't mean that they will remain in that position. In fact, your jawbone is quite malleable now and your teeth are very likely to move back into their original spot. 

That's why our Wilmington dentist will ask you to wear a retainer. This is a custom-made dental appliance that will keep your teeth in the correct position until new bone and soft tissue will grow around them to hold them in place. 

But, for how long will you have to wear the retainer? 

For the first six months to a year, you will have to wear the retainer full-time. Similarly to your Invisalign trays, you can only take the retainer off when eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. 

Dr. Ben Friberg will ask you to come in for regular appointments to check if your body built sufficient bone to hold the teeth in place. If he's satisfied with the results, he may ask you to wear the retainer only at bedtime. Over time, this period could decrease to five or three nights a week, but you will have to wear it for the rest of your life. 

What If I Don't Wear My Retainer? 

If you neglect or refuse to wear your retainer, then you will lose all the progress achieved through Invisalign treatment. In other words, your teeth will shift back into their natural position. 

Because this movement isn't obvious,  some Invisalign patients assume retainers are not necessary. Rest assured, your teeth are slowly shifting every day and by the time you notice, it will be too late. 

Instead of wasting time, energy, and money having to redo your orthodontic treatment, it's best to wear your retainer as instructed. 

Interested in Invisalign Treatment in Wilmington? 

Invisalign is a very appealing orthodontic treatment, but as you may have heard, it can only fix minor to moderate misalignments. 

Dr. Ben Friberg can help you find out if Invisalign is right for you and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. 

Get in touch with Thrive Family Dental to schedule an initial Invisalign consultation near you. If you want to learn more about our services, you can also call our office at (910) 240-4797.