What to Know About Wearing a Retainer After Invisalign

With Invisalign, achieving a straighter smile has never been easier. 

After completing the treatment, you’ll enjoy healthier and more aligned teeth. 

But before you leave, your dentist will provide you with a retainer. 

How long should you wear it? Read on to find out.

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The Importance of Wearing a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment

After undergoing teeth straightening treatment, wearing a retainer is important to maintain the results. If you fail to wear one, your teeth may shift back to their original position. This can result in tooth gaps and crookedness. Retainers help hold your teeth in place and allow your bone and gum tissue to adapt to their new positions.

How Long to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign

Your teeth are always susceptible to shifting, even several months after completing teeth straightening treatment. Consequently, you’ll never be entirely finished wearing your retainer. The duration of retainer wear after Invisalign treatment is not fixed; rather, it varies as your retainer-wearing schedule evolves over time. Here is a straightforward guide on how long you’ll need to wear your retainers after Invisalign:

  • 3-6 months after treatment– Wear your retainer as much as you wore Invisalign, for 22 hours per day. Only  remove it to eat, drink, and clean your teeth. 
  • 6 months- 2 years after treatment– After about six months, you can move to wearing the retainer only at night. Wear it every night while you sleep. 
  • 2+ years after treatment– If you closely followed the protocol above, then you can reduce the frequency of retainer wearing. Wear it at least every other night to maintain your smile. 

Invisalign in Regina, SK

After completing Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers to keep your teeth aligned and avoid future orthodontic work. Technically, you’ll need to wear Invisalign retainers for the long haul. But you’ll only need to wear them constantly for around six months. 

Your dentist will guide you on the appropriate retainer frequency based on your specific requirements. But the first step is finding your Invisalign dentist! Signature Smiles general dental clinic offers Invisalign in Regina, SK.

Schedule your Invisalign consultation with our general dental clinic in Regina, Sk, today.

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