When your orthodontist informs you that Invisalign has accomplished its purpose and your teeth are well-aligned, you certainly have reason to celebrate! However, your orthodontic journey isn’t over. You’ll have to wear a retainer. Just how long will you need to wear your Invisalign retainer, and why is it so important that you do so? Let’s talk about the answers to these questions.
Your Retainer Timeline
At first, you’ll probably have to wear your retainer as much as you wore your Invisalign aligners. That is to say, it would be wise to keep it in your mouth a minimum of 20 hours each day, taking it out only for meals and oral hygiene. This initial stage of retainer wear usually lasts 3 – 6 months. Then, your orthodontist may say that you only have to wear your retainer at night. About 12 months or so after you finish with Invisalign, you might be able to cut down on retainer wear to just 3 – 5 nights each week for the rest of your life. If your retainer ever starts to feel too tight, that’s a sign you aren’t wearing it enough.
Of course, the above timeline is based on generalities. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may be given different instructions for how much to wear your retainer.
Why Is Retainer Compliance So Important?
If you do not wear your retainer as much as instructed, your teeth may drift back into their original places. This can happen because the teeth aren’t directly embedded in your jawbone. Rather, they are connected to the bone via elastic ligaments, which give the teeth a natural capacity for movement. Your mouth also has a “memory,” so to speak, of where your teeth were previously. Once your aligners are no longer exerting pressure on your teeth, that memory might cause your smile to gradually regress to its former state. It’s also important to keep in mind that everyday actions, such as chewing, exert pressure on the teeth and may cause micro-movements. Wearing your retainers can prevent these issues from undoing all of your hard work with Invisalign.
What to Expect with Your Invisalign Retainer
There are different types of orthodontic retainers, and the one that’s right for you will depend on your circumstances. However, Invisalign patients usually use Vivera retainers, which look just like Invisalign aligners but are designed to keep your teeth in place rather than shift them. The retainers are extremely durable and designed for comfort. You can care for them just like you cared for your regular aligners.
Will you soon be finished with Invisalign? The end of your teeth-straightening journey can mark the beginning of a lifetime of healthy, attractive smiles — but only if you diligently wear your retainer.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and the team at Polaris Orthodontic Center are proud to provide Columbus residents with a broad range of orthodontic services, including Invisalign. If you have questions about what to expect with Invisalign or after you complete your orthodontic treatment, we would be pleased to assist you. Contact us at 614-781-6990.
