Once you’re through with Invisalign, you’ll take another step on your orthodontic journey. That move is to wear a retainer and preserve the results of your time with clear aligners. Of course, you may wonder: How long will you need this device going forward? Such a point is vital to your post-treatment care, so your local Tucson dentist is here to address it. Just keep reading to learn how long you’ll wear a retainer after Invisalign.
Wait, Why Wear a Retainer?
Before anything else, you should grasp why you need a retainer in the first place. The question of how long you’ll wear one won’t matter otherwise.
The truth is that Invisalign results don’t “stick around” on their own. Left to themselves, teeth straightened by aligners will slowly shift back to their original positions. You’ll thus need a retainer – a stabilizer that keeps your smile straight and gives it time to adjust to its new form.
Put another way, a retainer is basically a support system. It secures your aligned grin and ensures the changes made by Invisalign aren’t undone.
How Long Will You Wear It?
You’ll ultimately use a retainer for the rest of your life. That said, how long you wear it each day will depend on your situation.
Most patients wear a retainer for increasingly shorter periods. For example, you must use your own for 12-22 hours a day during the initial three to six months after Invisalign. (This round-the-clock wear prevents relapses that’d ruin your treatment results.) You could then shift to wearing your retainer only at night, thus ensuring your smile remains straight.
Of course, you’ll need to consult your dentist about the exact timing. Only they will know how long you should wear your retainer.
Tips on Caring for Retainers
Since you’ll wear your retainer daily, you should care for it properly going forward. Make sure to use the following tips and tricks:
- Remove Before Meals – To avoid damaging it, remove your retainer before eating and store it safely in its case.
- Remember to Rinse – Before you put your retainer in your mouth, gently rinse and brush it. Doing so keeps the device free of harmful bacteria and debris.
- No Harsh Cleansers – Never use bleach, alcohol-based mouthwashes, or similar chemicals to clean your retainer. These substances would degrade your device’s material.
- Off Before Brushing – You should always remove your retainer before brushing your teeth. That way, you can clean your smile thoroughly and effectively.
Wearing a retainer after Invisalign doesn’t have to be a drag. With the tips above, this leg of your orthodontic path should proceed smoothly.
About the Author
Dr. Jay R. Lopez is a dentist based in Tucson, AZ, having earned his DDS from the University of Colorado. His nearly thirty years in the field have made him an expert in advanced dentistry, especially dental implants, Invisalign, and aesthetic oral care. That means he’s equipped to help your whole smile thrive! Today, Dr. Lopez practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (520)-886-8090.