Once you reach the end of your Invisalign treatment, you’ll be able to enjoy a straighter, more confident smile. In order to ensure that the results of the orthodontic process last, your dentist will provide you with a retainer. Just how long should you plan on wearing this appliance? Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect once you complete the Invisalign process.
Why Is It Important to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment?
When you wear Invisalign aligners to move your teeth, the jawbone becomes spongy. Once you stop wearing your aligners, it will take a while for the bone to harden again. As such, your teeth could start to drift back toward their original positions. By wearing a retainer, you can keep your teeth where they’re meant to be and ensure that the results of your treatment are not undone.
Just How Long Will You Need to Use a Retainer?
To maintain your straightened smile, you will need to commit to wearing a retainer for the rest of your life. Bear in mind that you could get a removable retainer, a fixed retainer, or both depending on your needs. If you get a removable retainer, you should plan on keeping it in your mouth for around 20 to 22 hours a day at first. After about three to six months, you’ll only need to wear it at night when you go to bed.
A fixed retainer is bonded to your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about taking it in and out of your mouth or losing it by accident. Rest assured that your fixed retainer will be very unobtrusive; after about a week, you’re likely to barely notice that it’s there.
Do Retainers Need to Be Replaced?
You can typically get many years of use out of your retainer as long as you take good care of it. Nevertheless, it is very likely that you will need to have it replaced at some point. If your retainer has been damaged or has suffered from extensive wear and tear, you should reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. They’ll be able to replace the appliance so that you can continue maintaining your straighter smile.
By wearing your retainer diligently, you can protect the hard-earned results of your Invisalign treatment and look forward to keeping your straightened smile for the rest of your life.
About the Author
Dr. Mohamed Hegazi earned his dental degree at Tufts University, and he has served as a Dental Officer/Captain for the US Air Force. At Admired Smiles Dental Center in Hingham, he offers high-quality, comprehensive dental care for local families. He provides Invisalign as an image-friendly solution for patients who want to straighten their teeth. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Hegazi by visiting his website or calling (781) 678-4633.