Though traditional braces were the only orthodontic option for a while, that all changed when Invisalign launched in 1997. These clear aligners can straighten your smile discreetly over a period of months or years and are removable so you can continue eating your favorite foods. Since Invisalign is virtually invisible, this allows you to straighten your teeth during meetings, on dates, and at special events without feeling self-conscious. Though you may think treatment is over when you make your way through your last set of aligners, it doesn’t end there. You’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your results. Read on to learn how long you’ll need to wear your retainer for and what happens if you don’t.
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