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.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Your Retainer?
As soon as you finish wearing your last set of Invisalign aligners, you will need to start wearing a retainer. When you first begin, your orthodontist will likely have you wear it for 12 to 22 hours each day. This will last approximately six months. From there, they may tell you to start wearing your retainer only at night.
After wearing your retainer for around 12 months, you should start wearing it for only three to five nights each week. Even though you’ll need to wear your retainer throughout your life, it’s not something you’ll need to do at all times.
What If You Don’t Wear Your Retainer?
Though Invisalign treatment straightens your smile, wearing a retainer is what helps you keep your teeth where they are. Teeth have memory, which means that they will want to shift back to where they were before orthodontic treatment. Your retainer will be custom fit to your smile to prevent your teeth from moving at all and to ensure that it’s comfortable.
How to Protect Your Retainer
Be sure to store your retainer in a case to protect it from damage and to prevent you from accidentally misplacing it. If you accidentally throw out your retainer, you will need to have a new one made, which will give your teeth an opportunity to shift out of place. You will also need to clean your retainer every day to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles.
When you first start wearing your retainer, it might take some time to get used to. As long as you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, you’ll be able to keep your teeth in the right place so you can continue enjoying your gorgeous grin for years to come!
About the Practice
Cosmetic & General Dentistry of New City is led by Dr. Joel Scheir, Dr. Danielle Scheir, and Dr. Rebecca Portnoff. They offer the residents of New City a range of exceptional services including Invisalign treatment to correct smile issues and help people feel more confident in their pearly whites. With their help, a gapped, uneven grin will soon be a thing of the past! Do you want more information on Invisalign treatment or to schedule a consultation with Cosmetic & General Dentistry of New City? If so, call their office at (845) 634-0444 or visit their website to get started.