Treatment FAQ

invisalign retainer after treatment how long

by Barrett Hackett Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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During Invisalign treatment, your jawbone would have softened or disappeared so the teeth could shift into their final positions. The first three to six months after you finish your aligners, you will need to wear retainers for 22 hours a day to hold teeth in place while new bone is deposited.Aug 3, 2021

Full Answer

Do you really need a retainer after Invisalign?

Yes, you’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Even though Invisalignmoves teeth differently from braces, the result is still the same. You’ll need to wear retainers after any kind of teeth straightening.

Do I have to pay for a retainer after Invisalign?

It depends on your dentist or ortho. I think it’s typically just the one and you can buy more. Once your teeth have settled just at night is enough. If you had a hard case through they may discuss permanent retainers. This community provides (unofficial) support for those using Invisalign!

Will I need a permanent retainer after Invisalign?

Unfortunately, you will need to wear your retainer for the rest of your life, at least in some capacity, to prevent relapse. No orthodontic treatment is completely permanent, and your teeth can shift, even if it’s been years since you finished Invisalign.

How often should I Wear my Invisalign retainers?

Your dental clinic in Saskatoon that you receive the Invisalign treatment from will be able to provide a more specific answer to this question. However, in general, one has to wear their retainer for a minimum of 12 hours within the first six months after Invisalign treatment is completed.

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How long do you wear Invisalign retainers after treatment?

However, the initial protocol for wearing the retainer is rather consistent across the board. It's typically recommended that patients wear the appliance for 12 to 22 hours a day – every day – for three to six months. After this point, most patients can stop wearing the retainer during the day.

Do you have to wear retainers for life after Invisalign?

Dr. Kathryn Swan, a board-certified orthodontist, recommends that everyone wear a retainer after completing Invisalign treatment. Just like with traditional braces, wearing a retainer after completing Invisalign helps you maintain your beautifully straightened smile.

Do you need to wear a retainer forever?

Your retainers will help prevent this from happening as you age. To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you're going to need to wear your retainers nightly for the rest of your life. The good news is, after some time it won't be necessary to wear them as often.

How long does it take for Invisalign retainer to come in?

The process of receiving your Invisalign aligners usually takes around four weeks. It takes such a long time because after the doctor has taken impressions of your teeth, they must send it to the Invisalign lab along with notes about how the treatment should progress.

Can I stop wearing my retainer after 2 years?

Decades ago an orthodontist would hand a patient a retainer and tell them they should wear it every day for 6 months then switch to nights and then discontinue retainer wear after one or two years.

Can I wear my last Invisalign tray as a retainer?

So, is it a good idea to use the last set of aligners as retainers to keep teeth in place? “Aligners lose their integrity fairly quickly. It is OK to use an aligner as a retainer for 3-4 weeks, but after that the aligner plastic starts to wear down and can break.

Can I stop wearing my retainer after 6 months?

For patients who had severe misalignments, you may need to wear your retainer consistently for 6 months or so to prevent orthodontic relapse. Some people may need to wear their retainer 24 hours a day for up to 4 months, while other people may be advised to wear theirs full-time for 8 to 10 months.

Why arent my teeth straight after Invisalign?

It's normal for your teeth to slightly shift after having your Invisalign braces removed or once you stop wearing Invisalign. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak.

How do I get a new retainer after 10 years?

The traditional way to replace a retainer is to go to your dentist or orthodontist. They will likely already have your impression and can make you a replacement retainer based on that.

How long will 10 Invisalign trays take?

around 3 to 6 monthsThis treatment offers between 5 and 10 aligner trays, which would add up to lasting around 3 to 6 months. It doesn't last as long because there are less issues to correct. If you only have a few cosmetic problems or minor spacing concerns, this would be the quickest and easiest option for you.

What happens when you finish your last Invisalign tray?

The Invisalign® treatment straightens your teeth using special sets of clear aligners over 12 to 18 months. After finishing with the last tray, you will have to put on retainers as your cosmetic dentist recommends. These retainers are what prevent your teeth from going back to their original spots.

Is it possible to finish Invisalign early?

To help people enjoy faster results, Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign, have announced that many people may be able to cut their treatment time in half, simply by wearing their aligners for half the time, at the discretion of their dentist.

How long do you wear Invisalign retainers?

Your Invisalign retainers will also last much longer than the aligners -- you’ll wear them for 6 months before requiring a new set in order for your teeth to stay firmly in place.

How Long to Invisalign Aligners Last Compared to Invisalign Retainers?

Avoid any setbacks by wearing your aligners and retainer for the recommended length of time.

How often do you change out Invisalign aligners?

In order to shift your teeth, you will receive many sets of clear aligners to change out every two weeks. These aligners slowly move your teeth over time, and are not as durable or long lasting as Invisalign retainers.

What is the best defense against shifting teeth?

Your retainer is the best defense you have against teeth shifting.

Can you eat after a set of dental aligners?

During the 3 to 6 month period, you are only permitted to remove your aligners to eat or drink during the day, just like when you were in treatment. Remember, your teeth are the most susceptible to shifting right after you complete your last set of aligners, so it is extra important to be compliant with your post-treatment retainer.

What happens if you don't wear a retainer?

If you don’t wear your retainer, you’ll be at risk for orthodontic relapse. This is when your teeth begin to shift back into their previous positions. This can be problematic for a number of reasons. To start, the changes to your bite can lead to unpleasant consequences like difficulty chewing and teeth grinding. Additionally, misaligned teeth leave you more vulnerable to developing dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Of course, the waste of your time and money is important to consider as well.

How to keep a retainer clean?

Clean it regularly. Brushing your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dentist-recommended cleaner each day will keep it free of plaque, food particles, and other debris.

Why do you wear retainers?

Remember, your retainer is designed to help you preserve your hard-earned results, so make sure to wear it! That way, you can enjoy your new and improved smile for years and years to come.

Do you have to wear a retainer after Invisalign?

However, your perfectly straight teeth won’t stay in their new and improved position without some help. That’s why you’ll be given a retainer following your treatment! Here’s how long you’ll have to wear your retainer after Invisalign.

How long do Invisalign retainers last?

Most patients who have Invisalign treatment can also wear an Invisalign retainer to maintain their treatment results. Invisalign retainers generally last a few years, but over time they will need to be replaced…. Your orthodontist is the best resource to help you with any future replacement retainers you may need.

Why do you need a fixed retainer?

A fixed orthodontic retainer may be used indefinitely to ensure that your teeth remain corrected and you protect your investment.

What are Hawley retainers made of?

Hawley Retainers. There may be times that an orthodontic retainers made out of plastic and metal (called Hawley retainers) is advised. Your orthodontist will make this recommendation based on how your teeth started and what is required to maintain the correction.

What chapter do you go to for Invisalign?

To find out exactly what we do during an Invisalign consultation appointment, continue to Chapter 10.

Do retainers work with Invisalign?

Invisalign retainers gently but purposefully remind the teeth to stay straight after your active Invisalign treatment is completed. It’s advised that all patients who’ve gone through the time, work, and expense of Invisalign should also receive either a fixed or removable retainer.

Do Invisalign retainers keep teeth straight?

Invisalign retainers gently but purposefully remind the teeth to stay straight after your active Invisalign treatment is completed.

Who is the best resource to help you with any future retainers you may need?

Your orthodontist is the best resource to help you with any future replacement retainers you may need.

How Long Do You Wear a Retainer After Braces?

Most retainers should last for years. However, some orthodontists recommend switching them out every 6 months to prevent oral health issues.

How long does it take for Invisalign to work?

5 You wear a series of ‘invisible’ removable aligners over time, and they gradually straighten your teeth. On average, Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months. This period could be longer or shorter. You’ll wear a retainer for the same amount ...

What are the Different Types of Retainers?

Wearing a retainer of any kind prevents your top and bottom teeth from shifting. Retainers are essential during the first few months after you are done with braces. But some retainers are meant to stay in place for life or, at least, last for years to prevent your teeth from shifting.

Why are Retainers Important? What Happens if You Don’t Wear Them?

It is important to wear your retainer as prescribed to stop your teeth from retreating back to how they were before braces. If you do not wear your retainer, your teeth can also shift into new positions.

How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear My Retainer?

How many hours a day you need to wear your retainer depends on the type of retainer. You may be expected to wear clear retainers throughout the day, while others are only worn at night. Meanwhile, a fixed retainer is a permanent wire glued to your teeth, so you always wear it.

When Should You Replace Retainers?

A permanent retainer is exactly that: permanent. Permanent retainers should last you forever but they may need to be replaced if you break them. A permanent retainer can be removed and replaced if necessary.

What is a retainer?

A retainer is an aligner you wear after finishing orthodontic treatment. These trays help keep your teeth straight. After your braces are removed, you will need to keep your teeth stabilized for a retention period. 3 This prevents them from shifting back to how they were initially positioned. A retainer is made of either plastic or metal.

How does Invisalign treatment work?

Invisalign moves teeth differently than traditional metal braces and it’s considered to be a much more comfortable way of getting amazing and straight teeth. The clear aligners are made from high-quality plastic but, just like any other treatment, there are some things you need to know about before committing to the plan.

Common Invisalign Retainers after Invisalign aligners

Your teeth will not move too much once the jawbone regains bone tissue but you still need to wear retainers and maintain the beautiful smile you worked so hard to get. There are many different retainers on the market, so we will name a few to help you make an informed decision.

How to take care of a removable retainer?

Invisalign retainers need to be properly cleaned and stored for the best results. Just like any other oral appliance this one too demands brushing and rinsing every time you take them off.

Final Thoughts

Wearing Invisalign retainers is a lifelong commitment that will ensure you have the best smile you worked so hard to get. The Invisalign treatment is so efficient because the body has a natural process called resorption that softens the jawbone and allows your teeth to slightly shift into optimal position.

Dr Febin Mary George - Editor

With more than 10 years as a dental surgeon, Dr Febin Mary George is passionate about educating consumers around the world to help look after their teeth.

Answer: Retention is key in retaining your smile after Orthodontics

Before a patient begins orthodontics retention should always be discussed.There are 2 options removable or fixed .In general we would tell the patient to wear the retainer full time for 3 Months and then reduce the time to night time.In practice everyone is different,teeth do move and review is always essential .I have patients who still wear their retainers at night 7 years later ....and thats true !Maintenance ,review and assessment of each case is different but I would always inform a a patient that retention is the key to long term success and is something that has to be considered prior to any type of orthodontics.

Answer: Retention After Invisalign

Good Question! After 5 years of being an Invisalign provider and being a firm believer in the Vivera System we have come up with what has produced very good results for our patients. 1. Wear first retainer full time, 24/7 like your Invisalign aligners, for your first 3 months post Invisalign movement.2. Then wear at night. Every night.3.

How Long Do Retainers Last?

Once an individual has gone through an Invisalign aligners process, they will have to wear a retainer for the rest of their lives. While this sounds awful, retainers usually only have to be worn during the nighttime hours.

What do you get after Invisalign treatment?

The first thing that every Invisalign treatment plan patient will receive after their Invisalign treatment is completed is an Invisalign retainer.

How Do Retainers Work?

The orthodontist will make one final scan of the patient’s teeth in the same process used for the Invisalign trays. Once that scan is complete, a retainer will be developed that fits perfectly over the patient’s teeth. This prevents the teeth from going back to their original position.

What is a fixed retainer?

The fixed retainer is commonly used after metal braces. The most-used method for keeping teeth aligned. These retainers have a custom plastic top that fits the roof of the mouth and bendable wire that stretches across the teeth. This form of retainer is simple to clean and extremely durable.

What is a clear plastic retainer?

Clear Plastic Retainers. These are similar in appearance to the Invisalign treatment trays but are composed of tougher material. A Vivera clear Retainer will slip over the teeth in the same way Invisalign trays do. Since nothing goes over the roof of the mouth, is easier for individuals to speak while wearing them.

How to clean a retainer?

The first is that an individual can thoroughly scrub their retainer using soap and water. The other option is purchasing tablets that are specifically made for cleaning retainers.

Why is it important to take care of a retainer?

It is extremely important to take care of a retainer in order to receive the best results. It also guards against having to purchase a replacement retainer too soon.

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