Treatment FAQ

when invisible aligner treatment is complete do u wear retainer at night only

by Janick Green PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Usually, they’ll suggest that you wear your retainers for up to six months after your treatment is over. Once this period is over, you’ll only need to wear your retainer at night for another six months. However, in order to prevent your teeth from shifting back into place, it’s suggested that you wear your retainers a few times a night every week.

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. Instead, they'll only need to wear it at night.Mar 15, 2021

Full Answer

What is an Invisalign retainer?

Invisalign Retainers Invisalign retainers are invisible or nearly invisible and look and feel very similar to the Invisalign aligners you wore during treatment. Most patients who have Invisalign treatment can also wear an Invisalign retainer to maintain their treatment results.

How long do you have to wear retainers after aligners?

Once your aligners are removed, you’ll need to wear your retainers for at least 22 hours a day, or as recommended by your orthodontist. Usually, they’ll suggest that you wear your retainers for up to six months after your treatment is over.

How long should you wear Invisalign at night?

Orthodontists typically recommend you wear Invisalign at least 20 hours out of every day, four hours less than you’d be wearing traditional braces daily. Wearing your invisible aligners at night only can halve the daily treatment time you receive, possibly a lot more.

Should You Wear Your Invisible aligners at night?

Wearing your invisible aligners at night only can halve the daily treatment time you receive, possibly a lot more. So, a treatment plan that you were projected to complete in a year has now ballooned to two years, possibly a lot more.

How long do you have to wear retainers after aligners?

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. At about six months, your dentist in Flint will evaluate your teeth to ensure they're held securely in place.

Is it okay to only wear your retainer at night?

As the bone and gum tissues adjust to your new smile, we may determine that you need to wear your retainer only at night. After about one year of wearing the retainer every night, you may be able to take a couple of nights off each week. However, we do not recommend ever stopping permanently.

What happens if you only wear aligners at night?

With Invisalign or aligner treatment, the teeth are moving forward when the aligners are in, and backward when they are out. Wearing the aligners only at night will cause the teeth to constantly yo-yo back and forth, with no resulting improvement in their position!

Do you have to wear a retainer forever after Invisalign?

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

Will Invisalign work if I only wear it at night?

No matter if your case is minor or severe, you still need to wear your Invisalign braces at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Only wearing your aligners at night means that your teeth won't move according to schedule.

Can you wear daytime aligners only at night?

Invisalign aligners are meant for both day and night time wear, accumulating a total of 22 hours each day. Their invisible aligner trays are meant for daytime wear and cannot only be used at night as this schedule may result in orthodontic relapse.

What do night time retainers do?

Night retainers, also known as OIR (Oral Invisible Retainer) are dental retainers. Retainers stabilize teeth and molars after they have been treated with braces. Seeing as this orthodontic tool is removable and only worn during the night, they are called night retainers.

Can I wear my night time aligners during the day?

No, you cannot. There are no nighttime-only versions of Invisalign aligners. For best treatment results with Invisalign, you should wear the aligners 20-22 hours every day. You'll be replacing each aligner set every seven days.

Why do people wear retainers?

Without retention, aligned teeth can slowly revert to their initial position. This problem is common with dental treatments. Wearing retainers means a person can protect the smile for a long time .

Why do you need retainers?

Retainers help maintain teeth that have been aligned. You may have to wear them during the day and at night. How often you need to wear them will reduce with time. If you want to learn more about retainers, contact your dentist.

What is a Hawley retainer?

A Hawley retainer is a removable retainer which consists of a metal frame that helps hold the retainer and keep the teeth in place. Some clear plastic retainers include Essix and Vivera retainers. These retainers resemble clear aligners. Clear retainers slip over the teeth and are easy to remove.

How long does it take to straighten teeth with Invisalign?

Invisalign® treatment is a popular process used to straighten the teeth. The treatment takes several months. After treatment, it is beneficial for a person to wear retainers. Retainers help keep the teeth straight. Every case is different so you should ask your dentist if you need them after treatment.

How to make an appointment at Oak Tree Dental?

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (7 03) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

Who makes Vivera retainers?

Vivera retainers are highly recommended because these products are manufactured by Align Technology. This company manufactures the Invisalign System. Vivera retainers are made using the same technology used to make Invisalign clear aligners. This means that by using them, a patient can benefit from some qualities found in Invisalign aligners.

Can veneers be used to fix a gummy smile?

Using dental veneers to fix a gummy smile may not be an option that most people have considered, but this procedure can be a successful solution when performed by a qualified dental professional. Well-placed veneers can be used to create the impression of longer teeth and shorter gum tissue.A “gummy” smile simply refers to a…

How Are Aligners Removed After Treatment?

Getting your aligners removed is as simple as removing them in a matter of minutes.

How Long Do I Have to Wear a Retainer?

Once your aligners are removed, you’ll need to wear your retainers for at least 22 hours a day, or as recommended by your orthodontist. Usually, they’ll suggest that you wear your retainers for up to six months after your treatment is over. Once this period is over, you’ll only need to wear your retainer at night for another six months.

Will I Have to Wear a Retainer After my Treatment?

Most people dislike the idea of metal retainers after their treatment. After all, they chose to wear clear aligners than metal braces in the first place. However, it’s incredibly important to wear retainers after your treatment. This will ensure that your teeth won’t head back to their old position.

How Should I Care for my Retainers?

This will also help you save money from having to buy a replacement retainer. One of the most important things you can do to care for your retainer is to keep it clean and keep track of where it is at all times. Bacteria can easily get inside your retainers and later infect your teeth.

How long does it take to remove aligners?

Your orthodontist can quickly drill away these globs and smoothen the surface of your teeth. The entire removal appointment can take less than 20 minutes and is completely painless.

How to get retainer out of mouth?

Take out your retainer when you are eating so food does not get stuck inside it. After you finish eating, brush your teeth, rinse your retainer, and put it back in your mouth. Also, if you have a plastic retainer, do not drink hot beverages with it in your mouth as the heat can cause them to melt and change shape.

Do you have to smile straight after getting aligners removed?

Generally speaking, after your aligners are removed, your teeth should look straight. Gaps should appear minimal and there should not be any crowding between your teeth. If you noticed any crooked or twisted teeth before treatment, you should only see straight teeth when you smile. Plus, you’ll also be able to notice that chewing and biting things will be much easier.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What About Those Nighttime Aligners You Can Order Online?

While you may have seen mail-order, nighttime aligners, this option is meant for very mild cosmetic cases, and even in these cases nighttime aligners do not work well. Treatment also isn’t usually planned and overseen by a certified specialist in orthodontics.

How long do dental aligners last?

These movements need to occur before you move on to your next tray. Cutting your wear time from 20+ hours a day to 8 to 10 hours will mean a treatment plan projected to last 12 months will now last 24 months or more, with less than satisfactory results likely to be seen.

How Long Should I Wear My Retainer a Day?

Now that you know the drawbacks of just wearing Invisalign overnight, you might be asking: Does the same hold true for a clear retainer? How long should I wear my retainer a day? When you finish your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Chan will design and print a custom clear retainer, sometimes referred to as an Invisalign retainer by patients, using our 3D printer.

How long does it take for teeth to revert back to their original position?

However, when you wear the trays only 8-10 hours per day, your teeth have 14-16 hours per day to relapse back to their original positions, and this will happen to a much greater extent.

Can you get Invisalign if you have a gap between your teeth?

If you have a mild case of misalignment, such as a tiny gap between the teeth or slight crowding, but an otherwise healthy bite, maybe you don’t want comprehensive Invisalign treatment.

Can mail order nighttime aligners cause tooth loss?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, without orthodontist oversight, direct-to-consumer treatment like the mail-order nighttime aligners could lead to damage to the teeth and gums, including tooth loss and/or a misaligned bite. At the very least, it likely won’t give you the results you want.

Can you move your teeth with nighttime aligners?

In fact, nighttime aligners may never be able to move your teeth to a satisfactory result. When you wear your Invisalign trays 22 hours per day, the teeth only have 2 hours per day to shift backwards. Since this is programmed into your trays, Dr. Chan’s treatment plan plans and prepares for this.

How Long Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?

This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but you will need to wear your retainers for the rest of your life. After thinking about Invisalign in terms of treatment times, this can come as a shock, but it isn’t bad once you get into the rhythm of things. And if you were treated with Invisalign, you likely already are.

What is retainer in Invisalign?

Retainers hold your teeth in place, preventing them from migrating once you are no longer in active treatment with Invisalign. There are several types of retainers you can choose from, making it easy to find the option that is best for you.

What Happens If I Don’t Wear My Retainer?

Patient compliance is essential to using removable retainers. You might think that this will be easy for you if you did well with Invisalign. However, retainer treatment lasts longer, and once you switch to wearing your retainers every other night, it can be easy to get out of the habit.

What is the oldest retainer?

Hawley retainers are the oldest and most visible type of retainer. They use a plastic mold that sits on the roof of the mouth with a wire that goes across the front of the teeth. Like clear retainers, they’re also removable and customized to fit your smile. But, because there are now far more inconspicuous options available, Hawley retainers aren’t as popular as they once were.

How long do Hawley retainers last?

The biggest plus side of wearing Hawley retainers is that they often last 8 years or more when properly cared for. The downside is that they are the most visible option, and for people who invested in Invisalign treatment, switching from an invisible appliance to a visible one doesn’t make a lot of sense.

How long does it take for Invisalign to relapse?

The greatest risk of relapse is in the first 12 to 24 months after Invisalign treatment when the jawbone might still be in the process of remodeling itself. However, even decades after treatment, without retainers holding the teeth in place, they will migrate.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign aligners place pressure on your teeth, which is transferred through the visible parts down to the roots. The tooth roots are bound in place by periodontal ligaments that attach the teeth to the jawbone.

Why do you wear a retainer every night?

Retainers should be worn every night while sleeping to ensure malocclusion does not recur over time.

How much does invisible aligner cost?

ALIGNERCO offers the cheapest invisible aligners on the market. Treatment costs $1,145 to $1,345 ( or starting at $99 for 11 months with the payment plan). Other clear aligner competitors are more expensive ($1,800 to $2,400). While more affordable, they are also a newer company with fewer reviews than byte and Candid.

Why do you need multiple aligners?

Multiple aligners are used because a single aligner is only capable of moving teeth slightly (1 mm or less).

What is an aligner tray?

Aligner trays are custom-made for every patient, depending on the severity of teeth misalignment (malocclusion). In-office clear aligners, such as Invisalign, can treat a variety of different cases, including: Crowded teeth — when the teeth overlap.

What is clear aligner?

Clear aligners, also called invisible aligners, are a type of orthodontic treatment that corrects misaligned or crooked teeth. They are a virtually invisible and removable alternative to braces designed around convenience and flexibility. Aligner trays are custom-made for every patient, depending on the severity of teeth misalignment (malocclusion).

How often do you need to wear aligners?

Patients get a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. In addition, they must wear them for about 22 hours per day to correct even mild malalignment. Smile Direct Club also offers Nighttime Clear Aligners™ that only have to be worn for 10 hours a day.

When were clear aligners invented?

Vacuum-formed clear thermoplastic sheets were introduced into orthodontics in the 1980s. They were originally used as retainers, but it was quickly discovered that the devices were capable of moving teeth back into alignment. Today, these devices are called “clear aligners.”

Which retainer lasts longer, Invisalign or Essix?

There are several types of clear plastic retainers: Vivera retainers, which are made by Invisalign, tend to last significantly longer then Essix retainers. Vivera retainers cost more, but come in a package deal of 4-8, and with a better fit and longer, durable wear, they tend to be a good deal. Learn more about Essix retainers.

When do you wear retainers?

When you first get your braces off or finish your clear aligner treatment, your orthodontist will provide instructions for retainer wear. For the first few months, most patients will wear their removable retainers full-time, day and night, removing only for meals and drinking, and to brush their teeth and clean the retainers.

How Long Should I Wear Retainers in a Day?

When you first get your braces off or finish your clear aligner treatment, your orthodontist will provide instructions for retainer wear. For the first few months , most patients will wear their removable retainers full-time, day and night, removing only for meals and drinking, and to brush their teeth and clean the retainers.

Why Do Your Teeth Shift?

Teeth have “memory”: the ligaments and structures that hold your teeth in place are elastic, and while orthodontic treatment guides the teeth into new positions, these forces will naturally attempt to draw them back to their old positions.

How to keep retainer clean?

You’ll need to use a specialized floss threader to get under the retainer and keep it clean. You should also take care not to put too much pressure on the bonded retainer, so avoid hard crunchy foods like carrots or hard candy, or at least avoid your retainer when you bite down on them. It also helps to use a water flosser to keep that retainer clear and teeth and gums healthy.

How long do you wear a Hawley retainer?

When your orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll wear the Hawley retainer full-time, day and night, for several months: most orthodontists recommend around 6-9 months. You’ll remove it for meals, drinking anything but water, and to brush your teeth and clean the retainer.

Why do you wear a retainer after braces?

It’s important to wear your retainer after your braces or clear aligner treatment, to protect the gains made in aligning your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their pre-treatment positions.

You Might Have a Lisp

The very first odd thing I was not expecting to experience with invisible teeth aligners was that I had a very strong lisp, at first. For the first week, my lisp was so strong that I actually had to remove my aligner anytime I had a work call or went out in public to interact with people.

You Might Get a Headache

So I’m not sure if it’s just me, but every time I start the new week, I get a headache. I assume this is because of the higher level of pressure put on my teeth with the new aligner. This hasn’t been a major issue for me, but it is an odd side effect that I do wonder is related to the aligners.

You Might Have Nausea

The most unusual and annoying side effect that I attribute to the invisible teeth aligners (and some basic internet research confirms) is that the aligners make me feel nauseas. This is such a strange side effect I was not expecting at all. Honestly, this has been a pretty annoying part of the process.

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