Whether you’ve been wearing aligners for 6 months or 24 months, you might be wondering what the next step is. More specifically, you might be wondering how long you need to wear your retainer after Invisalign. You can find the answer to this question (as well as why wearing this orthodontic appliance consistently is so important) right here!
Retention Phase: How Long Will It Last?
At your “final” appointment, your orthodontist will take new scans of your teeth so your custom retainer can be made. Sometimes, patients are instructed to wear theirs for 20-22 hours a day, which is often the case when there were a few teeth that were particularly stubborn. Other times, patients are instructed to simply wear theirs each evening while they sleep. To preserve your results, this should be a life-long habit.
Why Wearing Your Retainer Consistently Is Important
Now you might be wondering, “Why do I need to wear my retainer every night?” The short answer is that you want to minimize your chances of experiencing orthodontic relapse. This phenomenon is when your teeth begin to drift out of their perfectly aligned positions and back into their misaligned ones. Unfortunately, upwards of 50% of patients experience this in the months and years following their orthodontic treatment, which is why it’s crucial that you wear yours consistently.
How To: Take Care of Your Retainer
Naturally, you don’t want to have to buy a new retainer every year – that can get pricey! The good news is that there are several simple steps you can take to keep yours in pristine condition, including:
- Storing it somewhere safe when you aren’t wearing it
- Cleaning it each morning and evening
- Taking it off before eating or drinking anything other than water
It’s also a good idea to clean your retainer over a soft towel or a sink filled with water. That way, there is something to break the fall if you accidentally drop them. Of course, accidents happen. If your retainer breaks – even if there is just a small crack – call your orthodontist ASAP to have it repaired or replaced.
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Orthodontics Webster is proud to offer a wide-range of teeth-straightening services, including traditional braces, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign. However, that’s just the first step in ensuring you achieve the gorgeous and healthy smile you deserve. We also offer several orthodontic appliances, like retainers, which are designed to preserve the results you worked so hard for. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to have a retainer made or to start your teeth-straightening journey, get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (508) 943-2100.