Invisalign clear braces allow you to take your unhealthy, crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth and move them to appear straighter and more aesthetically pleasing. The months of treatment required to bring everything into alignment are an investment in your time and money, so it’s natural to want your results to be permanent. The most effective way to accomplish this goal is to receive a custom retainer when treatment is finished, but how long will you need to wear it? Read on to find out what a dentist recommends to ensure the longevity of your new smile.
How Long Must You Wear a Retainer?
Retainers are to be worn for a lifetime. While this may come as a shock, the reality is that your teeth need help to remain in their new location.
Initially, you may be required to wear your clear, removable retainer full-time (day and night); however, as your dentist continues to evaluate your smile, you may be able to wear it only at night.
As time passes, though, you will need to wear your retainer a few times a week while you sleep, ensuring that your teeth do not begin to shift. If you notice that it feels tighter, it’s likely because your teeth have moved, which means you will need to wear it more often.
Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is essential to avoid undoing all the hard work you put in to achieving a straighter set of teeth. This means continuing to see your dentist for regular checkups, so they can evaluate your smile and offer suggestions to keep your teeth in their proper place.
What Can You Do to Prevent Retainer Damage?
Over time, it will be necessary to replace your retainer, as it will eventually wear down. There are things you can do, though, to prevent potential damage, allowing you to continue wearing your appliance for longer:
- Keep it in a protective case when you are not wearing it.
- Clean your retainer regularly (every day) so that plaque does not accumulate and transfer onto your teeth after brushing them. If you have a removable retainer, it must be cleaned twice each day with warm water and a soft-bristle toothbrush. You can use clear soap, but not toothpaste.
- Do not attempt to eat while wearing your retainer, as the bite pressure you apply can damage the trays.
Wearing a retainer may be a lifetime commitment, but it will leave you with the kind of results you originally chose to invest in – a straighter, healthier smile that delivers the best quality of life.
About the Practice
Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra provides high-quality, patient-focused, superior dental services to patients who need help achieving a healthier smile. With a team of dentists and specialists on staff, we can care for the needs of each individual, no matter their age. For those pursuing orthodontics, we provide customized retainers to help keep teeth in their new and proper place. If you are nearing the end of your clear aligner treatment and want to know more about the retention phase, contact us at (626) 289-6131.