Yes, you will need to use a retainer after treatment with Invisalign. Even though Invisalign moves teeth differently than traditional metal braces, the result is the same. Immediately after your treatment, you will be instructed to use the retainers between 12 and 22 hours a day for approximately six months. From there, you can switch to wearing them only at night, allowing you to go throughout the day without worrying about them.
Around 12 months, you can transition to wearing your retainers three to five nights a week. So, while you should use them consistently throughout your life, you won't need to use them “forever”. It is generally recommended that patients use the appliance 12 to 22 hours a day, every day, for three to six months. After this point, most patients can stop using the retainer during the day.
Instead, they will only have to wear it at night. This will usually need to be done for 12 months after you have finished treatment with Invisalign. Despite the fact that the patient will only have to wear it at night, the retainer should be used for about a year. Once the year is over, the patient will only need to use the retainer every other night.
However, dentists will advise them to continue doing so for the rest of their lives, as the teeth will eventually return to their original position before treatment if retainers are not used. When you're excited after your Invisalign treatment, “how long to wear a retainer” may not be the first question that comes to mind. After six months, the orthodontist will examine the mouth to make sure the teeth are properly positioned before allowing the patient to switch to using the retainer only at bedtime. Completing treatment with Invisalign is an exciting milestone because it means that you have finally achieved your desired goal for your teeth and no longer have to wear aligners for 22 hours a day. However, it is important that you continue wearing your retainer in order to maintain your new smile. The jaw partially softens during treatment with Invisalign so that your teeth can move into their desired positions.
As such, it is essential that you use orthodontic retainers after treatment in order to ensure that your teeth stay in place while new bone is deposited. If you want straighter teeth and more confidence in your smile without having to wear retainers forever, there are some alternatives to Invisalign. Kathryn Swan, a board-certified orthodontist, recommends that everyone wear a retainer after completing treatment with Invisalign in order to keep their smile in perfect condition. Invisalign offers a subtle and convenient way to correct crooked teeth within 6-24 months depending on the severity of the case.
