Will I Need a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment?

December 11, 2023

Invisalign makes it possible for people wanting straighter teeth to have a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces.

With its clear aligners and gradual teeth straightening process, Invisalign is popular among both adults and teens who want to bring out the beauty of their natural smile. However, a common question after completing Invisalign treatment is whether a retainer is required.

Understanding the role of a retainer post-Invisalign is essential for maintaining the results achieved during the aligner treatment—here's why you will need a retainer after Invisalign.

Protect the Results of Your Invisalign Treatment

The primary purpose of a retainer is to preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment. Your teeth have been gradually shifted into new positions, and without a retainer, they may drift back to their original alignment over time [1].

In fact, a common reason why adults seek orthodontic treatment is that they didn’t wear their retainers after having braces when they were younger, and their teeth shifted over the years.

Therefore, your Invisalign provider will recommend wearing retainers after completing Invisalign treatment to prevent relapse and ensure the teeth remain in their corrected positions.

Allow Your Smile to Adjust to Its New Position

Following Invisalign treatment, using a retainer helps stabilize and maintain the alignment achieved during treatment.

Since the teeth and surrounding supportive structures, including alveolar bone, the bone that supports your teeth, require time to adapt and stabilize in the new position, wearing a retainer is an integral part of post-treatment care [2].

The retainer holds the teeth in place while allowing the bone and surrounding tissues to settle, preventing any shifts or misalignments.

Types of Retainers and Duration of Use

After completing Invisalign treatment, the orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine the need for retainers.

In most cases, a customized, removable retainer is provided. Your orthodontist will usually instruct you to wear it for most of the day at first, but you’ll gradually taper off to nightly use.

Some patients may require a fixed retainer initially, which is a thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth, providing continuous support.

The orthodontist’s recommendations for retainer use will be influenced by the specifics of your treatment [3]. It's essential to follow your orthodontist's instructions for retainer use to preserve your new smile and maximize the results of your Invisalign treatment.

Take the Best Care of Your Teeth Post-Invisalign

Wearing a retainer as directed by your orthodontist is part of taking the best care of your teeth after your Invisalign treatment. Retainers play a vital role in preserving the corrected teeth alignment, preventing relapse, and ensuring a lasting, beautiful smile. So, wear your retainer and keep your new smile for life!