How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign Retainers?

It takes 9-12 months for your body to build up enough bone to stabilize your teeth after using Invisalign clear aligners. Learn how long you should wear them and other tips.

How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign Retainers?

It takes 9 to 12 months for your body to build up enough bone to stabilize your teeth, so you should wear the retainer for at least 9 to 12 years or as directed by your dentist. Immediately after treatment, you will be instructed to wear the retainers between 12 and 22 hours a day for approximately six months. After that, you can reduce the amount of time you wear them to just at night. Around 12 months, you can switch 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.” The answer to “do you have to use Invisalign forever?” is yes, but the amount of time you have to use it will decrease over time. Invisalign moves teeth differently than traditional metal braces do, but the result is the same. You should wear your retainers after any type of teeth straightening process to ensure that the results stay in place. Permanent retainers after Invisalign are most commonly used for people whose teeth are likely to relapse.

It is generally recommended that patients use the device 12 to 22 hours a day, every day, for three to six months. Invisalign clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material, which is more comfortable and provides a better fit than other brands. There are several options available to make Invisalign treatment more affordable, such as using insurance and tax-free money or setting up a monthly payment plan. As you progress through your Invisalign tray series, your aligners will gently guide your teeth into a more aesthetically pleasing and fully functional position.

It takes a while for your teeth to “settle”, so it's recommended that you wear the retainer no later than in the months immediately following treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, so people may not even realize you're wearing them. If you're considering Invisalign for your child, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Omaha, NE 68132, USA today. If you want to achieve straighter teeth and have more confidence in your smile, there are alternatives to Invisalign available.

The last thing you want is to accidentally lose or break your Invisalign retainer, potentially compromising your new and improved smile in the process. Your insurance may cover part of the cost of treatment with Invisalign or you may pay a certain amount in dollars. After treatment with Invisalign, it's normal for teeth to move continuously due to the effects of chewing, biting, swallowing and talking.

Bernadette Livas
Bernadette Livas

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