Retention is the only way to keep the teeth in place

Lance Timmerman, DMD answers: Do I still need to wear a retainer after Invisalign?

Do you still need to wear a retainer after Invisalign? Or could you simply continue to wear the last Invisalign brace to ensure your teeth stay in place?


Lance Timmerman, DMD
2 months ago
By Lance Timmerman, DMD - Seattle Cosmetic dentist

Whether with wires or Invisalign, once the teeth are moved to the desired place, they won't want to stay there.  After active orthodontics, wearing a retainer is the only way to keep them there.  Over time, the bone will become more dense and retainer wear can be moved to night-time only.

It is as if you were given a gift of pajamas/nightgown that if worn every night would keep you skinny.  Would you wear it?  Even if it wasn't your favorite color?

The aligner materials are not strong enough to wear indefinitely.  The should be discontinued after a month or two.  The Vivera retainers are designed to last much longer.

Web reference: http://www.bestseattledentist.com/html/invisalign-seattle.html
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