Yes, a retainer must be worn after Invisalign

Ryan Sellinger, 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?


Ryan Sellinger, DMD
9 months ago
By Ryan Sellinger, DMD - Manhattan Cosmetic dentist

After tooth movement with either traditional braces or invisalign there is a tendency for the teeth to want to migrate to their original position. Teeth are held in the jaw with a periodontal ligament that is very elastic and has a propensity to retreat to its previous position. This is why wearing some type of retainer is necessary.

With invisalign the last aligner can be worn as a retainer and it is only necessary to wear it at night when sleeping.

Other types of retainers can be worn to do the same task that may be more practical for some patients.

 

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