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?

3 answers to “Do I still need to wear a retainer...”

A: Retention is the only way to keep the teeth in place

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... more

A: Use last Invisalign aligner maximum of 3 months

By Michael J. Thomas, DDS - Los Angeles Cosmetic dentist

Please do not wear your LAST aligner as a retainer for very long. Max three months. Please spend the money and get the Vivera retainers which are made from the last 3-D image of your teeth that Invisalign has on record. They can sometimes even continue to straighten teeth and they are much more rigid. Dont... more

A: Yes, a retainer must be worn after Invisalign

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... more

Comments

Melody5
8 posts
6 Aug 2008

They will give you a last retainer that looks just like your aligners but the plastic is a little harder. They will require to wear as if you just got metal braces off.

susan dowd
1 post
9 Feb 2009

I noticed that my retainer has some discoloration? How can it be removed or cleaned? After taking it off in the morning, I usually brush it with luke warm water but the discoloration is still there?? Please advise.