How Long Do Invisalign Results Last?

Question

I have always had straight teeth, but they started to shift when I turned 23 (I'm 24 now and they are still shifting).  If I get Invisalign and straighten my teeth, will the results be permanent, or will I have to worry about shifting again?

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

Many of the Invisalign cases we do are re-treatments of adults who had braces as a teen.  Most often they stopped wearing their retainer and the teeth relapsed.  Relapse often occurs because there is just too much tooth structure to fit the space where the body wants the teeth to be.  With Invisalign, in many cases we will slenderize the teeth to make them fit better.  This will make them more stable long term, but we still recommend retainers at night.

Zach Casagrande, DDS, MS · Answer

Invisalign results will last for the rest of
your life provided that you are following your recommended retainer protocol. Most
doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether
braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually
shifting back towards their initial position. Because every case is different,
please speak to your doctor to confirm if you need post-treatment retainers.

Michael Minars, DMD · Answer

No matter what method is used to move teeth (invisalign and braces), the teeth need to be retained using retainers for as long as you want to keep the teeth aligned.  Teeth will always have a tendency to relapse once retainers are no longer used.  10-12 hours a night with a retainer is all that is necessary to keep them aligned.

Mazyar Moshiri, DMD, MS · Answer

It really depends, with you being a male, some males can grow into their early twenties, especially regarding the growth of your lower jaw. This would cause your bite to change, but your teeth would still be straight.

	You say your 24, so you should be ok. Regardless, retainer wear is a must lifetime. If you are able to wear your retainers to bed every night, your result should never change.

R. William McNeill, DDS, MS · Answer

Just like the other parts of the body, teeth continually change. This is true whether or not they have been straightened with orthodontics. The best insurance against shifting is long-term retainer use - the retainers often being removable and worn part time. In situations where very extensive treatment has been undertaken, your orthodontist may recommend, for extra protection against rebound, retainer wires cemented to the inner surface of your teeth. With consistent retainer use, you can be assured you will have a lifetime of benefit from your orthodontic treatment!

How Long Do Invisalign Results Last?

Answers (10)

Answer: Invisalign results may not last if....

Answer: Invisalign results may not last if....

Answer: Straight teeth need retainers.

Answer: Straight teeth need retainers.

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

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How Long Do Invisalign Results Last?

Answers (10)

Answer: Invisalign results may not last if....

Answer: Invisalign results may not last if....

Answer: Straight teeth need retainers.

Answer: Straight teeth need retainers.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.