If Invisalign Retainer is Only Worn for 12 Hours a Day After Treatment Will Teeth Remain in Position?

Question

I will be completing a 9 month invisalign course in a few months and I have been offered two forms of retention: - fixed wire - Invisalign retainer Fixed would be preferable but teeth would touch wire and would need "dahl principle" to solve. Sounds quite dramatic. With a fixed retainer if I only wore this for 12 hours a day would my teeth remain in position or would it have to be worn for longer? Can't bear thought of having to wear it for 20+ hours a day like with Invisalign braces currently

Pamela Marzban, DDS · Answer

For every Invisalign case, we give our patients a set of Invisalign retainers to wear just at night for the rest of their life. After spending money and time you do not want to go back and let your teeth shift. Wearing retainers every night is more than enough, it will protect your teeth also while you sleep, if you clinch.

R. Scott Smith, DMD · Answer

The so called "Invisaling Retainer" is also referred to as an Essix retainer. 

	Upon the completion of orthodontic treatment, retainers are always used. Some people can have very stable results while others will see some tooth movement within hours after the retainer is removed. There will always be tooth movement throughout a life time whether you had braces or not. Malocclussions are very stable. This why retainers are used. 

	 

	Wearing a fixed retainer can present potential problems. It tends to prevent excellent oral hygiene. It is more difficult to floss with a fixed retainer so that there is a potential for decay and gum disease. They can also break or debond. When this happens, teeth can shift. If it comes loose, it could be swallowed or even worse, aspirated. 

	 

	Removable retainers are much more hygienic in that they are removed for brushing and flossing. 

	 

	This is a personal subject between yourself and your orthodontist.

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

12 hours per day should be adequate for necessary retention after completion of invisalign treatment.  There is no need to wear them longer

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

12 hours/day is adequate time for an Invisalign or Vivera retainer to be worn nightly to keep the teeth in position. No need to wear them longer.

Lawrence Singer, DMD (in memoriam) · Answer

During the first year 12-14 hours a day wear should be adequate.  Fixed or metal retainers are more secure in the long run.  After a year wear should dwindle down to night time only.   Retainers should always fit snug or that is an indication they are distorted or you might need them looked at.

If Invisalign Retainer is Only Worn for 12 Hours a Day After Treatment Will Teeth Remain in Position?

Answers (5)

Answer: Invisalign Retainer CAN be worn for 12-hours/day

Answer: Invisalign Retainer CAN be worn for 12-hours/day

Answer: Invisalign retention

Answer: Invisalign retention

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If Invisalign Retainer is Only Worn for 12 Hours a Day After Treatment Will Teeth Remain in Position?

Answers (5)

Answer: Invisalign Retainer CAN be worn for 12-hours/day

Answer: Invisalign Retainer CAN be worn for 12-hours/day

Answer: Invisalign retention

Answer: Invisalign retention

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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.