Need to Wear Retainer 12 Hours a Day After Invisalign?

Question

My orthodontist tells me I need to wear my retainer 12 hours a day forever. Is that correct? I just finished a 21-month Invisalign treatment for crowded teeth. I was under the impression that after wearing the retainer full-time for 3 months I would only need to wear it at night. That would be my preference over the 12 hours a day which is still an intrusion. Could you please clarify.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Initially after moving teeth, the supporting bone is not very dense.  Over time, the bone firms up and retention is not as frequent (leading to nighttime wear, usually while sleeping).

	It is up to each patient how much they want to do.  If they are told 12 hours and only want to commit to 8-9, they can do that.  They MIGHT find that the teeth move quite a bit with less than recommended wear, so results may vary.

	I describe night time use like "magic pajamas".  If I was to say you could be skinny for the rest of your life if you wore certain PJ's, would it be worth it?

	Retention and retainers are a personal choice, but not wearing retainers enough may compromise results.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

Its best to follow what they say. We are not the ones who did your treatment so we cannot tell you something that your dentist already said. Certainly wear it full time for a minimum of 3 months, longer if possible.

Tony Cucalon III DDS · Answer

In my opinion, retention is more critical with Invisalign than it is with traditional braces.  I believe braces' results are more stable than those of Invisaligns.

	The key to a successful Invisalign result is retention.  You should wear your retainer faithfully as directed by your orthodontist.

Susan Goode Estep, DMD · Answer

Once you have completed your Invisalign treatment, it will be necessary for you to wear retainers at night while you sleep.  This keep the teeth from moving back to their original position.

Gabriela Hricko, DDS · Answer

The amount of retainer wear after you have completed invisalign will depend on a few factors. It can depend on the initial position of your teeth, the doctor treating your case, the relapse potential of your teeth, as well as the type of retainer you are wearing. 

	In cases that I treat with invisalign in my office who are in retainers, after a certain amount of full time wear, I advise them to wear their retainer at night for the rest of their lives, or as long as they want their teeth to remain straight!

Need to Wear Retainer 12 Hours a Day After Invisalign?

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Answer: Retainers After Invisalign: When To Wear and For How Long?

Answer: Retainers After Invisalign: When To Wear and For How Long?

Answer: Invisalign Retention Protocol Varies

Answer: Invisalign Retention Protocol Varies

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Need to Wear Retainer 12 Hours a Day After Invisalign?

Answers (5)

Answer: Retainers After Invisalign: When To Wear and For How Long?

Answer: Retainers After Invisalign: When To Wear and For How Long?

Answer: Invisalign Retention Protocol Varies

Answer: Invisalign Retention Protocol Varies

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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.