After dedicating months or years to the teeth-straightening process, the day has finally arrived: your last Invisalign appointment! At this visit, your dental team will take the “after” photos, answer any questions you have about life after orthodontic treatment, and provide you with a custom retainer. Although retainers today are just as discreet and comfortable as aligners, you might still be interested in learning how long you need to wear yours. Here’s the answer!
THIS Is How Long You Need to Wear Your Retainer
Previously, patients were instructed to wear their retainer for a year or two following their time with braces. However, recent research discovered that upwards of 50% of patients experienced orthodontic relapse, which is when the teeth begin to shift back into their previously misaligned positions. As a result, patients are now instructed to make wearing theirs each night a lifelong habit.
How to Take Care of Your Retainer
Naturally, you don’t want to have to replace your retainer every year – that can get pricey! That’s why we recommend adopting good habits, like:
- Taking it out before eating or drinking anything (other than water)
- Putting your retainer in its designated case anytime you aren’t wearing it
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean it each morning and night
- Soaking it regularly in a dentist-recommended cleaner
What to Do If Your Retainer Breaks
Even if you do your best to take great care of your retainer, accidents sometimes happen – that’s okay! If your retainer has a small chip, a large crack, or it has split into several pieces, don’t hesitate to contact your dental team. The sooner you do, the sooner they can begin the process of having it repaired or replaced, reducing your chances of experiencing orthodontic relapse in the process.
About the Practice
It’s important to our team at Michel Dental that – in addition to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile – we do our part to ensure you can enjoy the results of your treatment in both the short and long term. So, even after your “final” Invisalign appointment, you can always get in touch with us if you have any questions about life after clear aligner treatment, you need a new retainer, or you simply need to schedule your next checkup. Just get in touch with us via our website or call our Topeka or Silver Lake office. We look forward to hearing from you!