{"id":179,"date":"2021-03-15T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/?p=179"},"modified":"2021-04-15T12:01:10","modified_gmt":"2021-04-15T12:01:10","slug":"discreet-invisalign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harrisonburgsmiles.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/15\/discreet-invisalign\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long is a Retainer Worn After Invisalign Treatment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Once you\u2019ve completed treatment with your Invisalign aligners, there is still yet another step to complete: wearing the retainer. Its purpose is to help the teeth maintain their position while the bone and connective tissue grow around the base to solidify your results. How long will you have to wear the retainers, though? As you continue reading, get the answer and discover why it\u2019s so important to follow the Invisalign<\/a> post-treatment instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Long Must You Wear Your Retainer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because each patient is unique, every aspect of the Invisalign process is customized to meet his or her needs. However, the initial protocol for wearing the retainer is rather consistent across the board. It\u2019s typically recommended that patients wear the appliance for 12 to 22 hours a day \u2013 every day \u2013 for three to six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After this point, most patients can stop wearing the retainer during the day. Instead, they\u2019ll only need to wear it at night. This will usually need to be done for 12 months after Invisalign treatment has concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Danger of Not Following the Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Invisalign treatment requires financial and time investments. The last thing you want to do is compromise your results after you\u2019ve worked so hard to achieve them. Failing to follow the dentist\u2019s protocols could result in your teeth regressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even after a retainer has been worn for up to six months, some patients may still be subject to their teeth shifting over time due to the pressure exerted when chewing. Thus, many dentists strongly recommend that patients wear a retainer several nights a week for the rest of their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Caring for Retainers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because excellent oral health is always a primary focus, it\u2019s critical that you take proper care of your retainer, as to discourage bacteria growth. Thorough maintenance will also prevent any damage to your retainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to implement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n