So, you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, and you’re looking forward to enjoying the results—congratulations! Your teeth are now beautifully straight, and you may already be feeling your confidence rise. However, your journey isn’t quite over yet. To keep your new smile in place, you’ll need to wear a retainer. If you’re wondering how long you’ll need one, continue reading. You’ll learn more about these critical oral appliances, why they’re important, and how long you’ll need to wear yours to preserve your gorgeous grin.
At Smile312, our Chicago dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every smile. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we combine expertise, compassion, and modern technology to keep your teeth healthy and your experience stress-free. Discover dentistry that puts your comfort and wellness first.
Without a retainer, your teeth will begin to drift back to their original positions over time. This happens because the ligaments and tissues supporting your pearly whites need time to adjust to their new alignment. Retainers hold your teeth in place, giving these structures the stability they need to “set” in their new positions.
Skipping retainers can undo months or years of orthodontic progress, so they’re a critical part of maintaining your results! Because they’re so important for the support of your results, you’ll need to continue wearing them for life. However, there are different phases you’ll go through, gradually decreasing your wear time.
For most patients, the first 3 to 6 months after Invisalign are incredibly important. During this time, you’ll likely need to wear your retainer full-time, meaning 20-22 hours per day. This is similar to your Invisalign wear time and ensures your teeth remain stable as your jaw adjusts to their new positions. Your dentist will let you know exactly how long this full-time phase will last, depending on your case.
After the initial phase, you’ll transition to wearing your retainer only at night. This phase can last for several years, but the exact timeline varies from patient to patient. Thankfully, many people find that wearing a retainer at night is an easy adjustment that becomes part of their routine, just like oral care.
Even after years of retainer use, occasional wear is often recommended to keep your results for life. Teeth can shift naturally with age, so a few nights a week with your retainer can prevent unwanted movements.
Retainers are a small commitment compared to the time and effort you put into Invisalign. By following your dentist’s recommendations, you can enjoy your straight smile for a lifetime! If you have any other questions about retainers or need more guidance, reach out to your dentist. They’ll be happy to help you with this important milestone for your smile.
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler is a dedicated dentist with a passion for people. He earned his dental doctorate from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has been providing quality care for over 30 years! Today, he’s proud to use state-of-the-art dental technology like clear aligners to help patients achieve dazzling results. Call (312) 224-9916 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at Smile 312 Chicago’s Premier Dentist or visit our website to see a full menu of services.
Our patients’ satisfaction is our top priority. From routine checkups to advanced dental care, we make sure every smile leaves our office healthier and happier.
I walked in to see the dentist for a consultation. I thought I would be turned back due to not having an appointment. Amazingly, the doctor welcomed me, examined me in a professional and friendly way. Frankly, he took the time to check my teeth and explained in details his... read more
Experience is always top tier! Staff and doctor very friendly
Always 5 stars! He’s THE expert in TMJ and problem cases like mine😁
Our entire family have had an excellent experience with Dr. Mahler and his staff over the past 20 years. The office staff is always polite and efficient. Appointments have been easy to schedule, and we have rarely waited even a few minutes to be seen once in the office. Dr. Mahler... read more
I went in for an appointment to start the process of getting Invisalign, ended up finding out about other more important issues going on in my mouth. Thanks Dr. M. for being honest and candid about the health of my teeth and gums. Health is more important than aesthetics!
Loved my visit friendly staff and Dr. Mahler is so knowledgeable he listened and asked me great questions about my health
Dr Mahler is very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He will do what’s best for his patient and walk you through the process so you are fully informed. His staff is also very helpful and customer centric. Great practice!
The staff is very friendly and helpful. The care I receive is exceptional and the interest regarding my overall health is comforting and reassuring that I am being listened to not just regarding my dental health.
Thanks Dr. Mahler and the dental assistants for providing a professional and excellent service. Update: Dr. Mahler is the best dentist I have had after I visited some other dentists. He is very patient, professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He fixed my old crown and recommended another oral surgery expert Dr. Zager... read more
I had a wonderful experience at the dentist office today. Dr. Mahler is an excellent dentist. He takes his time and explains to you was he's doing while he performs his job. His staff is very professional and kind.
