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.
Just had my first visit to Smile 312 in the Loop—spotless office, friendly staff, and they’ve got Netflix to keep you entertained. Went in for a cleaning and check-up; dropped about $150 after insurance, which felt fair. They broke down the costs and insurance stuff clearly. Scheduling was easy, and... read more
OnI of the most comprehensive and thorough dentists with real interest in the patients and best care for them. I would recommend Dr Mahler to others looking for an experienced and caring dentist. Their staff is also amazing.
When I first arrived at Smile312, my mouth was in complete disarray—I honestly didn’t even know where to begin. That all changed when I met Dr. Mohler. From our very first interaction, he established a sense of trust and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. He took the time... read more
We were seen promptly. The receptionist was pleasant and efficient. Dr Mahler was exceedingly personable and thorough and explained everything in detail. The office was organized and clean with very modern equipment. All aspects of the visit were first rate
Dr. Mahler really took his time with me and made me feel listened to. The consultation I had was a very positive experience.
Dr Mahler and his staff at Smile 312 are the best. They’re friendly, and they listen to all your concerns and they respect your time. I went to see Dr Mahler for TMJ treatment and from day one his recommendations have made a big difference on my discomfort level.... read more
Always 5 stars! He’s THE expert in TMJ and problem cases like mine😁
Always superb.
Flawless.
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.
