How long do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment?
It can feel liberating to complete the alignment phase of your Invisalign treatment. Not only does your smile look great, but you feel more confident than you have in years.
The Importance of a Retainer
Now you get to enjoy your beautifully balanced smile, but you need to know that orthodontic treatment is a lifelong commitment. After the aligner phase of Invisalign, you will need to wear your retainer to some extent for the rest of your life.
Why? Because Invisalign straightens teeth by “remodeling” the bone and ligaments that hold them in place. The goal is to remove force from one side of the tooth and transfer it to the other side where there isn’t enough force. So until the bone has fully remodeled, the teeth need to be supported by a retainer to maintain their new position, prevent relapse, and avoid the need for re-treatment in the future.
Dr. Cerina Fairfax is Your Fairfax Dentist
Dr. Cerina Fairfax is an Invisalign dentist who has helped many of our patients enjoy the benefits of a healthy, straight smile. If you would like to learn more about the retainer phase of treatment or have general questions, please call Dr. Fairfax & Associates to schedule a consultation.
