Once your Invisalign treatment is finished, you may be reluctant to wear another oral appliance. However, you must wear your retainer as advised by your dentist or orthodontist. If you fail to wear this as instructed, your teeth may begin to move back into their original positions.
If you wonder, “do you have to wear Invisalign forever?” the retainer is something you have to continue wearing if you want to maintain the results the treatment achieved. Even if you don’t see your teeth moving and shifting at first, the changes will become more noticeable as time passes. For example, if you go a few days without wearing your retainer, it may feel tight when you put it back in.
Keep reading to learn more about the duration of Invisalign treatment and how long retainers are necessary. With this information, you can decide if Invisalign is a smart investment.
Is a Retainer Necessary After Using Invisalign?
The answer to “do you have to wear Invisalign forever?” is yes, but the amount of time you must wear it will be reduced as time passes. While Invisalign will move your teeth differently than how traditional metal braces do, the result is the same. You must wear your retainers after any type of teeth straightening process to ensure the results stay in place.
During Invisalign treatment, you will have to wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours per day, every day. However, after the initial treatment, the retainer usage will be reduced. Just remember, wearing it is necessary to ensure your teeth do not move or shift.
How Long Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?
After a period of 12 months has passed, there should be enough new bone around your teeth to help keep them stable. This means you will not have to wear your retainers often to maintain your straight and healthy smile. However, your dentist will likely recommend that you wear the retainers three to five times per week.
Even though your teeth will not move as dramatically after your jawbone regains enough bone tissue, they can move inward and forward as you age. While you may not notice this overnight, it is something that will occur over the years.
Alternatives to Invisalign Retainer
If you want to achieve straighter teeth and have more confidence in your smile, there are a few alternatives to Invisalign. Some of the most popular options include Byte, Smile My Teeth, and SmileDirectClub. Along with providing the desired results, these options are more affordable options that many people have found effective.
Are You Committed to Invisalign Treatment?
Before deciding if you should undergo Invisalign treatment, you need to ensure you are committed to the ongoing treatment and understand the answer to, “do you have to wear Invisalign forever?” This is the only way you will be able to make the investment worthwhile. Even if you choose one of the more affordable alternatives, you need to make sure to follow your dentist’s or orthodontist’s instructions to achieve the long-term results desired.