The completion of Invisalign treatment is a significant achievement, but the journey to a straight smile continues with the retention phase. This mandatory step protects the investment made in aligning your teeth. Retainers are necessary because teeth naturally shift back toward their original positions, a phenomenon known as orthodontic relapse. Understanding the required wear time is the most important factor for maintaining the results.
Understanding Orthodontic Relapse
Long-term retainer wear is necessary due to the biology of tooth movement. During Invisalign treatment, aligners apply forces that remodel the surrounding alveolar bone and stretch the connecting soft tissues. Teeth are suspended by periodontal ligaments, which have a “memory” that attempts to pull them back to their pre-treatment locations. The supracrestal fibers, part of the gingival tissue, are particularly slow to remodel and can take 12 months or longer to fully adapt. Without consistent retainer pressure to counteract this biological rebound, the smile can regress quickly.
The Initial Full-Time Retention Phase
The period immediately following the removal of the final aligner is the most critical stage for stabilizing new tooth positions. Orthodontists recommend an initial full-time wear phase, requiring the retainer for 20 to 22 hours per day. This intensive phase commonly lasts between three and six months, customized based on the case complexity and the stability of the gums and bone. The goal is to allow the supporting bone to solidify and the periodontal ligaments to reorganize around the corrected position. The retainer should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than plain water, and oral hygiene.
After the initial months, the orthodontist assesses the bite stability to determine the transition to a reduced wear schedule. If the retainer feels uncomfortably tight, it indicates the teeth have shifted slightly, suggesting the full-time wear period should be extended.
Lifetime Maintenance and Monitoring
Once the initial full-time phase is complete, retention shifts to a long-term, indefinite maintenance schedule. The general recommendation is to transition to wearing the retainers only at night for about 12 months. Nightly wear is necessary because teeth naturally shift throughout life due to aging and jaw structure changes. After the first year, many patients can reduce their wear frequency to a few nights a week, often three to five nights, to maintain long-term alignment.
Monitoring for wear and tear is important, as clear plastic retainers can wear down or warp over time. Patients should plan to replace removable retainers every one to five years to ensure effectiveness. If a retainer cracks, thins out, or no longer fits snugly, it must be replaced promptly as it has lost its ability to hold the teeth in place.
Types of Post-Invisalign Retainers
Removable Retainers (Vivera)
The most common retention device following Invisalign is the clear, removable retainer, often the Vivera system. Vivera retainers are made using a thicker, more durable plastic designed for long-term retention. They are custom-made to fit precisely over the entire dental arch, providing full stability. Removable retainers are often favored because they allow for easier oral hygiene and support the alignment of all teeth.
Fixed Retainers
Another option is the fixed, or bonded, retainer, which consists of a thin stainless steel wire permanently glued to the back surfaces of the front teeth, typically the lower six. While fixed retainers offer continuous support, they only stabilize the teeth they are bonded to and can make flossing more challenging.
Retainer Care
To care for Vivera retainers, clean them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild soap or specific cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive toothpaste that can scratch the plastic. Retainers should be rinsed with lukewarm water and stored in a protective case when not in use, as excessive heat can cause the plastic to warp.