Going through an Invisalign Treatment takes a lot of time, effort, and work in order to achieve your perfect smile. It’s a lifelong investment and should be cared for and protected as such. You wore your Invisalign aligner trays, brushed and flossed diligently, and now your treatment is done! So what happens now?
In order to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, there are several things to keep in mind once you’re done with your Invisalign treatment.
Retainers: What They Are and Why You Need Them
After Invisalign treatment, retainers are key to keeping your new smile in place. Every patient is different, but most people will need to wear a retainer—especially in the first year after treatment.
What Are Invisalign Retainers?
Invisalign retainers look and feel a lot like your aligners.
■ Made from BPA-free plastic
■ Custom fit for comfort
■ Easy to wear and remove
■ Designed with the same digital technology as your trays
If you’re worried about forgetting to wear a removable retainer, ask your dentist about a fixed retainer. This is a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth. It stays in place and works around the clock—but it does require more careful brushing and flossing.
Why Retainers Matter
Your Invisalign trays moved your teeth into a new position. Now, your bone and gums need time to stabilize around them. This process can take up to a year—or longer if your teeth had large gaps before treatment.
Right after you finish Invisalign, your dentist will likely recommend wearing your retainers full-time for several months. Skipping them puts you at risk for orthodontic relapse—when your teeth shift back to where they started.
That means:
■ You might undo all your hard work
■ You could end up needing Invisalign or braces again
■ You’ll waste time, money, and effort
Once things settle, your dentist may switch you to nighttime-only wear to maintain your results.
Lifelong Support
As we age, our teeth naturally shift—even without braces. Wearing retainers, especially at night, can help maintain alignment for years to come.
■ Removable retainers can be worn long-term—even for life
■ Fixed retainers can last five years or more
■ Both options help protect your investment and your smile
Caring for Your Retainers
To keep your retainers in good shape, follow these tips:
■ Remove them before eating, brushing, flossing, or playing contact sports
■ Clean them thoroughly every night
■ Store them safely—away from pets and kids
■ Avoid biting into hard foods with a fixed retainer
We’ll give you clear instructions on how to clean your retainer—whether it’s removable or fixed.
Retainers also help protect against teeth grinding at night. Because of wear and tear, we recommend replacing them every 9–12 months.
Brushing, Flossing, and Sensitivity
Right after Invisalign, your gums may feel a little tender. This is normal.
■ Brush gently using a soft toothbrush and sensitive toothpaste
■ Floss carefully each day
■ Try warm saltwater rinses to ease discomfort
Keeping your mouth clean is especially important while you adjust to your retainer.
Final Thoughts
Retainers protect your smile, prevent relapse, and support lifelong dental health. Whether you go with a removable or fixed option, wearing and caring for your retainer is a small habit with a big impact.
Questions? We’re here to help you choose the best option and keep your teeth looking great for years to come.
