Do I have to wear my retainer forever?

Retainers are a crucial part of the teeth straightening process. Once you finish the Invisalign treatment, your dentist will give you custom-made retainers. It is vital to wear your retainers as suggested by your dentist, so you have a prominent and straight-looking smile forever. Most people get confused when they are told to wear retainers, but there is nothing to worry about as the major chunk of the treatment is already done.

The most common question people ask about retainers is how long they need to wear them? And the answer to this is subjective. If you have minor dental issues, your dentist will initially suggest wearing retainers full-time for 2-3 months.

But you might have to wear your retainers for over 6 months if you have severe dental problems. However, the good news is that you do not have to wear your retainers forever. After wearing your retainers for more than 6 months, you can wear them only at night or skip wearing them for a day or two, which will not harm the progress.

How do the retainers work?

Retainers are made similarly to your Invisalign; they are transparent and the exact size of your teeth, so they fit your mouth properly. Retainers have a specific role to play in your teeth straightening treatment. Your teeth tend to shift back, and retainers hold them in their position, which prevents dental relapse. The main job of your retainers is to fit your teeth and put gentle pressure on them so they do not move. After Invisalign, your teeth leave behind gaps surrounding tissues and bones. And your retainer will hold your teeth in place while the gaps are filled with new and strong tissues and bones.

Last but not the least, if you experience any issue with your retainers or Invisalign, you must consult your dentist for proper treatment.