Orthodontic Retention: Everything You Need to Know About Preserving Your Perfect Invisalign® Smile

You made it! Your Invisalign® treatment is complete, and your smile looks better than ever. You followed the plan, wore your aligners faithfully, and now your teeth are straight and your bite is aligned. 

But before you close the chapter on orthodontics, there’s one more step to know about. It’s called retention, and it’s essential for keeping your smile exactly where it is. 

Dr. Patricia Swaintek-Lamb and our team at Proud to Smile Dentistry in Bernardsville, New Jersey, are here to guide you every step of the way to ensure your smile stays as stunning as it is today.

Why retention matters after Invisalign

Orthodontic retention is the key to maintaining the results of your Invisalign treatment.

When your aligners come off, your teeth are still settling into their new positions. The bones and ligaments that support them need time to adapt. Without proper support, your teeth may slowly shift back to where they started. 

It’s called relapse, and it’s what happens without the final phase of orthodontic care — retention. Retention helps prevent relapse. It holds your teeth in place while the surrounding structures stabilize.

Retainer types: Which one is right for you?

Dr. Swaintek-Lamb will help you select the retainer that best suits your individual needs. Most patients are offered either a removable or fixed option.

Removable retainers are typically made of clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. They look similar to Invisalign aligners but are designed to hold your teeth in place, not move them. You can take them out when eating, brushing, or flossing. Many people like these because they’re discreet and easy to use.

Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the back of the front teeth. You don’t remove them, and they work around the clock. They’re often used on the lower teeth, especially if those teeth had crowding before treatment.

Both types are effective. The most important part is wearing your retainer exactly as directed.

How long do you need to wear your retainer?

The short answer? As long as you want your smile to stay straight.

Initially, most patients wear their retainer full time for several months. That usually means at least 20-22 hours per day. After this period, many people switch to wearing it only at night. Dr. Swaintek-Lamb will guide you through the transition based on how your teeth respond.

The long-term plan? Nightly retainer wear for life. Teeth can shift at any age, even years after treatment. Wearing your retainer while you sleep is a simple habit that protects all your hard work.

Taking care of your retainer

Clean your retainer daily to maintain its good condition and protect your oral health.

If you have a removable retainer, rinse it with cool water after wearing it. Brush it gently using a soft toothbrush. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the surface. For a deeper clean, use a retainer cleaning tablet or a diluted vinegar rinse once a week.

Never use hot water, as heat can warp the material. Also, always store it in its case when not in use. If you have a fixed retainer, floss carefully around the wire. Our team can show you how to use floss threaders or special tools to keep the area clean and healthy.

What happens if you stop wearing your retainer?

Your teeth may begin to move if you stop wearing your retainer.

It doesn’t happen all at once. The changes may be small at first, like a slight space between your front teeth. Over time, though, the shifts can become more noticeable. If enough movement occurs, you might need full orthodontic treatment again to correct it.

That’s why it’s essential to replace a lost or damaged retainer right away. Call Proud to Smile Dentistry or schedule a consultation online today if you have questions about your orthodontic journey. Your future smile will thank you.