Congratulations! You have just completed your Invisalign or braces procedure. Your orthodontist must have put you on retainers now. Retainers are an essential part of your teeth aligning procedure.

Who do I need retainers?

Retainers are the immediate order of business once a patient gets their Invisalign or braces off. Your teeth are now in their new places, but they constantly move, and unless you’re proactive, they won’t stay in one place. It is known as mesial drift, which means your pearly whites are always moving.

Teeth, in a way, recall their original place. Your teeth will desire to return to their usual alignment even if the bones and ligaments surrounding them shift. Retainers help you overcome that and help keep your teeth in place.

Phases of wearing a retainer

Full time

After completing your braces treatment, your teeth will be left loose and unstable in your mouth because of the movement triggered by braces. Your teeth need time to adjust to their new, more upright positions. During this time, you must wear your retainer all of the time.

Night time

After a specific time, your teeth will be well-aligned enough that you can stop using your retainer during the day and only use it at night.

Maintenance

You’ll have to wear your retainer part-time for the remainder of your life to keep the outcomes of your orthodontic treatment long-term. Your teeth may move out of their proper places if you don’t maintain them, leading to many oral health issues.

For most people, the minor discomfort of wearing a retainer part-time outweighs the benefits of improved oral health and a long-lasting straight, beautiful smile.

Can I wear braces at night only?

The answer depends on the phase of treatment you are currently in. It is best to ask your orthodontist about the duration and schedule of your retainer treatment.