After Invisalign®, most patients wear retainers full-time (20–22 hours/day) for the first few months, before transitioning to indefinite nightly wear to maintain results. The exact timeline varies, but long-term (often lifelong) nighttime wear is typically recommended to prevent teeth from starting to shift back. Regardless of your circumstance, skipping or stopping retainer use too early can allow teeth to move back toward their original positions, undoing months of progress.
What to Expect After Invisalign Treatment
Once your orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear braces in Brentwood, TN, is complete, your teeth still need time to stabilize in their new positions. At Haley E. Schmitt Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, retention is considered just as important as the aligner phase itself. This matters because teeth naturally shift over time due to everyday forces like chewing and grinding.
For most patients, we recommend a phased approach:
- For the first few months, wearing retainers full-time, similar to aligners
- After stabilization, a gradually reduction to only evenings and nighttime
- Long-term, nightly wear to maintain alignment
Dr. Haley E. Schmitt and our expert customize retainer recommendations to your specific case, bite, and long-term goals. Some patients may transition to nighttime wear sooner, while others benefit from extended full-time use.
Experience Invisalign Clear Braces in Brentwood, TN!
If you’re searching for a trusted dentist in Brentwood to guide you through the Invisalign treatment process and help you protect your long-term results, contact Dr. Haley E. Schmitt and our caring and experienced team to schedule a consultation!