How Long Should I Wear My Invisalign For As A Retainer?

By Orthodontics Editor, on June 22nd, 2009

I recently got invisalign to act as a retainer, not braces, for my teeth. My orthodontist said all day every day for a year, then at night for the rest of my life. On the other hand, my friend, who has worse teeth than me, was told by a seperate orthodontist that she has to wear it for a week all day every day, then only at night. I trust my orthodontist however he hasnt always come up with the best ideas (something called a herbst appliance) or been straightforward with me. So what would be the average and also, what would be the bear minimum.

Invisalign   Invisalign, Long, Retainer, Should, Wear  

3 comments to How Long Should I Wear My Invisalign For As A Retainer?

• be happy!

  June 22, 2009 at 12:01 pm

  well if you have a retainer (this is for your friend) then you have to wear it for 5-6 weeks and then you go get it tightened and then do the same thing for about six months…. then you can wear it at night only. but if his teeth are jacked up then it will be longer than that. as for you, you shouldn’t need to do that. Call another orthodontist for a second opinion and see what he says.

• meee

  June 22, 2009 at 12:01 pm

  every day fro a year is normal i had to do that and then it changed to only at night but it all depends on how long u had braces for! In ur case every night for the rest of ur life!!!!!
  That sounds pathetic wat if u live to be 60 and u still have all ur teeth u no! He needs to be more clear and accuarte! Invisalign is more like braces anyway, not a retainer.
  I would get second opinion soon!!!!! Do u have weak teeth or some kinda crooked jaw or something?
  Is ur doctor certified?
  Even if ur friend had/has worse teeth it also depends on the jaw and its size.
  All in all that seems excessive….the second part does, of wearing it every night for the rest of ur life. The first part sounds normal though. So does the second but its tooo excessive if u ask me!!! I don’t think a retainer can last X amount of years.
  Tell him u need explanation and also get a second opinion by a different professional soon.

• mybell

  June 22, 2009 at 12:01 pm

  forever if you want to keep that pretty straight smile, but maybe only once or twice a week.

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