Completing your Invisalign journey is a big achievement. After months of wearing aligners, your teeth look straighter, and your smile feels more confident. But a lot of patients are confused about what’s next. Is finishing with your aligners the end of the process? The truth is, finishing your Invisalign treatment is the start of a new step in the process; keeping your smile healthy and well-maintained for many years to come.
A visit to a dentist in SW Calgary is a great way to navigate this stage, and if you’re still wondering about life after Invisalign, this article will give you some clarity. Let’s break down what happens after your aligners are completed and what to do to protect your smile and your investment.
What should you Expect Once your Invisalign is Complete?
As soon as your aligners are completed, you’ll notice some changes right away – your teeth are straighter and your bite is improved! But your teeth are not completely stable, and that’s why follow-up care is important. If you got your treatment from Invisalign in SW Calgary, your provider probably discussed the details with you in terms of follow-up.
Here’s what you can usually expect after you complete your Invisalign treatment:
- Retainers—these are designed to hold your teeth in place.
- Follow-up visits—Your provider may schedule follow-up visits to check to ensure your teeth stay in alignment.
- Oral care routine—Keeping up with brushing, flossing and dental visits is important for preventing any shifting.
Do you Need Retainers after Invisalign Treatment?
Yes, retainers are important! If you do not keep the teeth in the new position, they could slowly drift back to their old orientation. Think of retainers as the “insurance” for your new smile! They help hold all the hard work done during aligner treatment in place to protect your results.
If you are looking to find a dentist near you, they can help you decide on the type of retainers, removable or fixed, and how often you will be wearing them.
How Long do you Wear Retainers After Invisalign?
The time frame varies for everyone, and usually, you will wear the retainers full-time for the first few months, followed by sleeping with the retainer at night. Many patients learn to wear retainers for life, mainly at night, but this is not inconvenient and simply provides them with a long-term straight smile.
Here’s a quick overview of average retainer wear:
| Stage | Frequency of Retainer Wear | Purpose |
| First 6 months | 20–22 hours daily | Stabilize teeth after treatment |
| 6–12 months | Nighttime only | Maintain alignment |
| Beyond 1 year | Nighttime as needed | Long-term smile retention |
How to Maintain Straight Teeth after Invisalign?
Keeping your results isn’t just about your retainers. You need to keep your teeth in alignment and healthy. To do that:
- Continue your oral hygiene routines—brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
- Visit your dental professional for cleanings and evaluations.
- Do not engage in habits that could harm your teeth, like chewing on ice or biting your nails.
- Manage the use of retainers, even if you feel stable. Make sure you are still using the retainers you have, as directed.
- Consistency is important. It may not feel like much day to day, but small amounts of work over time will yield great results.
What are the Invisalign Aftercare Tips to Retain Long-term Results?
If you’re wondering what to expect after finishing Invisalign, your primary concern is to protect your smile. Here are some actionable aftercare suggestions:
- Store your retainers correctly— Always relegate your retainers to a case so you don’t lose or crush your retainers.
- Cleaning your retainers regularly— It’s very important that you rinse and gently brush your retainers every single day! Bacteria can grow on them if not cleaned thoroughly.
- Keep in mind— Even though you are not active with your retainers, they can still wear out, so keep your replacement schedule.
- Be aware of movement— If you see movement, you should call your dental provider as soon as you notice movement.
Following these steps will set you up for a healthy, straight smile for years to come.
Keeping Your Smile Strong with Cedarbrae Family Dental
Your journey with Invisalign doesn’t stop when the aligners come off! It continues with proper care and instructions for the proper care and instructions you should have after the aligners come off. At Cedarbrae Family Dental, we are here to assist and guide you every step of the way. Whether it is retainers or a simple routine check-up, our team members will support you with how to protect and maintain the smile you worked so diligently to achieve.
If you’re ready to protect your straightened, healthy teeth from the results of bad habits or accidental mishaps, schedule your post-Invisalign care with us today. Let’s help keep your smile bright, confident, and strong for the future!