What happens after Invisalign®: retainers, results and long-term care

15 / 10 / 2026

What happens after Invisalign®: retainers, results and long-term care

Finishing Invisalign® is a brilliant moment. After months of wearing aligners, you finally get to enjoy your new smile. But the end of active treatment is not quite the end of the story. Keeping your teeth straight for life depends on what you do next.

Why teeth try to move back

Teeth are held in place by the bone and gum around them, and those tissues take time to settle after teeth have moved. Without support, teeth naturally try to drift back towards their old positions. This is called relapse, and it can happen with any kind of orthodontic treatment, not just Invisalign®.

Our teeth also continue to move gradually throughout life. That is why retainers are so important.

Types of retainer

Removable retainers: clear, custom-made retainers that look similar to your aligners. They are usually worn at night. At castle street, a set of retainers starts from £250.

Vivera retainers: made by Invisalign® from a stronger material and supplied in sets, so you have spares if one is lost or damaged. Vivera retainers start from £500.

Fixed retainers: a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth. Some patients have a fixed retainer as well as a removable one for extra security.

How long will i need to wear them?

Most people are advised to wear retainers every night at first, and then continue wearing them at night for the long term. It sounds like a lot, but most patients find it quickly becomes part of their bedtime routine, just like brushing their teeth.

If you stop wearing your retainers, your teeth can start to move within weeks.

Looking after your retainers

• Rinse them every morning and brush them gently with cold water
• Keep them in their case when they are not in your mouth
• Keep them away from hot water, which can warp the plastic
• Bring them to your check-ups so we can check the fit
• Replace them if they become cracked, loose or worn

Looking after your new smile

Straight teeth are easier to clean, but they still need looking after. Keep up with regular check-ups and hygiene appointments to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Some patients also like to finish off their treatment with teeth whitening.

Your result is yours to keep

With good retainer habits and regular care, your new smile can last a lifetime. If you have finished Invisalign® elsewhere and need new retainers, or would like to talk about starting treatment, call our team on 01494 527971.