Invisalign After Care Instructions

Congratulations on the completion of your Invisalign care! You have worked so hard to achieve this beautiful new smile!  We now want to retain the changes that we have made.  Teeth have incredible memory and will slowly return to a state of crowding if a retainer is not worn regularly.  Eventually, you will only need to wear your retainers at night while you sleep.


To transition you from full time “active” Invisalign treatment to “passive” retainers we are advising the following sequence of retainer wear:


First month:  Wear your retainers full-time, just like you are in “active” treatment.


Second month: Wear your retainers for 20 hours.  Take four hours off at some point in the day. 


Third month: Wear for 18 hours.  Take six hours off during the day. 


Fourth month:  Wear for 16 hours.  Take eight hours off during the day.


Fifth month:  Wear for 14 hours.  Take ten hours off during the day. 


Sixth month: Wear for 12 hours. Take twelve hours off during the day.


Seventh month: You are now ready to try night time use only (wear for 8 hours)!


When you put your retainers back in after having them out, they should feel “passive” and not tight, like teeth have not moved! If at any point your teeth feel tight in the trays and not passive, you may have to lengthen the weening period.


  • Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a wet toothbrush (no toothpaste which scratches). Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
  • Always bring your retainers to your appointments. We will clean them for you!
  • Remove retainers when swimming.