Completing clear aligner therapy is a milestone—teeth look straight, photos feel easier, and confidence jumps. Without retainers, however, fibers in the gums and bone allow teeth to drift back toward their original positions, sometimes within months.
Wear schedule
Most patients start full-time retainer wear, then transition to nights only as directed. Skipping nights during travel or “just for a week” is when relapse commonly starts.
Caring for retainers
Rinse after removal, brush gently without hot water, and store in the case—not a napkin that gets thrown away. Bring retainers to checkups so we can confirm fit and order replacements before they warp.
Related care at our Houston office: Invisalign clear aligners.