Will my teeth move after Invisalign treatment?
This is THE question 9 out of 10 patients ask us at HymySmile. And it’s completely normal.
You’ve just spent 18 months with your aligners. Your smile is perfect. But that little voice in your head says: “What if my teeth go back to how they were?”
Let’s be clear from the start: yes, your teeth can slightly move after Invisalign. Just like after any orthodontic treatment.
But no, it’s not inevitable. And yes, it can be completely prevented.
Why do your teeth "forget" their new position?
Dental memory is real
Your teeth spent years in their old position. They “remember” that place.
The fibers surrounding your roots keep this memory for months, sometimes years.
This is why all orthodontic treatments – metal braces or Invisalign – require a stabilization phase.
Factors that influence movement
- Age: the younger you are, the more easily your teeth move
- Type of correction: rotations and spaces “remember” longer
- Your habits: grinding, tongue pressure, mouth breathing
- Growth: in teenagers, the jaw continues to evolve
Retention: your smile insurance policy
What is retention?
Retention is your insurance policy to keep your new smile.
At HymySmile, we offer two solutions:
Vivera retention aligners (our recommendation)
- Transparent like your Invisalign aligners
- Worn only at night
- Made with the same technology as your treatment aligners
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 months
Fixed retention wire
- Small wire bonded behind your front teeth
- Invisible from the outside
- Permanent but requires rigorous hygiene
How long to wear your retainer?
First 6 months: every night, without exception.
After 6 months: 3 to 4 nights per week is usually sufficient.
Long term: many of our patients continue 2 nights per week. It’s the price of a perfect smile for life.
Our Diamond Provider experience with over 1000 cases confirms it: patients who follow this protocol keep their smile intact.
The warning signs to never ignore
When to worry?
- Your retainer becomes difficult to put on
- You feel unusual pressure when putting it on
- Your front teeth no longer touch perfectly
- You notice a small space reappearing
What to do immediately?
Don’t panic. A micro-movement can be easily corrected.
Put your retainer back on every night for 2 weeks.
Schedule an appointment at HymySmile for a check-up.
In 80% of cases, wearing the retainer more regularly is enough to fix the problem.
The HymySmile method for lifelong stability
The HymySmile protocol
Week 1 to 4 after treatment completion
- Wear retainer 22h/24 (like your last aligners)
- 1-month check-up to verify adaptation
Month 2 to 6
- Night wear only
- 6-month check-up to adjust protocol
After 6 months
- Wear 3-4 nights per week minimum
- Annual check-up to monitor stability
Good habits to maintain
Impeccable hygiene
- Brushing after every meal
- Daily flossing
- Cleaning your retainer
Watch out for bad habits
- Don’t grind your teeth at night
- Avoid biting pens or nails
- Correct any mouth breathing
Regular follow-up
- Annual check-up with your orthodontist
- Replace retainer if necessary
FAQ: everything you really want to know
Not necessarily, but it’s possible. With a properly worn retainer, 95% of our patients keep their results intact after 2 years.
First 6 months: every night. Then, 3-4 nights per week. Many of our patients continue 1-2 nights per week long term.
Put your retainer back on every night for 2-3 weeks. If the problem persists, consult quickly. The faster we act, the easier it is to correct.
Not necessarily for life, but for a long time. Think of it like your beauty routine: a few hours per week to keep a perfect smile is a minimal investment.
Contact us immediately. We can remake a new retainer in 48 hours. Never go more than a few days without retention.
The promise of your Diamond Provider orthodontist
After treating over 1000 Invisalign cases at HymySmile, we can assure you: your Invisalign results are stable and durable.
The key? Respecting the retention phase.
It’s simple, painless, and effective.
You invested in your smile for 18 months. A few hours per week to protect it is the best value investment of your life.
Questions about your retention? Doubts about your results stability?