Finishing aligner treatment feels like a big milestone. Your teeth look straighter. Your bite feels cleaner. Many people think the work ends there. It does not. Teeth can shift again if you do not hold them in place. This is why we talk about retention from the start when we plan Invisalign in Geneva. In this guide, we explain what retainers do, why they matter, and how we help you protect your results for the long term. If you want Retainers in Geneva, we also explain what options exist and how we choose the right one for you.
Why do teeth move after treatment?
Teeth sit in living tissue. The fibres around each tooth hold it in place. After Invisalign, these fibres need time to settle into the new position. Your bite also keeps changing when you chew, clench, or grind. This is normal. It is also the main reason teeth can drift back.
Age can play a role, too. Many adults notice gradual changes over the years. Some people notice crowding in the lower front teeth. Others see gaps reopen. These shifts can happen even if you never had braces. Retainers reduce that risk.
What does a retainer do?
A retainer holds teeth in the position we created. It supports the final stage of treatment. It also protects the alignment while your gums and bone adapt. Retainers do not move teeth in the same way as aligners do. They mainly stop movement.
When we deliver Invisalign in Geneva, we plan retention as part of the same journey. We do not treat it as an extra step. We treat it as the way you keep your new smile.
When do you need to wear a retainer?
Most people need full-time wear at first. That usually means you wear the retainer day and night, removing it only for meals and brushing. After that, many patients move to nighttime wear. The exact schedule depends on your bite, your age, and how much your teeth moved.
We set a clear plan for you. We also check how stable the result looks at your follow-up visits. If we see signs of movement, we adjust the routine early.
How do we choose the right retainer for you?
We look at your bite and the type of movement you had. We also check your gum health. If you grind your teeth, we consider a stronger option. If you travel often, we plan for easy wear and backup.
We also ask about your routine. A retainer only works if you use it. Our goal is to match the retainer to your real life, not to an ideal plan that no one follows.
How to care for your retainer?
Clean your retainer daily. Use a soft brush and mild soap. Rinse it well. Avoid hot water, because heat can warp clear plastic. Keep the retainer in its case when you do not wear it. This prevents loss and damage. If you drink coffee or tea, remove the retainer first. Drinks can stain it and affect its freshness. Always brush before you put it back in. If your retainer starts to smell, looks cloudy, or feels rough, tell us. We can check it and advise on safe cleaning.
Signs your retainer needs attention
A retainer should fit snugly. If it feels tight after a few nights off, your teeth have already started to move. If it feels loose, it may have warped. If you see cracks, you need to replace it.Do not try to bend it back or force it in place. This can damage teeth or the retainer. Contact us, and we will guide you.
What happens if you stop wearing a retainer?
Teeth can shift quickly. Some people notice changes in a few weeks. Others take longer. Small movements can still matter. It can affect how your teeth meet. It can also bring back cleaning problems in crowded areas.If you stopped wearing your retainer and your teeth moved, do not feel stuck. We can assess your bite and discuss options. In mild cases, a new retainer may help. In other cases, short aligner refinement can correct the shift.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to wear retainers after Invisalign?
Most people need long-term nighttime wear. We give you a clear schedule after your final check. The goal is stability, not short-term holding.
Can I get new retainers if I lose mine?
Yes. If you need Retainers in Geneva, we can rescan your teeth and make replacements. If you contact us early, we can often prevent visible shifting.
Do fixed retainers replace removable retainers?
Not always. Fixed retainers support the front teeth. They do not hold every tooth. Some patients still need a removable retainer at night.
Will retainers feel uncomfortable?
You may feel mild pressure at first. That should settle fast. Strong pressure can mean your teeth shift. In that case, we need to check the fit.
How often should I replace a clear retainer?
It depends on wear, grinding, and care. Many last well with good habits. If the plastic cracks, warps, or no longer fits, replace it.
Keep your results stable with the right plan.
A straight smile needs support after treatment. Retainers protect the time you invested and the result we created together. When we provide Invisalign clear aligners , we guide you through the retainer phase with the same care as we do during the aligner phase.
If you have finished aligners or need Retainers in Geneva, book a visit with us at Ortho Studio in Geneva . We will check your fit, confirm stability, and help you keep your smile on track.
