Do I need retainers after Invisalign?

Quick answer

Do I have to wear a retainer after Invisalign?

Yes. Teeth naturally try to move back after straightening, and retainers are the only reliable way to keep your result.

Most patients wear removable retainers at night long term, or have a thin fixed wire bonded behind the front teeth. At York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet, removable retainers are £199 per arch, fixed retainers £195 per arch, and Vivera retainers £495 for a set of three.

Vivera clear orthodontic retainer and protective case after Invisalign at York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet, Surrey
York House Dental Practice · West Byfleet, SurreyCustom post-Invisalign retainers protect your investment and preserve straight teeth alignment for life at York House Dental Practice.

What you need to know

Teeth keep moving slightly throughout life, whether or not you have had orthodontic treatment. That is why “lifetime retention” is now standard advice. Stopping retainer wear is the most common reason teeth crowd again.

Vivera retainers are made by the same company as Invisalign and are stronger than standard clear retainers; a set of three means you have spares if one is lost or damaged. Fixed retainers are invisible from the front but need careful cleaning with floss threaders or interdental brushes.

Ask whether retainers are included in your Invisalign package before you start. If yours no longer fit, call us rather than forcing them. See Invisalign in West Byfleet and how long Invisalign takes.

Next stepInvisalign in West Byfleet
Trusted West Byfleet Practice

Care at York House Dental Practice

Welcoming new patients, families and emergency appointments from West Byfleet, Woking, Weybridge, and across Surrey.

Lavender Park Road, West Byfleet2-min walk from train station, on-site parking (KT14 6ND)
5.0 Google Rating (330+ reviews)50+ years of family dentistry; GDC-registered clinical team
0% APR Finance & Clear PricingSpread fees over 12 months with zero interest via Tabeo
Same-Day & Saturday AppointmentsUrgent slots from £78; Direct Access hygiene available

Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist