How Long Will I Have to Wear a Retainer?

Do you know that even after braces, it only takes a couple of hours for teeth to start shifting back into their original places? Thankfully, wearing a retainer faithfully can help prevent this problem.

Retainers are molds fitted to your mouth that keep teeth in place. Some retainers look more like a mouth guard, while others have a wire across the front of the teeth, like braces. Consistently wearing your retainers is a great way to ensure your teeth will be as straight as they were when you first finished braces treatment. 

Why Should I Wear a Retainer?

Especially in the beginning, teeth are vulnerable to moving back to their original places. The bones and tissues in the mouth are still shifting and rebuilding. Retainers help hold the teeth in place for the jawbone and ligaments to solidify the positions of the new teeth after braces. 

Short Term Retainer-Wear

For the first 3-6 months after you get your braces off, you should wear your retainer for at least 22 hours a day. You can remove your retainers to eat, drink things other than water, brush, floss, and wear a mouthguard for sports. However, you should put them back in immediately after.

Long Term Retainer-Wear

After around 6 months, you should be able to wear your retainer only during the night. You should wear your retainer every night for at least the length of time that you had your braces on. With your dentist’s approval, you can transition to wearing your retainer a couple of times a week, such as every other night.

If you have more questions on retainer options, contact our office to schedule a consultation today!