What is the lifespan of a retainer?

After completing braces treatment, retainers play a crucial role in maintaining a patient’s smile by keeping the teeth in their new positions. Many orthodontists recommend wearing retainers during the night for life. 

However, any retainer will eventually need to be replaced. A retainer’s lifespan is determined by how well it is cared for, as well as what type of retainer it is: Hawley, clear, or fixed.

The Hawley Retainer

Hawley retainers, the most popular type of retainer, feature a durable acrylic base with metal wires that wrap around the teeth. They typically last 3-10 years. To help this type of retainer last, store it in its case. This will help keep it safe and prevent it from getting lost or damaged. 

The Clear Retainer

These retainers resemble clear aligners. They are made of plastic and fit the whole arch of the teeth. Clear retainers can last anywhere from 6 months to many years. However, they may get loose, warped, or cracked, so be sure to store the retainer in its case and keep it away from hot surfaces such as dashboards and ovens.

The Fixed Retainer

Fixed retainers are small pieces of wire, custom-made to be glued onto the back of the teeth to keep them in place. They can’t be seen from the front and often last 5-10 years. Patients should be careful with hard, crunchy, and sticky foods that may damage the wires. 

Conclusion

The better a retainer is treated, the longer it will last—no matter the type! Retainers should be worn regularly to keep teeth from shifting. If a patient neglects wearing their retainer, it may no longer fit, and they might need more orthodontic treatment. 

Make sure to contact your orthodontis if your retainers are lost or broken to get them replaced as soon as possible. Oasis Kids and Orthodontics is here to help your retainers last. Schedule an appointment today for assistance with any retainer needs.