Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Congratulations! You’ve completed your orthodontic treatment and are now the proud owner of a beautiful, straight smile.
But you may be wondering, “Do I really have to wear these retainers forever?” The short answer: probably not forever, but it’s more complicated than that.
In this blog, we’ll explain why retainers are important for your teeth and how long you might need to wear them to maintain that perfect new smile.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
You may not need to wear your retainer forever, but you will likely wear it for an extended period. In some cases, your orthodontist might recommend wearing your retainer indefinitely to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Why is it Necessary to Wear Retainers?
Orthodontic retainers help keep your teeth in their new, straight positions after braces treatment. Without a retainer, your teeth can shift back to their original positions, undoing the hard work of your orthodontic treatment.
The length of time that you wear your retainers will depend on your teeth. Generally, orthodontists recommend wearing retainers full-time for the first 3–6 months after braces are removed.
After this period, you might switch to wearing your retainer at night. Consistent use of your retainer after braces is crucial.
Factors Affecting the Length of Wearing Retainers
Several factors influence how long you should wear your retainers:
- Type of retainer: Different types of retainers, such as removable retainers (plastic retainers, wire retainers) and permanent retainers, dictate usage duration.
- Age: Younger individuals may need to wear retainers longer as their mouth and teeth are still developing.
- Compliance: Following your orthodontist’s instructions for proper care and consistent wear significantly affects the outcome.
- Individual teeth movement: Some teeth are more prone to shifting than others, requiring longer retention periods.
A Typical Retainer Wear Schedule
While your orthodontist will give you a personalized plan, here’s a general idea of what you might expect:
- Full-time wear: For the first few months after braces or aligners are removed, you’ll likely wear your retainer full-time, except for eating and brushing your teeth.
- Nighttime wear: After the initial full-time period, you’ll transition to wearing your retainer at night while you sleep. This may continue for several years or indefinitely.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers, like the Hawley Retainer and plastic retainers, are custom-made retainers that can be taken out when eating or brushing teeth. They are easy to clean and maintain proper oral health.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are fixed behind the teeth and are often recommended for individuals with high risk of teeth shifting. They provide a reliable solution to keep teeth in position without the need for daily removal.
Proper Care for Your Retainers
You have to take care of your retainers so that they last! If you had Invisalign treatment, you will be given several retainers at the end of your treatment in case you lose or break one. Here are some tips for taking care of your retainers:
🪥 Clean your retainers daily: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste to clean your retainers. Avoid hot water, as it can warp plastic retainers.
💼 Store your retainers in a case: When you’re not wearing your retainers, store them in their case to protect them from damage and loss.
🚫 Avoid eating with removable retainers: Remove your retainers before eating or drinking anything other than water.
🥵 Don’t leave retainers in hot places: Keep retainers away from hot environments, such as car dashboards or direct sunlight.
Denver Youth Dentistry – Your Partners in Oral Health
Wearing a retainer for life might not be necessary for everyone, but consistent use is the key to maintaining your straight teeth and healthy smile.
If you are looking for an orthodontist in Denver, we can help! We have locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton. To book an appointment at one of our locations, call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online inquiry form.
FAQs about Retainers
Is it OK to wear retainers after years?
This will depend on if the retainer still fits. If you haven’t worn your retainer for a long time, your teeth might have shifted back to their original positions, and the retainer may not fit properly. They can cause discomfort, pain and even damage your teeth and tissues.
How quickly do teeth move without a retainer?
Teeth can begin to shift back to their original positions very quickly because our teeth never stop moving! If you aren’t wearing your retainers consistently, you may notice your teeth starting to shift as early as 4 weeks after treatment.
Are retainers supposed to last forever?
Removable retainers may last several years with proper care but may need to be replaced eventually due to wear and tear. Permanent retainers can last longer, but they still require regular check-ups to ensure they are still effective.
