Retainers
Although we would wish otherwise, the biology of teeth will cause them to shift back to their original position unless a retainer is worn.
Straightening teeth is a time-consuming process. To protect the time you have invested in your treatment, it is critical that the retainer is worn consistently, and if the retainer is lost it should be replaced immediately! We have found that teeth can shift, or relapse, in as little time as a few days for some individuals. This is why after removing your braces at the completion of treatment, we'll have your retainers ready the same day in the afternoon, or by the next day.
How often should I be wearing my retainer?
Usually, we recommend wearing retainers full time for at least six months after completion of treatment, then thereafter at night time for a lifetime.
Do I still need to come back to the orthodontist after receiving my retainers?
Yes! We monitor our patients for a full year after their treatment is complete to make sure their retainers are still fitting well. It is important for patients to bring their retainers to their retainer check appointments!
Are Retainers uncomfortable?
When retainers are first worn, there is a period of adjustment. You may notice increased saliva, slight speech impairment, and areas of tenderness. This is normal and usually resolves in a few days. Continuous wear of the retainers will speed up this process. Speaking out loud as much as possible during the first couple of days will allow your tongue to get used to the retainers.
Will my retainers need to be replaced?
Like shoes or a toothbrush, retainers will eventually wear out and need replacement within 2 years, although the time will vary based on how well the retainers are cared for. If you are noticing accelerated wear of your retainer due to night time grinding, you may consider seeing your dentist for a night guard.
Here are some tips for preventing retainer loss:
Straightening teeth is a time-consuming process. To protect the time you have invested in your treatment, it is critical that the retainer is worn consistently, and if the retainer is lost it should be replaced immediately! We have found that teeth can shift, or relapse, in as little time as a few days for some individuals. This is why after removing your braces at the completion of treatment, we'll have your retainers ready the same day in the afternoon, or by the next day.
How often should I be wearing my retainer?
Usually, we recommend wearing retainers full time for at least six months after completion of treatment, then thereafter at night time for a lifetime.
Do I still need to come back to the orthodontist after receiving my retainers?
Yes! We monitor our patients for a full year after their treatment is complete to make sure their retainers are still fitting well. It is important for patients to bring their retainers to their retainer check appointments!
Are Retainers uncomfortable?
When retainers are first worn, there is a period of adjustment. You may notice increased saliva, slight speech impairment, and areas of tenderness. This is normal and usually resolves in a few days. Continuous wear of the retainers will speed up this process. Speaking out loud as much as possible during the first couple of days will allow your tongue to get used to the retainers.
Will my retainers need to be replaced?
Like shoes or a toothbrush, retainers will eventually wear out and need replacement within 2 years, although the time will vary based on how well the retainers are cared for. If you are noticing accelerated wear of your retainer due to night time grinding, you may consider seeing your dentist for a night guard.
Here are some tips for preventing retainer loss:
- Keep your retainer case with you at all times!
- Always have the retainer in the case or in your mouth, and nowhere else!
- Never wrap your retainers in a paper towel
- Do not leave your retainers within reach of pets! They love to use them as chew toys!
- After eating, try to brush your teeth if possible or at least rinse with water before wearing your retainers again.
- After drinking anything besides water, remove your retainers and rinse your mouth and the retainers with water before wearing them again.
- Clean your retainer right after removing it from your mouth while it is still wet. This makes it easier to clean off debris before it hardens.
- Brush your retainer with cold water after each meal.
- You can use a cotton swab to reach the deeper grooves in the retainer
- You may soak your retainers in Retainer Brite cleaning solution once a week to help keep them fresh.