
Three Reasons Why it is Important to Wear Retainers
- 1: Relapse Can Happen Soon After Treatment Orthodontic work moves your teeth away from the position they are used to, and depending on the complexity of treatment and the patient’s individual circumstances, teeth can quickly move out of line after treatment is completed, sometimes very quickly. ...
- 2: Better Value For Money ...
- 3: Lifetime Straight Teeth
How long can I go without wearing my retainers?
You may even be able to go without your retainer for a week or two. However, any longer and it will hurt to put it back in. If this happens, you should not wear it. Instead, you should order a new one.
Do I really need to wear my retainers?
Do I Really Need to Wear My Retainer? The dreaded answer is yes. Not wearing your retainer for a while can possibly shift your teeth, erasing all the hard work you and your braces or Invisalign did. We know how embarrassing and long the process of perfecting your teeth can be, so honor yourself and the hard work by ensuring that you wear your ...
When can I stop wearing my retainers?
You may receive different instructions depending on your specific treatment needs. The typical guideline for a removable retainer is to wear it full time, except for mealtimes and cleanings, for the first 4 to 6 months after your braces are removed, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists.
Do you still have to wear your retainers?
Once the new bone has developed and your teeth have fully stabilized into their new positions, usually after a year, it’s still crucial to wear your retainer, but you won’t need to wear it as frequently, usually 3-5 nights a week is sufficient.

What happens if you don't wear your retainer?
If you neglect to wear your retainer, your teeth may move back into their original position. This is what may happen if you do not wear your retainer after treatment with braces. Your teeth will begin to move back into their initial place as soon as your braces are removed.
Is it really important to wear retainers?
The most common reason is to help your teeth stay set in their new positions after wearing braces. It's important to wear your retainer because as your body grows, your teeth do some shifting. The retainer helps to control this shifting, which occurs naturally.
Do you have to wear a retainer forever?
This process is called a mesial drift, meaning your pearly whites are always on the move. Your retainers will help prevent this from happening as you age. To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you're going to need to wear your retainers nightly for the rest of your life.
What is the main purpose of retainer?
Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth in the correct place, so they don't move. Think of it this way: Braces straighten your teeth, but your retainer keeps them that way. They help your teeth “retain” their position.
Will my teeth shift without retainer for 2 days?
Retainers are designed to keep your teeth in place, choosing to not wear it for a long period of time will cause some issues. It's fine to miss a day or two because your teeth won't move much during that time. If you go without it much longer than that, then your teeth will start to shift again.
How long do retainers last?
They generally last anywhere from three to ten years. How can you make sure your Hawley retainer keeps working for you as long as possible? Keep it in its case.
Can I go 3 nights without retainer?
Not wearing your retainer for a night or two is not likely to cause an issue, but if you continue to not wear it, the shift can become greater and greater. After about a week or so, it may be difficult to get your retainer to fit back into your mouth.
Can I stop wearing my retainer after 10 years?
But if you had your dental work done when you were a teenager, and you wore your retainer for 10 years after treatment, you may be able to stop wearing the device, if your dentist approves. If you had your teeth adjusted as an adult, you'll wear your retainer for life.
Is it OK to wear retainers only at night?
Most orthodontists advise their patients to wear their retainers for the rest of their lives. However, the retainers only need to be worn at night and skipping a night here and there is no big deal.
Are retainers better than braces?
If there is a slight gap between two teeth, or a tooth is misaligned, a retainer can be an effective solution. The treatment may take longer than it would with braces, but the advantage is that retainers are much less obtrusive, and since they can be removed maintaining good oral hygiene is not a problem.
How often should retainers be replaced?
After six months is a good rule of thumb to follow, but it could also be sooner, depending on how well you take care of them. What's important is to get them replaced as soon as they get damaged or when they no longer fit properly.
How often should I wear my retainer?
While everyone's orthodontist may recommend something different, typically, it is recommended that you wear your retainer every night for the first year. After that, you can switch to 3-5 times a week. Night-time is the perfect time to pop it in as you won't be eating, drinking, talking, or seeing people in public.
What is the purpose of a retainer for a lawyer?
A retainer fee can be used to guarantee that the lawyer will be available to take a particular case. With this type of agreement, the client would be billed additionally for the legal work that is done.
What is the purpose of retainers after braces?
Constant use of retainers ensures that the teeth don't shift or crowd due to lack of space. The teeth will start moving back to their old position in the months following the removal of braces. A retainer can prevent the reversal.
Do retainers make teeth look good?
Simply put, the less treatment you need, the less expensive a beautiful smile is. Retainers are an affordable, easy way to keep your teeth looking as good as possible for as long as possible. If you wear your retainers well you will almost certainly avoid the need for a repeat course of orthodontic treatment.
Can you wear clear retainers in bed?
After a course of treatment from our specialist orthodontists at Whitetree Orthodontic Centre, you will want to keep your new smile just as it is. We recommend that everyone uses some form of retention to achieve this. For most patients, clear removable retainers are worn in bed at night. Some patients also have a fine wire glued to the inside surface of the incisors (a bonded retainer wire) so that these teeth are held securely day and night.
How long does it take for teeth to move after invisible braces?
The teeth are held in place by the nearby jawbone. During the invisible braces treatment, that part of the jawbone softened. This process is known as resorption. That way, the teeth could move to the new position. However, it can take about nine to 12 months before the body deposits new bone in the area. The teeth will not be stabilized before this time.
Can clear braces be used instead of metal braces?
Instead of wearing traditional metal braces, clear braces could be the right choice to reviving your smile. Options such as Invisalign® can help with concerns such as crooked teeth, bite dysfunctions, and a crowded mouth. Beyond this, getting this treatment can have a positive impact on your wellness. You will be able to see why…
Do invisible braces need retainers?
If you want to achieve a more beautiful smile, then invisible braces may be for you. Once your treatment is finished, you will receive a retainer. The right type of retainer for you will depend on your teeth. Your dentist will help you choose the right type of retainer.
Can you move your teeth back after braces are removed?
When the braces have been removed, the patient may be reluctant for another oral appliance. However, this is an important step after having treatment. The teeth can gradually move back to the original positions. This might not be noticeable right away, but it is more obvious over time.
Why does my retainer not fit?
Retainers do not shrink, so if the retainer no longer fits, it is likely due to the teeth having shifted. By following your orthodontist’s directions on retainer wear, you can ensure a beautiful and stable smile for years to come.
What is clear overlay retainer?
There are also clear overlay retainers that look similar to mouthguards or Invisalign aligners. These types of retainers add an extra layer of protection for patients who may clench or grind their teeth, providing cushion and preventing cracks in the teeth from to the pressure.
Why do teeth relapse when you forget to wear a retainer?
One of the reasons relapse occurs is because the gum tissues contain elastic fibers that attach to the teeth and have a memory , as funny as that may sound.
How long does it take for teeth to stabilize?
For some people, it can take as long as 18 months for these fibers to stabilize. Additionally, teeth have a natural tendency to shift on their own over time. This can occur in both people who have had orthodontic treatment and those that have not.
What is a retainer made of?
Traditional Removable Retainers. The most common retainer is the traditional removable hawley retainer that is made of colored acrylic and wire. The wire goes over the front of your teeth, and the acrylic is along the inside of the mouth.
Why do you wear retainers when you have orthodontics?
Retainer wear is crucial for orthodontic patients. Your teeth were gradually moved to their new locations, and it takes some time for the teeth, and bone and tissues that support them to get used to their new alignment. Forgetting to wear your retainer may cause your teeth to relapse back to their original position.
Can you put plastic retainers in hot water?
Plastic retainers can warp under hot temperatures, so never place it in hot water or leave it in a hot car. When the retainer isn’t in your mouth, be sure it is in a case so it cannot be easily misplaced. My number one rule is to never wrap your retainer in a napkin, because 90% of the time it will end up in the garbage.
Why is it important to have a retainer on your teeth?
That’s a good thing… because, otherwise, they would be even harder to move! But it means that it will take some time for the bone and ligament around the teeth to re-form and stabilize in its new position. A retainer holds them in position while that is happening.
What are retainers made of?
At one time, all retainers were made of pink plastic and silvery wire , and were removable. That kind is still available, but now you may have a choice of different colors or patterns — you might even be able to customize yours! Another alternative that may be appropriate is a clear retainer that fits over your teeth, making it nearly invisible. In some cases, you can have a thin wire bonded to the inside of the teeth instead of a removable retainer. It doesn’t show, and you don’t have to worry about taking it out.
What is retention stage?
The retention stage also helps your teeth avoid damage by allowing the process to end slowly and gently.
Why do you need a retainer?
1) A retainer helps to make your teeth stable in their new positions. Your teeth aren’t rigidly set in stone (or in bone) — instead, they are held in place by a hammock-like set of ligaments, and the bone that surrounds them is somewhat pliable.
Do teeth retainers have memory?
Did you know that your bone and gum tissue have some “memory?” Unfortunately, it’s not the kind that could help you on a science quiz — but teeth can “remember” where they used to be located… and, if you leave them alone, they may try and go back there! A major goal of the retainer is to keep your new smile looking great! If you don’t wear it, and your teeth shift back, you risk losing all the time (and money) you invested.
Do you need to wear a retainer?
Well, almost… but now comes the final part of your treatment: the retention phase. That means you’ll need to wear a retainer. Most people find that a retainer is more comfortable than braces — but because it is often removable, there’s the temptation to just leave it off. Don’t do it! Here are the top five reasons why you should always wear your retainer as instructed:
How important is retainer for orthodontics?
Maintaining your beautiful smile is just as important as creating it. You’ll maintain that smile through retention – the second phase of your treatment. Your orthodontic treatment will be successful if you diligently wear your retainer. Here at Thacker Orthodontics, our patients hear us talk a lot about retainers and why they’re an integral part of keeping their teeth in their new and improved positions. To help you understand how retainers prevent your teeth from drifting back into their old placements, we’ve put together this helpful guide.
What is a retainer in dentistry?
Retainers. A retainer is simply a device to keep a patient’s teeth aligned after they’ve completed their orthodontic treatment.
Why are retainers important after braces?
When you’ve spent years in braces or Invisalign aligners, there’s a lot of time and effort that goes into orthodontic treatment. It’s an exciting day you get to say goodbye to your appliances. It’s been a tedious, hard road to a beautiful smile, and you’ve sacrificed a lot.
What is a removable retainer?
The other removable retainer is made up of a wire going across the front teeth, held in place with an acrylic material and clasps. The clasps wrap around the back teeth to keep the retainer in place.
What happens if you ignore your retainer?
If you ignore the retainer, an orthodontic relapse will occur which might require extensive treatment to fix. Your teeth will shift in the years after removing your braces but how much they shift depends on how regularly you wear the retainers.
How long do you have to wear a retainer after braces are removed?
However, depending on your case, you may need to wear a retainer for a couple of years.
Why do you need a retainer for your teeth?
Retainers help accelerate alignment and stabilize your bite.
