How Long Do You Have to Wear Retainers

The precise duration needed to wear retainers to maintain your new smile varies according to your treatment plan. In most cases, the process takes at least 5–7 months. However, there are various ways retainers can be used during this process. Permanent or removable retainers can help maintain your new smile, and the choice largely depends on what your orthodontist recommends.

We will go over more details below about how the duration of retainer wear varies according to different circumstances and preferred materials.

Do You Have to Wear Retainers Forever?

Retainers are very important to wear all the time in the first few months after your clear aligners treatmentis completed. This is because the process of realigning your teeth with clear braces and other orthodontic tools tends to make the bone soft and malleable. Once the teeth have been realigned, it’s easy for them to move back to their original place. Retainers prevent exactly that from happening, so you do not end up wasting any of the money and time spent on your orthodontic treatment.

Children have it a little easier than adults when it comes to keeping teeth in the proper shape. Once the bone hardens around the realigned teeth, it’s more likely to stay that way. Because adult jaws are much stronger, they have a greater chance of relapse and misalignment, but that does not mean there’s no solution for them.

Regardless of invisible braces, our teeth tend to shift over time as we age.

Wearing a retaineras an adult can help keep a smile in place for years to come, so in some cases, it’s recommended to wear a retainer every night for the rest of your life. For children, a retainer can achieve a long-lasting smile when worn for at least one year.

How Should I Care for My Retainers?

The removable nature of Hawley and plastic retainers makes them straightforward to clean. It’s recommended to brush your teeth and removable retainers with tap water after every meal. You can clean them more thoroughly with a specific retainer cleaner or consult your orthodontist.

Fixed retainers tend to present challenges when flossing your teeth for proper cleaning, but you can ask your dentist or orthodontist for help in finding the best technique to clean your teeth with a fixed retainer.

How Long Should I Wear Retainers a Day?

As mentioned above, it’s important to wear your retainers constantly during the first 4–6 months after the completion of clear braces treatment. If you don’t do this, it’s easy for your teeth to relapse, and you’ll lose all the benefits of your orthodontic treatment. Beyond this, how long you should wear a retainer also depends on the type of retainer you use. There are a few different options your orthodontist may recommend depending on your treatment and circumstances:

How Many Hours Should I Wear My Retainers?

While there’s no hard and fast number because every situation and treatment is different, you should expect to wear retainers for at least 20–22 hours a day in the first 4–6 months following aligner treatment. After this period, wearing your retainers overnight should help keep your teeth aligned properly.

Permanent Retainers

Also called bonded retainers, fixed retainers, or lingual wires, permanent retainers are sometimes suggested by orthodontists if you have difficulty handling removable retainers. You’ll often hear about them being used for the bottom teeth to help keep everything in place. Just as the name implies, permanent retainers don’t need to be taken on and off, but they can be difficult to maintain (especially if the wire snaps or debonds) and may potentially cause tartar and plaque buildup.

Removable Retainers

You can find both Hawley and clear plastic retainers that can be removed easily—typically for eating and brushing teeth. Hawley retainers are made of thin metal wire and plastic (or acrylic) that is shaped to fit inside your mouth. They’re not always popular on account of being visible, but they can last for years when cared for properly and will keep teeth straight as long as you wear them as your orthodontist recommends.

Clear plastic retainers are specially molded to fit the new position of your teeth and offer the same kind of support in keeping your teeth in place. On the plus side, they’re virtually invisible and less bulky than Hawley retainers. If you’d like to experience clear retainers without having to visit the orthodontist’s office, you can check out our clear retainers or click here to learn more about how you can save 65% on getting straighter teeth.

Why ALIGNERCOIs the Best Choice for Retainers

At ALIGNERCO, we understand that maintaining your new smile is just as important as achieving it. That’s why we offer retainers that are durable, affordable, and tailored to your needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Unmatched Durability and Comfort: Our retainers are crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring they’re long-lasting and comfortable for daily use.
• Safe for Everyday Wear: Made with BPA-free, medical-grade materials, our retainers are gentle on your teeth and safe for your health.
• Cost-Effective Solution: ALIGNERCOretainers offer a budget-friendly alternative without compromising quality, helping you retain your smile affordably.
• Delivered to Your Doorstep: Avoid the hassle of in-office visits. With ALIGNERCO, your custom-made retainers are conveniently delivered to your home.

How to Order ALIGNERCO Retainers

Ordering retainers from ALIGNERCO is simple and stress-free:

• Order an Impression Kit: Start by ordering our easy-to-use impression kit, which comes with clear instructions to guide you in creating molds of your teeth from home.
• Send Us Your Impressions: Use the prepaid packaging to securely send your completed impressions back to us.
• Custom Retainers Crafted for You: Our licensed orthodontists will design retainers tailored to your unique smile, ensuring a perfect fit.
• Receive Your Retainers: Sit back and relax while your retainers are delivered straight to your door, with free shipping within the US.

Key Tips for Retainer Wearers

Preparing Your Retainer

Before wearing your retainer, rinse it with cool water to ensure it’s clean and ready for use. If you’re wearing it for the first time, follow the instructions provided to check the fit.

Proper Placement and Removal Techniques

• Placement: Gently position the retainer over your teeth and press it into place with even pressure. Avoid biting down to snap it into position, as this could damage the retainer.
• Removal: Start from the back of your mouth and gently pull the retainer away from your teeth. Avoid yanking or using force, which can weaken or break it.

Tips to Avoid Damaging Your Retainer

• Keep It Clean: Brush your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and rinse it with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material.
• Store Properly: Always store your retainer in its case when not in use to protect it from damage or loss.
• Handle with Care: Avoid bending or twisting your retainer, as this can compromise its fit and effectiveness.
• Avoid Eating or Drinking While Wearing It: Remove your retainer during meals or when drinking anything other than water to prevent stains or damage.

By following these steps, ALIGNERCO retainers will help keep your smile in perfect shape for years to come!