Congratulations! You just finished your orthodontic treatment, and now it’s time to take your braces off. At this point, there’s just one more step to make sure your new smile stays as it is, and that’s retainer wear. Your first question likely is, “How long do you wear retainers after braces?” We will explain this in detail and share helpful tips for retainer wear.
Why Do You Need to Wear Retainers?
When you are going through an orthodontic treatment such as braces, there’s consistent pressure on your teeth. This pressure is necessary to shift your teeth into a better, more cosmetically appealing alignment. Your jawbone and soft tissues also adjust to these changes.
As soon as your braces are removed, that force holding your teeth disappears, and it takes time for the jawbone to stabilize. Because of this reason, there is a risk that your teeth may gradually shift back to their original positions.
That’s why dentists and orthodontists strongly recommend wearing retainers after braces to keep your teeth secure in their new alignment.
Retainers hold your bite and teeth in their new places, preventing them from shifting away. Without retainers, you risk losing years’ worth of progress you made with braces treatment.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Retainers After Braces?
If you get removable retainers, you’ll have to wear them full-time for the first 4 to 6 months. This means you need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day, and removing them only before eating, drinking (anything other than plain water), and cleaning.
It may feel like you’re switching one appliance for another, but this step is absolutely necessary to keep your teeth secure. Once your jawbone and soft tissue become more stable, you can move on to wearing your retainers every night.
Wearing a retainer nightly over the long term is often what it takes to hold the results in place. Your dentist or orthodontist can advise on what makes sense for you specifically.
What If Your Retainers Feel Tight or Don’t Fit Anymore?
In the first few days of retainer wear, it’s normal to feel some tightness, but it usually adjusts in a week. However, if you skip wearing your retainers for a few days or weeks, it may feel uncomfortable when you wear them later on.
If your retainer feels painfully tight or doesn’t fit anymore, you shouldn’t stop wearing it altogether. Instead, get in touch with your dentist. They’ll assess your teeth and, after making new impressions, provide you with a replacement.
Final Words
Wearing retainers may feel like an extra step, but it’s crucial to maintain your braces results for years to come. Start wearing them full-time for the first 4 to 6 months and gradually shift to nighttime wear.
If you have any more questions or dental concerns, our team at Safari Family Dental & Orthodontics is here to help. Call us today!