You’ve finally got your braces off! Congratulations! We’re so happy for you and so grateful to have been part of your Just Smile journey. You’re sure to enjoy your new straightened smile, and of course, enjoy some of those foods that you had to avoid. Now that you’re finally free of braces, you’ll need to take good care of your teeth. An important part of your oral care regimen will be wearing your retainer! So, you’re probably wondering how long should I wear my retainer?
Why Wear a Retainer?
This is a question that doesn’t always have one general answer. We know that each patient is special and comes with their own unique challenges. Our teeth are constantly moving and constantly able to be moved and manipulated inside of our mouths. So, this is why it is also why teeth will continue to need support after braces have been removed. Retainers will help keep your teeth in their new positions and help to maintain all of the hard work that was accomplished during your orthodontic treatment.
Types of Retainers
Generally speaking, there are two types of retainers you can get at Lyons Orthodontics – removable retainers and bonded retainers. Removable retainers can be removed for when you need to eat and when they need to be cleaned. Bonded retainers are bonded to your teeth and are not able to be removed. After you’ve had your braces removed, your retainer can provide further support and stabilization for your teeth and bones, to ensure that your bite and newly aligned teeth don’t change once the braces are off. Dr. Brian Leeson, a cosmetic dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, recommends getting a permanent retainer on the lower teeth to ensure that your smile stays straight.
How Long Should I Wear My Retainer?
Maintaining your new beautiful smile is easy with the help of retainers! The majority of orthodontists will recommend that removable retainers are worn for a minimum of 12 months once the braces come off. Dr. Tim Lyons says urgers the importance of wearing your retainer. Especially after having invested a lot of time and money in your braces.
Sometimes, patients, whether they’ve just had braces on top teeth or have had top braces and lower braces, will need to wear their retainer full time for the first six months after treatment. At the 6-month point, they can switch to wearing the retainer just at night to help maintain that beautiful and straight smile.
We understand that wearing a retainer after you’ve had your braces on for so long can be frustrating. The precise duration of wear will be mostly dependent on the type of orthodontic correction and treatment that you have undergone. In the end, wearing your retainer is worth it because you get to keep your beautiful smile in place.
Do you have questions about braces or retainers? Let our Lyons Orthodontics team know. We are here to help you and your family in any way we can. Please contact us at our Fair Oaks or El Dorado Hills office.