Retainers are a custom appliance that holds your teeth in place. They are often prescribed after orthodontia, such as braces, to keep your bite in place after being corrected. Though wearing a retainer can be irritating, but it’s still less inconvenient than having braces all over again. So, let’s get to know how long you will have to wear your retainer.
How many hours per day do I need to wear a retainer?
If you have a bonded retainer, you will be wearing it all day and all night. But with a removable retainer, the rules are slightly different. You may receive different instructions from your dentist depending on your specific treatment needs.
A particular guideline for a removable retainer is to wear it full time, except for mealtimes and cleanings, for the first four to six months after your braces are removed. Many orthodontists recommend that you wear your removable retainer at all times for at least 9 months following the removal of braces.
After several months have passed and your orthodontist clears you, you may minimize wearing your retainer to just every night.
How long do I need to wear a retainer after my braces come off?
Almost all orthodontists prefer to prescribe removable retainers after treatment with braces is complete. Most of them recommend wearing them every day for nine months and then cutting it down to nightly wear after that.
To be realistic, you never stop needing a retainer, though you may need to replace it after a couple of years.
What happens if you don’t wear it?
If you don’t wear your retainer according to the instructions given by your orthodontist, your teeth will tend to move back into their old place. In the worst case, you may need to undergo another orthodontic treatment within 10 years or sooner.