Despite the popularity of orthodontic treatment, there is a common misconception: that braces can straighten your teeth indefinitely. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While treatments like ClearCorrect® can effectively (and discreetly!) guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions, it is possible for a phenomenon known as “orthodontic relapse” to occur. Don’t worry, that’s where your ClearCorrect® retainer comes in! To learn how long you’ll need to wear it, as well as how to care for it, keep reading.
So, How Long Do You Need to Wear Your ClearCorrect® Retainer?
After investing your valuable time and money into Invisalign, the last thing you want is for your teeth to begin to drift back into their previous positions. Immediately following your ClearCorrect® treatment, your orthodontist may recommend wearing your retainer as much as possible while your teeth “set” in place. From there, you’ll be given the green light to wear it solely at night. For optimal results, it’s recommended that you make this a lifelong practice.
How Long Do Retainers Typically Last?
Usually, retainers last anywhere from 5-10 years. Of course, the exact lifespan of yours will depend on several important factors, including the material yours is made of. Additionally, how you care for it will play a role. You’ll know it’s time to have it replaced when it cracks, it has noticeable calcium buildup, it no longer fits, or it gets misplaced.
6 Tips for Keeping Your Retainer Clean
Fortunately, maintaining your retainer isn’t too complicated. In fact, all it takes is adding a few additional steps to your oral hygiene routine! Here are some best practices to help keep yours nice and clean:
- Always remove it before eating or drinking anything other than water
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to clean each surface
- Soak it in an orthodontist-approved cleaner as needed
- Place it in its designated storage case anytime you aren’t using it
- Implement a solid oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy
- Don’t use harsh cleaners, like bleach
At first, wearing your retainer might seem like a bit of an inconvenience. However, it’s important to remember that this small orthodontic appliance can make a big difference when it comes to preventing orthodontic relapse!
About the Author
Dr. Davis Witt’s journey to becoming an orthodontist began at Michigan State University and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. From there, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine. The last step was to attend the University of Washington Seattle’s highly competitive Orthodontics program, which is where he obtained his Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD). Now, he has more than 25 years of experience creating gorgeous smiles! If you have a question about life after braces or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 829-7650.
