Reaching the end of your orthodontic journey is exciting! Now you can show off your beautifully straight smile. However, if you want to maintain your results for years into the future, it’s important that you wear your retainer as directed. That begs the question: how long does your retainer last? Continue reading to learn more about how often you should be wearing your retainer and when you should get a new one.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Your Retainer?
The number of hours you need to wear your retainer depends on your treatment. However, patients are usually asked to wear their retainer between 10 and 22 hours each day for the first few months. After reaching this milestone, it’s recommended that patients wear their retainer while sleeping each night for at least one year. After this, your orthodontist may suggest wearing your retainer for several nights a week to prevent future movement. If you want to maintain your results, wearing your retainer is a lifetime commitment.
4 Signs to Replace Your Retainer
You need to wear your retainer indefinitely, but it doesn’t last forever. Eventually, you will need to get a new one. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for:
Cracks
If there are cracks in the plastic of your retainer, contact your orthodontist to get a replacement. These cracks will grow over time, and the retainer won’t have the strength to keep your teeth stationary.
Loose
If your retainer feels loose, it’s time for a replacement. Over the years, retainers wear down and become wider. When this occurs, it won’t be effective anymore.
Ill-Fitting
A common issue that retainers face is losing their shape over time. This can happen quickly if you wash them in water that is too hot. If you haven’t been consistently wearing your retainer and it feels tight, this doesn’t mean that the retainer is bad. It is a sign that you should wear it more frequently.
Calcium Buildup
If you notice calcium buildup on your retainer, it might be time for you to have it replaced. Give your orthodontist a call to let them know.
It’s important that you wear your retainer to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. If you think you need a new one, give your orthodontist a call so they can take a look. This way, you can keep your smile beautiful and straight.
About the Author
Dr. Davis Witt is an experienced orthodontist who has been working in private practice for over 25 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine. After graduating, he was accepted into the University of Washington Seattle’s highly competitive Orthodontics program where he was awarded a Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry. To learn more about retainers or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (508) 721-7900.
