Do you still have to wear your retainers?

Answer 1

Orthodontic retainers, the appliances given to a patient following active orthodontic treatment, are very important. This is because the teeth seem to have a "memory" and they will tend to return to their previous positions following ortho treatment if they are not retained in their new positions. Retainers typically need to be worn for several years to prevent the teeth from shifting.

There are basically two types of retainers, fixed and removable. Fixed retainers are placed with special cement are are not removable. The advantage is that they are easy to maintain and they cannot be lost of forgotten. The disadvantage is that they are somewhat hard to keep clean without meticulous oral hygiene. This can lead to additional tooth decay.

Removable retainers have the advantage of being able to be removed by the patient. This allows for better oral hygiene. Unfortunately, some patients will forget to wear their retainers and their teeth will shift. Also, removable retainers are not typically worn while eating, and they run the risk of being misplaced or lost. Replacing them repeatedly can become expensive.

Answer 2

Yes, retainers are part of the post-orthodontic treatment aka braces phase which is important to ensure your teeth remained straight. This generally lasts for a year and during this period it is crucial to wear your retainers as instructed to prevent your teeth from moving back to original position.

Answer 3

Typically after braces are removed but depending on the teeth they are sometimes used instead of braces if the teeth aren't in a crazy mess.

Generally after braces are removed you are advised to wear your retainer 24/7 for months afterwards. How long you wear it for depends on how quickly the orthodontist believes your teeth with shift.

Don't be stupid about it though, retainers are typically comfortable and convenient to wear and remove but some people neglect the importance of wearing them.

Your teeth with shift back which either means you've wasted money trying to fix teeth that you've let shift back.

Or if you're super determined to get them straightened again apparently you need to go through another painful and most likely expensive procedure.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

pretty much all the time until your orthodontist tells you to only wear it when you sleep

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My orthodontist told me to wear it at all times except when:

1. eating

2. brushing your teeth

3. engaging in physical exercise

The recommendations may change from person to person, but those are my guidelines as of now.

Answer 5

A retainer is an appliance worn after the braces are removed. It is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting or moving while the new bone around your teeth hardens and stabilizes (matures). Even with retainers, there is some "settling" of the teeth; however the longer you wear your retainer, the better your chances that your teeth will stay in good alignment. Initially, retainers are worn full time. After a period of time, to be determined by the doctor, night time wear is usually acceptable. As a rough rule of thumb, retainers should be worn enough so that they aren't tight upon insertion, and your teeth should not get sore. Even many years after the braces are removed, retainers should still be occasionally placed to prevent unnecessary forces from causing undesirable movements. For most people, that may be a few nights a week.

Answer 6

You have to wear your retainers until your orthodontist tells you that you don't have to. Ask you orthodontist, or even you regular dentist.