How long do you have to wear a wire retainer?
A set of retainers will hold your teeth in place while your tissue catches up. This is why it's important to wear your retainers full-time for the first 3-6 months. The bad news is your teeth are always moving. This process is called a mesial drift, meaning your pearly whites are always on the move.
Buildup of Calculus on Teeth
The retainer wires attach to the back of your teeth with a form of cement, and calculus — also called tartar — can build up around those wires. Plaque, bacteria, and tartar buildup can cause damage to your teeth and gums.
You typically wear a removable retainer full time for four months to a year after braces. It only comes out when you need to eat or brush your teeth. After your prescribed period of time, we reevaluate to see if you need to wear it for longer.
You'll have to wear your retainer for at least 10 years after you get your braces off or finish your aligner treatment. Many people wear their retainers for the rest of their lives. During the first three months after braces or aligners, you should wear your retainers most of the time.
Metal retainers are stronger and more durable. You can easily adjust the size of the metal retainer according to your teeth.
The results of the first studies, based on the movement of 30 teeth in 15 subjects over 84 days, have been summarized in a recent publication. 1 These results showed that the overall mean velocity of tooth movement was 3.8 mm/day, or about 1.1 mm/month.
Don't eat while wearing a retainer– It can be difficult and awkward to eat while wearing a removable retainer and it can also damage the device. Food can get trapped around a Hawley retainer wire or underneath the palate, causing bad breath.
When you stop wearing retainers consistently, the teeth will slowly shift and move into different positions. This means that formerly crowded teeth will become crowded and crooked again. Teeth that had spaces between then will revert to gaps opening back up.
Ultimately, your retainers are made to keep your teeth in place, not to move them, but they may be able to slightly shift your teeth back in the right circumstances. If it has been too long and your old retainer no longer fits snugly, you should contact your dentist in order to come up with a solution.
After eight weeks of wearing your retainers for half of each day, with the approval of your orthodontist, you can begin wearing your retainers at night only. Wearing them more often than just at night is never a bad thing though, as long as you're taking them out to eat and cleaning them properly.
What is the wire behind the teeth for?
A permanent retainer, also known as a bonded retainer or fixed retainer, involves a metal bar or wire that holds your teeth where they are, preventing them from moving after an orthodontic treatment. This is typically used after a braces removal when your teeth are nicely aligned.
In short, you'll have to wear your retainers for the rest of your life after finishing Invisalign treatment. It might sound inconvenient, but it's well worth the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful, straight, healthy smile for life!
It's typically recommended that patients wear the appliance for 12 to 22 hours a day – every day – for three to six months. After this point, most patients can stop wearing the retainer during the day.
How many hours should you wear your retainer? The first three months after you've completed your orthodontic treatment you need to wear your retainers full-time, which means approximately 22 hours a day. That does mean you will need to sleep with them. However, you can remove them when you eat or brush your teeth.
If you stop wearing your retainer, even for just a short time, you can experience movement of your teeth. This is particularly a concern for patients with more severe orthodontic conditions such as crowding or severely misplaced teeth, as the teeth could possibly move back to their previous state.
References
- https://buildasmiledds.com/why-do-teeth-shift-after-braces/
- https://www.orthodonticexprts.com/permanent-retainer/
- https://www.riverwalkdentalorthodontics.com/which-is-better-clear-retainers-or-the-metal-ones/
- https://www.riverwalkdentalorthodontics.com/do-i-have-to-wear-my-retainer-forever/
- https://orthodonticslimited.com/braces/ten-things-shouldnt-wearing-braces/
- https://mcdonoughortho.com/risks-of-not-getting-braces/
- https://www.razdolsky.com/blog/2018/09/understanding-how-long-youll-wear-braces
- https://www.serenityortho.com/blog/how-fixed-retainers-can-fail/
- https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/how-much-do-braces-cost
- https://www.healthline.com/health/retainers-after-braces
- https://www.dentalplans.com/dental-information/how-to/clean-retainers
- https://www.charlotteorthodontists.com/which-type-of-retainer-is-right-for-you/
- https://www.tisserontorthodontics.com/blog-post/replacement-retainers
- https://www.bracesbyabbadent.com/blog/3-common-types-of-braces/
- https://www.greatorthosmiles.com/types-of-retainers/
- https://www.hardypedoortho.com/permanent-retainers-long-will-need-one/
- https://thomasorthodontics.com/4-signs-your-permanent-retainer-should-be-removed/
- https://www.wigalorthodontics.com/blog/2020/09/22/replacing-your-retainer-in-newark-oh/
- https://www.dentaly.org/us/braces-colors/
- https://www.harrisonburgsmiles.com/blog/2021/03/15/discreet-invisalign/
- https://damonrjohnsondds.com/blog/how-long-should-you-keep-wearing-your-retainer/
- https://centralcoastorthodontics.com.au/the-best-4-ways-to-clean-your-retainer/
- https://www.polident.com/en-us/removables/living-with-a-removable-appliance/how-to-cope-with-aligner-or-retainer-pain/
- https://www.hartorthosmiles.com/blog/2021/07/08/use-old-retainer-to-restraighten-teeth-cleburne-orthodontist/
- https://www.blueridgeorthodontics.com/whiten-teeth-after-braces/
- https://www.orthodonticslimited.com/braces/guide-to-wearing-a-retainer/
- https://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/metal-retainers-vs-clear-retainers/
- https://saxeortho.com/how-to-tell-if-you-need-replacement-retainer/
- https://www.dentaly.org/us/adult-braces/teeth-retainers/lost-retainer/
- https://www.davisortho.ca/new-patients/faqs/
- https://diamondbraces.com/braces/braces-color/
- https://bluewaveortho.com/Blog/top-tips-for-cleaning-retainers/
- https://www.smilegeneration.com/blog/ask-a-dentist/why-does-retainer-hurt/
- https://www.murrayorthodontics.com/colored-braces
- https://brightsidedental.com/faq/how-long-does-it-take-to-put-on-braces/
- https://www.dentalmovemints.com/blogs/invisalign-tips-and-tricks/choosing-the-best-type-of-retainer-after-invisalign-treatment
- https://www.houstonortho.com/8-tips-for-first-week-with-braces/
- https://www.orthodonticarts.com/best-braces-colors/
- https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/clinical-tips/the-speed-of-teeth-2005-02-01/
- https://www.northlaketxdentist.com/services/orthodontics/care-following-orthodontics-%E2%80%93-retainers/
- https://www.braceplace.com/blog/2013/11/permanent-or-removable-retainers-which-is-right-for-you
- https://invisibraces.com/can-you-speed-up-braces/
- https://www.melbourneorthodontics.com/blog/can-i-get-my-retainers-tightened/
- https://www.bracesbywenger.com/blog/2022/02/how-long-will-my-retainer-last
- https://gavinismydentist.com/blog/lingual-braces-speech-problems-solve/
- http://www.skororthodontics.com/blog/best-retainer-after-braces/
- https://hessorthodontics.com/orthodontic-treatment/retainers/cost/
- https://www.rifkindental.com/blog/when-can-i-stop-wearing-a-retainer-after-braces
- https://www.westgreenfamilydental.com/how-long-does-it-take-a-retainer-to-move-teeth-back/
- https://ukadultbraces.co.uk/2016/07/16/how-to-talk-with-retainers/
- https://brushinonbelmont.com/theyre-growing-up-quickly-what-is-the-best-age-to-get-braces/
- https://www.buddorthodontics.com/blog/2021/03/why-does-my-retainer-feel-so-tight-scottsdale-phoenix-az-budd-orthodontics
- https://bestdentistinhouston.com/blog/gray-braces/
- https://thomasorthodontics.com/can-wearing-your-old-retainer-realign-your-smile/
- https://www.designerforsmiles.com/uncategorized/what-happens-if-i-stop-wearing-my-retainers/
- https://kaysvilleutorthodontist.com/retainers/
- https://www.thebraceplacetulsa.com/dos-and-donts-of-cleaning-your-retainer/
- https://www.armytagedental.co.uk/blog/when-should-i-wear-an-orthodontic-retainer-and-other-common-orthodontics-questions
- https://www.smnortho.com/assets/docs/retainer.pdf
- https://5stardentalgroup.com/blog/chew-gum-invisalign/
- https://drchelian.com/how-long-do-retainers-last/
- https://westhousedental.com/articles/what-type-of-brace-works-the-fastest/
- https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/things-your-orthodontist-wont-tell-you/
- https://kumraortho.com/blog/wearing-retainers-after-years/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/permanent-retainer
- https://bracesbyashcraft.com/retention
- https://www.smilepointdentalcare.com/what-color-braces-for-yellow-teeth/
- https://www.molesorthodontics.com/4-signs-might-need-retainer-replacement/
- https://www.amazingsmilesorthodontist.com/post/the-simple-best-braces-colors-for-girls
- https://www.overbyorthodontics.com/braces-pain-relief-tips/
- https://www.doralsedationdentistry.com/blog/retainer-vs-braces/
- https://sturbridgebraces.com/choose-best-colors-braces/
- https://www.orthodonticgallery.com/do-i-need-to-wear-retainers-forever/
- https://www.comellaortho.com/hub_sites/comella-brandon/www/assets/uploads/files/Retainer.pdf
- https://southspringsdentalgroup.com/how-long-do-i-need-to-wear-retainers/
- https://www.glenpoolbraces.com/blog/2021/03/24/can-you-use-your-old-retainer-to-re-straighten-your-teeth/
- https://www.chattahoocheefamilyortho.com/our-blog/2019/6/7/what-happens-if-my-child-doesnt-get-braces
- https://www.drcooperortho.com/blog/2019/03/which-type-of-retainer-is-best
- https://www.getyourbraces.com/do-braces-hurt-what-to-expect
- https://www.smilepointdentalvictoria.com/how-long-do-plastic-retainers-last/
- https://www.onebeautifulsmile.com/wearing-an-old-retainer.html
- https://www.hovedentalclinic.co.uk/blog/do-braces-hurt/
- https://www.hardypedoortho.com/expect-get-braces-off/
- https://www.byte.com/community/resources/article/not-wearing-your-retainer/
- https://fredericksburgorthodontics.com/teeth-shifting-after-braces/
- https://www.renewdentalgr.com/do-you-have-to-wear-a-retainer-forever-after-invisalign.php
- https://kumraortho.com/blog/do-braces-make-your-lips-bigger/
- https://customteethdevices.com/blogs/dental-devices/clear-retainers-vs-wire-retainers
- https://www.elitedaily.com/p/do-you-have-to-wear-your-retainer-forever-after-braces-heres-the-truth-according-to-experts-15941736
- https://www.lovettdentistrysharpstown.com/dental-blog/plastic-vs-metal-retainers/
- https://jupiterorthodontics.com/braces-pain-relief/
- https://www.crowderortho.com/hub_sites/crowder-charles/www/assets/uploads/files/Bonded%20Retainer.pdf
- https://www.orthodonticexprts.com/blog/the-importance-of-wearing-your-retainers/
- https://www.sportingsmiles.com/blog/is-there-a-difference-between-retainers-and-invisalign/
- https://thrivedentist.com/5-powerful-ways-braces-change-your-life-orthodontist-in-frisco-texas/
- https://www.milnororthodontics.com/blog/how-long-do-i-have-to-wear-my-retainer-and-why/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/do-braces-hurt
- https://www.gcendo.com/glossary/abrasion/
- https://www.wonderortho.com/blog/how-to-fix-misaligned-teeth-from-not-wearing-your-retainer/
- https://centralcoastorthodontics.com.au/how-to-make-retainers-more-comfortable/
- https://www.dentaly.org/us/adult-braces/teeth-retainers/retainer-replacement/
- https://archorthodontics.com/types-of-adult-braces-which-is-right-for-you/
- https://www.sportingsmiles.com/blog/why-are-my-teeth-moving-even-with-a-retainer/
- https://www.bovbakerortho.com/blog/getting-a-retainer-years-after-braces/
- https://localorthodontics.com/will-wearing-an-old-retainer-move-my-teeth-back/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/braces-and-orthodontics/
- https://www.onedentalclinic.co.uk/blog/2019/08/will-teeth-keep-straight-without-retainer/
- https://popedental.com/orthodontics/clear-aligners/pros-cons-clear-aligners/
- https://mateerortho.com/retainers-are-important-after-braces/
- https://thurmastondental.co.uk/when-is-it-too-late-to-get-braces/
- https://www.benbrookfamilydental.com/whats-the-shortest-amount-of-time-for-braces/
- https://www.belmarorthodontics.com/will-wearing-braces-like/
- https://www.smilepointdentalcare.com/which-braces-work-the-fastest/
- https://www.braceplace.com/blog/2021/12/when-your-permanent-retainer-isnt
- https://www.birchgrovedental.co.uk/do-white-braces-turn-yellow/
- https://www.thurmanortho.com/removable-vs-permanent-retainers-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.smilepointdentalvictoria.com/do-retainers-yellow-your-teeth/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/retainer-types
- https://www.westgreenfamilydental.com/do-lips-get-thinner-after-braces/
- https://www.bkortho.com/are-retainers-supposed-to-be-tight/
- https://westchasesmilesinstitute.com/invisalign-side-effects/
- https://www.healthysmilesflintdentist.com/blog/2021/08/03/dentist-flint-how-long-need-to-wear-retainer-after-invisalign/
- https://www.sintondental.com/are-plastic-or-metal-retainers-better/
- https://www.simplyorthodonticsct.com/blog/2021/01/20/tips-for-kissing-with-braces-dayville/
- https://summitfamilyorthodontics.com/blog/the-importance-of-retainers/
- https://ladentalclinic.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-traditional-braces/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/permanent-retainer
- https://outstandingortho.com/what-color-braces-make-your-teeth-look-whiter-and-what-colors-to-avoid/
- https://mismile.co.uk/blog/can-i-straighten-teeth-retainer-need-know/
- https://bracesbyholt.com/how-do-i-know-if-my-braces-are-working/
- https://www.chathambraces.com/blog/how-long-do-you-wear-retainer/
- https://www.overbyorthodontics.com/braces-survival-tips/
- https://graftonortho.com/how-often-should-you-be-wearing-your-retainer/
- https://www.sterlingsmilesazle.com/what-are-the-worst-colors-for-braces/
- https://www.byte.com/community/resources/article/retainers-cost/
- https://www.lakeminnetonkaortho.com/what-happens-if-you-dont-wear-your-retainer/
- https://www.amazingsmilesorthodontist.com/post/braces-colors-for-boys-change-their-looks-feels-them-attractive
- https://www.medicinenet.com/how_long_do_retainers_last/article.htm
- https://bafdentistry.com/blogs/news/how-soon-do-teeth-shift-after-extraction
- https://sageorthodontics.com/2019/08/02/49024-orthodontist-what-happens-if-i-dont-wear-my-retainer/
- https://www.byte.com/community/resources/article/how-long-wear-retainer/
- https://diamondbraces.com/retainers/
- https://www.drssavagesabolvisser.com/will-my-retainer-re-straighten-my-teeth/
- https://www.whitesdental.co.uk/do-dentists-whiten-teeth-after-braces/
- https://www.centreforinvisiblebraces.com/orthodontics/frequently-asked-questions/taking-care-of-your-retainers/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/invisalign-vs-braces-which-is-better/
- https://www.chansmiles.com/7-things-you-must-know-about-clear-retainers/
- https://www.footeorthodontics.com/chewing-the-right-type-of-gum-during-orthodontic-treatment-can-help-decrease-cavities/
- https://orthodonticassoc.com/braces/tips-to-keep-teeth-from-shifting/
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/four-reasons-you-might-need-permanent-retainer-removal
- https://hodgesorthodontics.com/orthodontics-instructions/removable-retainers/
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/early-orthodontics/how-long-do-you-have-to-wear-a-retainer
- https://silversmiles.com/retainers-post-orthodontic-care/
- https://www.simplyorthodonticsct.com/blog/2021/05/18/using-an-old-retainer-to-restraighten-teeth/
- https://www.freshorthodontics.com/10-braces-tips-to-help-you-during-first-week-of-treatment/