Congratulations on completing your orthodontic treatment! As you near the end of your braces journey, you may be wondering about the next step: wearing a retainer.
In this article, we will delve into the key question, “How long do you wear a retainer after braces?” We’ll also explore the effects of not wearing a retainer and the importance of getting a new one years after completing your orthodontic treatment.
Let’s uncover the facts and provide you with the information you need for successful smile retention.
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How Long Do You Wear a Retainer After Braces?
The duration of retainer wear after braces can vary depending on individual circumstances. Your orthodontist will provide personalized instructions based on your specific orthodontic needs.
In some cases, you may be advised to wear your retainer all day, every day for a period of 4 months, while others may need to wear it for up to 12 months.
This period is crucial for stabilizing the new position of your teeth and preventing them from shifting back to their original misaligned state. Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions tailored to your unique case to ensure optimal results.
Effects of Not Wearing a Retainer After Braces
Retainers are like superheroes for your newly aligned teeth, helping to keep them in their proper positions. It’s important to understand the impact of not wearing your retainer as advised by your orthodontist.
Teeth shifting
Not wearing your retainer regularly increases the risk of teeth shifting, causing crowding, gaps, or misalignment to reappear. Undoing the progress achieved through years of orthodontic treatment.
Bite problems
Skipping retainer wear can lead to bite issues such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites. These bite problems can affect how your teeth come together when you bite or chew, possibly causing discomfort.
Treatment relapse
The purpose of wearing a retainer is to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. By not wearing the retainer as advised, there is a higher chance that your teeth will gradually move back to their original positions.
Longer pretreatment time
If teeth shift significantly due to neglecting your retainer, it may require additional orthodontic treatment to realign them. This could mean more time, effort, and expense to achieve the desired results.
Discomfort and disruption
Not wearing your retainer can lead to discomfort while biting, chewing, or speaking. It might also require additional dental procedures, such as enamel contouring or even new orthodontic treatment, to address the resulting issues.
Also read Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Headaches?
Getting a New Retainer Years After Braces
Even after the initial retainer wear period, it’s important to understand that teeth can continue to shift over time. This is a natural process influenced by factors such as age, genetics, and oral habits.
In fact, in our Mesa clinic, we always recommended getting a new retainer years after completing your orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will assess your teeth’s stability and provide guidance on the appropriate duration to wear it.
Where Can I Get Wallet-Friendly Braces?
At Somos Dental! We are dedicated to providing affordable orthodontic care, that’s why we offer prepaid braces from $2700 USD, found us in any of our clinics:
Phoenix:
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Contact us today at our number 623-869-1091 or fill out our online form to get a FREE CONSULTATION. Also, we have payment plans that can fit any budget.
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