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Raleigh Family Orthodontics
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How Long Must Retainers Be Worn?


Posted on 10/31/2023 by Weo Admin
Photo of 5 retainers and model of teethAfter getting off braces, our orthodontist will fabricate personalized retainers for you. Retainers mark the commencement of the retention phase. The phase plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of your teeth corrected positions and preserving the results achieved during your treatment. Retainers are typically worn for a designated duration, as our orthodontist advises. They help stabilize your teeth and deter any undesired shifting. Consistently using your retainers throughout the retention phase is vital for long-term success. They uphold the benefits of your orthodontic treatment.

How Long Do You Have To Wear Retainers?


In the initial months after braces treatment, it's typical for patients to wear their retainers full-time. This timeframe allows the tissues and bone to reconstruct and stabilize the teeth in their newly aligned positions. Similar to the use of Invisalign aligners, you should remove retainers for specific activities. These include drinking (excluding plain water), eating, flossing, and brushing your teeth. You should also remove your retainers when using a mouthguard during sports activities. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial to ensure the retention phase's effectiveness and preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment.

After a few months of full-time retainer wear, your teeth will reach a more stable state, minimizing the risk of any regression. At this point, the transition begins, and you'll start wearing your retainers solely at night. The duration of nightly retainer wear may differ based on individual requirements. But it typically spans at least as long as your initial braces treatment period. Our orthodontist will provide precise guidelines regarding the frequency and timing of retainer use during this phase to ensure the most favorable outcomes.

Please note that the retention phase is a lifelong commitment, so continue to wear your retainer as directed in the future. Additionally, after wearing your retainer for one year, you'll be scheduled for a one-time retainer check with our orthodontist to ensure everything is proceeding as planned.

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Raleigh Family Orthodontics, 9201 Leesville Rd STE 160, Raleigh, NC 27613 ~ (984) 254-0585 ~ raleighfamilyortho.com ~ 11/20/2024 ~ Associated Words: orthodontist RALEIGH NC ~