Many patients ask, “How long will I have to wear my retainers?” Well, simply put, you should wear your retainers for as long as you wish to have straight teeth. In other words, you should wear your retainers forever. When you stop wearing your retainers – no matter how long it’s been since you’ve had braces – it can cause your teeth to shift. With that being said, it is important to understand just how important retainers are, as they are a crucial part of orthodontic treatment. In fact, your retainers should be worn every night, forever.
Generally, our patients wear their retainers full-time for several weeks once they have finished their orthodontic treatment. And then patients can eventually switch to night-time wear, which should be done forever. After all, retainers are essential after orthodontic treatment if you wish to maintain a long-lasting, straight smile.
It is important to remember that your teeth remember the previous position they were once in and it is possible for them to shift back to their original position if you fail to wear your retainers as often as your orthodontist recommends. Therefore, it is imperative that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions in order to maintain your beautiful new smile.
What is Orthodontic Relapse?
Unfortunately, even patients with the best intentions fail to wear their retainers regularly. Insufficient retainer use is the most common reason for orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse occurs when your teeth begin to shift back to their original placement, causing your teeth to go back to the position that they were before. This is why we strongly recommend our orthodontic patients to wear their retainers as suggested.
My Teeth Have Shifted Because of Insufficient Retainer Usage. What Now?
Are you noticing a shift in your teeth’s position after braces or Invisalign? If so, then it is important to consult with an experienced orthodontist in Altamonte Spring, FL or Lake Mary, FL. Our highly trained orthodontist is here to help improve your smile and recommend the best steps to ensure a long-lasting and healthy smile after orthodontic treatment. Contact our team to request a consultation and we will be more than happy to help.
