What Are Retainers?
Retainers are designed to retain your teeth, aka keep them straight! When you finish your orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer helps maintain your aligned smile. Each retainer is custom-made made just for you, ensuring comfort and a snug fit ensuring that with a little daily or nightly wear, you can keep your Dream Smile in place for years to come.
Who Needs To Wear A Retainer?
Retainers are typically recommended for anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, retainers can help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. If you’ve invested in your Dream Smile, a retainer is essential to maintain it.
How Long will I need To Wear A Retainer For?
You’ll need to wear your retainer for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight! Generally, after completing orthodontic treatment, it’s common to wear your retainer full-time for around 6 months to a year. After that, many people switch to wearing their retainers only at night. Some factors that might influence how long you need to wear a retainer include how much your teeth tend to shift, your age, and the complexity of your original alignment issues. Your dental clinician will provide personalised guidance, so it’s always best to follow their recommendations to maintain your Dream Smile.
What Should I Do if I’ve Broken My Retainer and Can’t See My Regular Orthodontist?
At Urban Smile, we’re here to help! Our Oral Health Therapists can examine your broken retainer and offer solutions, with the possibility of fixing it on the spot. Don’t wait more than 1-2 weeks to address a broken retainer, as your teeth may begin to shift in that time. You don’t need to be a past patient of Urban Smile to come in and see us for a replacement retainer – all are welcome! Book a Retainer Appointment as soon as possible to keep your smile on track!
How Often should I Replace My Retainer?
We recommend replacing your retainer every 18 months but this can vary depending on how they are worn and looked after. If you wear your retainer as instructed and take good care of it—cleaning it regularly and storing it properly—it may last longer. Regular check-ups with your dental clinician will help determine the best time to replace your retainer to maintain your Dream Smile.
Book a Retainer Appointment today.