Normally after finishing the orthodontic braces process, specialists often prescribe patients to wear a retainer for an additional period of time. So with the question, how long should I wear a retainer after braces? Let’s find out the most accurate answer with My Auris dentistry, right in the article below. Depending on the different type of retainer, the wearing time is not the same.
What type of retainer should I wear after braces?
How long you wear a retainer after braces will depend on the type of retainer. Currently, in dentistry there are two types of retainers, removable and fixed on the teeth.
Removable type
Patients will usually wear a removable retainer full-time from 4 months to 1 year. During the wearing process, they need to wear it properly. Specifically, you should only remove it when you need to eat or clean your teeth. After the prescribed period of time, the doctor can check and re-evaluate whether you need to wear the retainer for a longer period of time or not.
Even if the wearer does not feel the movement of the teeth, the doctor may still advise you to wear the retainer every night when sleeping to ensure safety. Depending on your teeth, this can last from a few months, a few years or be worn for life.
Fixed retainer type
Fixed dentures are quite effective because users do not need to worry about monitoring them or remembering to wear them again after eating, drinking, or cleaning their teeth. This type of retainer is fixed to the tooth on the inside of the tooth, so you do not need to worry about wearing the retainer correctly or not.
HoweverIn fact, you will actually have to wear this type of retainer longer than a removable retainer, possibly up to many years. Experts also say that permanent retainers will often be recommended for cases such as crowded, uneven teeth, teeth growing far apart, etc.
Note, you are likely to develop oral health problems when wearing this type of retainer, but you can also easily avoid it by developing proper oral hygiene habits. Specifically, there will be some disadvantages of a fixed retention function:
- Damage to gums and teeth: If this retainer is damaged, it can cause damage to teeth, and gums.
- Tooth decay – Any type of fixed appliance can make cleaning your teeth more difficult. Because of plaque, bacteria can accumulate in the space between the dental wire and the teeth and gums.
- Causes discomfort: Any friction between the appliance and the tongue can cause friction.
After braces, wear a retainer long?
According to recommendations from doctors, how long to wear a retainer after braces will vary for each patient. The doctor also needs to periodically examine the patient to give the most accurate assessment.
Removable retainer fitting
Most patients will be given a removable retainer to make it easier to eat and practice daily oral hygiene. For best results, you should wear your retainer according to the following schedule:
- First 6 months – the time you need to wear the device at least 22 hours a day. The only time you should remove it is to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. Your doctor will need to monitor you before allowing you to change to nighttime wear.
- First 2 years – after wearing braces and wearing your retainer full-time, you can switch to wearing the appliance while you sleep.
- For the rest of your years, you can wear your retainer less frequently. Wear it for a night or two, don’t wear it often. However, it’s best to still keep the rule of wearing your retainer every night.
Fixed retainer
In some cases, the doctor will attach a fixed retainer to the inside of the tooth. You will wear your retainer anytime, anywhere, even when eating and brushing your teeth. After braces, wear a retainer with this type that can only be removed by a doctor. When removed, you will need to replace it with a removable retainer to wear at night.
Some people will in fact have to wear a retainer for at least 10 years. Many doctors also recommend that users wear retainers part-time for the rest of their lives. On the other hand, taking care of a fixed retainer is also simpler, you just need to brush your teeth and use dental floss regularly.
A toothbrush will be very useful and help you remove plaque and tartar. But you must see a doctor for regular checkups to make sure the appliance does not cause cavities or accumulate bacteria that are harmful to oral health.
Why do you wear a retainer for a period of time after braces? long?
Retainers are orthodontic appliances used in the final stages, after the patient finishes the orthodontic process. There have been many cases where patients subjectively did not wear the retainer after braces, or did not comply with the prescribed period of wearing the retainer. The consequence causes the molars to shift and return to their original position.
The cause of this condition is soft tissue pressure during the orthodontic process. At the same time, bones and teeth cannot be completely stabilized, causing teeth to tend to return to their original position. Therefore, you must wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place until your bones and teeth can adapt to this change. Besides, while wearing a retainer, you also need to take care of your teeth as carefully as when wearing braces to get the longest lasting effect.
In short, how long to wear a retainer after braces depends on the doctor’s instructions. On the other hand, if possible, maintain this process for life to ensure the best oral health. Avoid complications and negative consequences that affect the aesthetics and time you spent performing bracesg teeth. Please visit your doctor regularly for dental checkups!
Yen Nhi
