Retainers are designed for you to wear after you have completed your orthodontic treatment. Retainers support your teeth by making sure your teeth remain in their correctly aligned into their new position. Without a retainer, you’ll risk returning your teeth into their original position before you had braces or Invisalign.
How long can you wear retainers?
Several factors come into play when it comes to determining how long you should wear your retainers. That depends from case to case. Some might have to wear their retainers for at least 6 months while others may need a full year or so of wearing them post-braces.
However, the average time is a year. That is because your teeth tend to go back to their original position due to muscle memory. It typically takes a year before your teeth can be stable on their own in their new position.
Still, you can wear them for as long as you want. Retainers do help avoid your teeth from shifting forward as you grow. Plus, they help make your teeth more stable.
Do you have to wear your retainer overnight?
While you don’t have to wear retainers 24 hours a day, it is essential to wear them consistently for the number of hours your orthodontist asks you to. With that being said, you should wear your retainers overnight.
Your orthodontist will likely ask you wear them every night after 6 months of being braces-free. Remember, it is always best to ask your orthodontist if you have questions about how long or how often you should be wearing your retainer. You don’t want to run the risk of having your teeth move, especially after you’ve put in all the hard work of wearing braces and getting a perfectly straight and beautiful smile!