Should I Get Permanent Retainers?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Permanent retainers are

often recommended by orthodontists after braces

to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original place. Your orthodontist may also suggest one if you have difficulty adhering to their guidelines for removable retainers.

Can your teeth still shift with permanent retainers?

Wearing Retainers Following Braces

While the natural settling process may still cause you to notice a slight degree of tooth shifting even if you wear your retainer, using a retainer is the best way to keep

shifting

to a minimum and preserve your bite.

How long do permanent retainers last?

In contrast, permanent retainers have been known to last

upwards of 20 years with

proper care! But they are not invincible and can still be damaged or become worn out.

Is it bad to have a permanent retainer?

1. Damage to the Retainer. Like any other dental appliance,

a permanent retainer can get damaged

. Biting into hard foods, injuries to the mouth, or simple wear and tear can cause wires to break or teeth to become unbounded from the device.

Do you really need a permanent retainer?

Permanent retainers are

often recommended by orthodontists after braces

to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original place. Your orthodontist may also suggest one if you have difficulty adhering to their guidelines for removable retainers.

When can I stop wearing my retainers?

Retainers keep your smile in place when active treatment is complete and adults need to wear their retainers for life, but adolescents may be able to stop wearing them after

about 10 years

.

How do dentists remove permanent retainers?

The only safe and effective way to remove your permanent retainer is to

have the work done by a trained, experienced orthodontist

. If you’re ready to have the permanent retainer removed from your mouth, contact Laster Orthodontics to make an appointment for a permanent retainer removal.

Can you bite down on your retainer?


DO NOT bite into position

as this will crack/break your retainer. Your retainer should be intact and well-fitting to hold your teeth in position. Avoid fizzy drinks, sports drinks and flavored water, including diet varieties, fruit juices and diluting juice whilst wearing your retainers.

Can I wear my retainer after not wearing it for years?

If a person doesn’t wear their retainer for a few days, weeks, or even a month, then a retainer

will likely still fit

and be able to do its job without issue. But, if it has been a few months or even years, the retainer will likely feel too small and be uncomfortable.

How fast do teeth shift after braces?

You should expect to notice minor shifts in your teeth

approximately 4 weeks from after bonding

. Greater shifts that are more visible require more time as they become noticeable after approximately 2-3 months. The short answer to the question of whether braces move your teeth everyday is yes.

Do permanent retainers make your breath stink?

Many people believe that some part of their appliances must be causing the stench. However, this is not the case. Braces or retainers contribute to bad breath just as much as normal teeth do. The

real culprit is halitosis-inducing bacteria

.

How many hours should I wear my retainer at night?

How often should I wear my retainer? After braces are off, wear your retainer(s)

12-14-hours evening /night

, every day. Remove them only for meals. This first month is when the risk of relapse is greatest.

How much do retainers cost to replace?

The cost of replacement retainers will depend on the type of retainer you get and whether you get it in-office or online. Invisalign retainers can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000. Essix retainers generally cost between $50 and $200, and Hawley replacement

retainers cost between $150 and $300

to replace.

Can you chew gum with permanent retainers?


Do not chew gum with the retainers in

! A bonded retainer is a small wire bonded (glued) to the tongue side of your lower front six teeth.

How much does it cost to remove a permanent retainer?

Permanent retainer removal costs are anywhere from

$150-$500

(this includes the cost of repair and replacement if the permanent retainer broke on one side).

Can you stop wearing retainers after 2 years?

So, if you wear your braces for two years, expect to wear your retainer just a little over two years, though

you will taper back from full time to nights only

to just a few nights a week and this is best a lifelong strategy to protect your smile!

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.