How Long Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Braces?

When braces can already be a relatively lengthy procedure, potentially lasting years, it can be daunting to think about having to wear a retainer afterwards. The good news is that planning ahead can help you prepare for each phase as it arises, as opposed to feeling ambushed after you’ve already gone through the bulk of the procedure. Here, we’ll look at what to expect when it comes to wearing a retainer in Derby, KS.

Time Periods

When it comes to wearing your retainer, the treatment time will differ for each patient — so will the results. The general rule is to wear your retainer full-time for three to six months, meaning around 22 hours per day, and then nightly afterward. Once you transition to nightly, an orthodontist in Derby, KS will monitor you to see how your teeth respond to the treatment.

What to Know About Your Retainer

If you search for anecdotes about retainer wear, you’ll undoubtedly hear stories that run the gamut. Some people may say that they never wore their retain (and never suffered any consequences). Other people may tell you that they forgot to wear it once and had to have braces put back on.

While you can certainly take these variations into account, you should be relying on your orthodontist to tell you more about how to maintain your results. In some cases, you may need to pop in a retainer a few nights a week for the rest of your life (some would argue a small price to pay for the ongoing benefits).

At Derby Orthodontics, we’re here to assist you from the initial consultation to infrequent check-ins. No matter how long you need your retainer, we give you the support you need to make any and all adjustments to your lifestyle (and your smile)!