Getting the best possible set of teeth is a never-ending process.
Of course, that starts with your everyday oral hygiene and care. Then, braces and retainers come into play.
As you know, braces and retainers are two of the most reliable dental tools that help your teeth be in the best shape and your oral health in general. Dentists recommend having both as they are proven to enhance your teeth significantly, both in appearance, alignment and strength.
Naturally, retainers are required right after having braces. Retainers are important post-braces as they will hold your teeth in their new positions.
With retainers now in control of your teeth, how long do you exactly have to wear them?
It actually takes quite some time for the bone and tissues around your teeth to be fully reorganized. Therefore, retainers are necessary until your bite completely stabilizes.
This is very important because once the braces are removed, the risk of relapse if very high a month after that. If you happen to have gaps prior to treatment through braces, the retention period is expected to be longer.
More often, retainers are to be worn as long a time as you’ve had your braces. In any case that your teeth move back to their original places prior to all your treatments, fixed braces might be needed again to correct them.
The dentist will prescribe you a precise retention plan that best suits you. Some retainers are used full-time for the first six months before reducing usage to only night time for the next few years while others are to be worn full-time for a week before shifting to night usage only after.
Fixed retainers are normally kept for five years.
Dentists also depend your usage on what type of retainers are recommended for you.
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