How long do you need to wear retainers

For as long as you want your teeth to stay straight, which for most people means for life. You’ll usually wear your retainer more at the start, then move to wearing it just at night. Your dentist will give you a plan that suits your teeth.

At YOR Dental in MediaCity, Manchester, we talk every patient through their retainer routine once their aligner treatment is finished.

Why teeth try to move back

Whether you’ve had braces or aligners, your teeth have spent months being moved into a new spot. But when treatment ends, the gums and bone around them haven’t quite caught up, as they need time to settle, and until they do, your teeth can drift back.

Even after that, teeth carry on moving a little as we get older. Front teeth in particular can start to crowd. A retainer stops all that from undoing your results.

What wearing a retainer looks like

Most people wear their retainer more often in the early days while their teeth settle. After that, it’s usually just at night. It sounds like a lot, but it quickly becomes part of your bedtime routine, like brushing your teeth.

The key is to stick to the plan your dentist gives you. Stop wearing it for too long, and your teeth can shift.

Looking after your retainer

• Clean it with cool water and with the help of a soft toothbrush.
• Never use hot or boiling water as it can bend the plastic out of shape.
• Keep it in its case when it’s not in your mouth. 

If your retainer cracks, breaks or stops fitting properly, get in touch with us as soon as you can.

What if my retainer feels tight after a few days off?

A tight retainer usually means your teeth have started to move. Don’t force it in; instead, give us a call and we’ll check whether it still fits properly or whether you need a new one.