How long do you wear retainers after braces?

The typical guideline for a removable retainer is to wear it full time, except for mealtimes and cleanings, for the first 4 to 6 months after your braces are removed, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists.

How do I get my braces off sooner?

Keep Your Mouth Clean Brushing and flossing twice a day is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get your braces off faster. With braces and bands, it’s easier for food to get stuck in the metal; using an electric tooth brush and brushing in a circular motion will prevent plaque build-up.

How do you sleep with a retainer?

Most orthodontists advise their patients to wear their retainers for the rest of their lives. However, the retainers only need to be worn at night and skipping a night here and there is no big deal. So retainers really aren’t so bad! Except at the very start of your treatment, you’ll be asleep while it’s in any way.

How much is a new retainer?

Traditional Hawley retainers cost between $150-600. Replacement clear retainers, like an Invisalign or an Essix retainer, cost between $400-$800. The first retainer you get is usually included in the cost of your total orthodontic treatment. Permanent retainers cost between $150-$500 to place or replace.

Can I get braces for only 6 months?

The short answer is, yes. For patients seeking to straighten their teeth without the bother of traditional metal braces, Six Month Smiles can give you a smile that you desire. The best part is that Six Month Smiles is convenient, discreet, and comfortable!

Can I chew gum with a retainer?

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.

What if I stop wearing my retainer?

The good news is, after some time it won’t be necessary to wear them as often. Though the process becomes slower and slower, if you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will gradually move back to their original position. In a way, teeth remember their original position.

How long do you have to wear a retainer after braces?

Whichever one you sport, your orthodontist will prescribe when and how long you must wear the retainer for optimum results, notes the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). Removable Retainer: You’ll typically wear this retainer full time for four months to a year after braces, only removing it when you’re eating or brushing your teeth.

What happens when your braces come off?

Your braces have been moving your teeth, gums and bones into a new position for months. When your braces come off, the orthodontist will send you home with a retainer to hold your teeth in place while your teeth solidify in their new position.

Do I need to have my retainer maintained?

Because you must wear your retainer exactly as your orthodontist prescribes, the AAO has some retainer maintenance suggestions. Keeping your retainer in good shape will help it do its job – keep your teeth straight and in alignment – so you don’t have to wear it any longer than necessary.

What can I do to make my braces last longer?

Patients should also practice proper eating habits while wearing braces. This includes avoiding sticky or hard food like gum, corn, popcorn, hard pretzels or chips and most candy, as this can improve the treatment time. Broken or missing brackets can stretch out the time required for treatment.