If you’ve been told that you need to wear a teeth retainer, you might be wondering what it actually does and how it can improve your smile. This guide will answer all of your questions and make sure you know exactly what to do if you are told you need to wear a retainer.
How long should I wear my retainer?
A lot of teens worry about how long they should wear their retainers. But when it comes down to it, it’s really up to your dentist. If they say keep your retainer in for 8 hours a day, then that’s what you should do. It’s best not to leave your retainer in longer than what is recommended because doing so can cause bad breath and tooth decay. Also, if you remove and replace your retainer too often (like when eating), then its fit will be compromised and not work as well for straightening teeth anymore. Keep your retainers clean by following your dentist’s instructions so that they last longer—and continue working best!
Where can I store my retainer when I sleep?
Placing your retainer in your mouth while sleeping is an important part of using it, so make sure to store it near where you sleep. The National Sleep Foundation advises that people place their retainers on top of their nightstands or under their pillows at night. This will help keep your retainers clean and away from dust and allergens that could damage them. If there’s no room next to your bed, make sure they don’t rest too close to other items on your nightstand as well; water droplets can accumulate around glasses and cups over time, creating an environment that’s not ideal for plastic.
When should I take my retainer out?
Your dentist or orthodontist will tell you when it’s safe for you to take your retainer out. You may have been given specific instructions about cleaning, eating, and wearing your retainer. Follow these carefully! Leaving your teeth unattended for long periods of time can affect their health. For example, your gums might get irritated from all that food trapped between your teeth and gums. Also, don’t chew ice chips with your retainers; doing so can loosen or break them. If it’s been more than 6 months since you got braces off, schedule an appointment with us so we can check in on how things are going!
Does it hurt to wear a retainers or have braces fitted as an adult?
Is it true that I’ll always be in pain if I wear a retainers or have braces fitted as an adult? Many people believe that their jaw will never get used to their retainers, and that they’ll always hurt when they wear them. This is not true! You may experience some discomfort or pressure at first, but your body will adapt very quickly and you won’t notice any pain at all. As long as your dentist has given you clear instructions on how to wear your retainers, there’s no reason why wearing them can’t be comfortable for you. In fact, most people find that after wearing their retainers for just one night, they don’t even notice them anymore. Also remember: once your teeth have moved back into place, your mouth feels more comfortable overall.
Who will fit my first brace and/or retainers and where can I get them from?
As soon as you find out that you’ll need braces or retainers, your first concern teeth retainer will probably be: How much will they cost? That’s a common concern and one that I get all of the time. My answer is always: It depends. It all depends on where you live and what kind of treatment (and materials) your orthodontist will use. The best thing to do is sit down with an orthodontist and discuss your case in detail before making any firm decisions about whether or not retainers or braces will be needed. When it comes to choosing an orthodontist, stick with someone who has plenty of experience in fitting retainers—they’re no fun at all!