Why do I have to wear a retainer if I have a permanent retainer?

Even after your teeth are permanently in their new position, the effects of chewing, growth, and everyday wear can lead to relapse. So your orthodontist may recommend that you use a retainer for the rest of your life.

How long do lingual retainers last?

Although there’s no specific time period for wearing a permanent retainer, it isn’t entirely “permanent.” Some patients have been known to wear the device for up to 20 years, while others only have theirs for a few.

Do you have to wear a retainer after clear aligners?

Yes, you’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Even though Invisalign moves teeth differently from traditional metal braces, the result is still the same. You’ll need to wear retainers after any kind of teeth straightening.

How often should I wear my clear retainer?

You should wear your retainers nightly for at least a year. After that, you can shift your wear to every other night or so. After a few years, most individuals choose to wear theirs at night around three to five times a week.

Do you need a fixed retainer?

Orthodontists typically recommend fixed retainers when they think the teeth are likely to relapse and drift. They might also recommend a fixed retainer for patients who may have trouble using a removable retainer as instructed.

How much are clear retainers after braces?

Clear plastic retainers have become more and more popular and are used more often than Hawley retainers. Average cost varies from about $100 to $285 for one tray (upper or lower).

Will my teeth move back after Invisalign?

Once your braces are removed or you stop wearing alignment trays such as Invisalign, your teeth may start to shift back to their old positions. This is natural. The movement may be more pronounced in some people, while others may experience very little movement.

Why does my retainer feel tight every night?

If the night retainers feel too tight, there is a large amount of pressure from the teeth. Should you stop wearing the night retainer at this point, the teeth will start to move again. As a starting point, the night retainers are worn as long as it takes for the teeth to settle in their new position.

Are there any retainer problems with permanent retainers?

While permanent retainers may sound like the best option as far as retainers for teeth go, fixed retainer problems can also occur. A lingual retainer can make your teeth difficult to clean well, since the wire on the back of your teeth can easily trap bacteria and food.

What are the disadvantages of having a lingual retainer?

A lingual retainer can make your teeth difficult to clean well, since the wire on the back of your teeth can easily trap bacteria and food. Unless you make the effort to clean around the wire and floss thoroughly, you maybe more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.

Should I get a retainer for my top or bottom tooth?

Some people get permanent retainers fixed to both their upper and lower teeth, however, dentists are less likely to recommend a permanent retainer for top teeth than they are permanent bottom retainers, because they have a greater chance of breaking prematurely. Removable retainers can be removed and replaced easily.

How do retainers work with Clear aligners?

During treatment, your clear aligners (or braces) spent a lot of time pulling your teeth into new positions little by little. But instead of moving your teeth into new positions, your retainers will hold your teeth in the same positions.