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How to Handle Retainer Use as the Years Go By

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  • How to Handle Retainer Use as the Years Go By

Whether you had metal braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign, getting your braces off isn’t the end of your teeth-straightening journey. Instead, you graduate to a retainer, which you will likely only need to wear at night. You might be wondering why retainers are necessary or how to best handle wearing one for the next several years. Here are the answers you’re looking for.

Retainer Use Prevents Relapse

You invested quite a bit of money and several months or even years of your life to get your teeth straight. Don’t let the idea of nighttime retainer use turn you off or you could end up needing braces again later down the road.

At Speaks Orthodontics in Denver, we recommend wearing your retainer at night for as long as possible – maybe even for the rest of your life. An outdated recommendation is to wear your retainer for two years after getting your braces off. However, “relapse” can occur at any age after any degree of teeth straightening. Relapse occurs when your teeth shift out of alignment, often migrating back to where they were before you had braces. Since tooth movement occurs naturally as a part of aging, wearing your retainer forever helps you maintain the look you had the day you got your braces off.

Decide How Often You Should Wear Your Retainer

To start, you may need to wear your retainer up to 22 hours per day, especially if Dr. Speaks intends to use the retainer to finalize a few tooth positions. Once you get approval, you can switch to nighttime retainer use only. We recommend wearing your retainer every night for a year or two after getting your braces off to really solidify the final position of your teeth.

Following this period, you can switch to wearing your retainer every other night. To keep track, decide whether you’ll wear your retainer on odd- or even-numbered days. After another year of doing this, you may be able to cut back to one night a week or even one night a month. However, if you attempt this and the retainer makes your teeth sore once you finally put it back in, return to more frequent use. For recommendations or answers to questions, call our Denver office.

When to Replace Your Retainer

You may discover the need to replace your retainer several times over the course of your life. We keep your molds on record so when you need a replacement due to loss, breakage or wear, you can order a new one at a discounted price.

Expect to replace your retainer every two to 10 years. How long your retainer lasts depends on how well you take care of it. Help prolong the life of your retainer with these tips:

  • Clean your retainer: Do this every morning after wearing your retainer the previous night. You can soak it in denture cleaning tablets or brush it with a dedicated toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Store your retainer properly: To prevent loss or damage, always store your retainer in its dedicated container. Keep the container itself in the medicine cabinet, on your nightstand or in another convenient location.
  • Clean your teeth: Your retainer will stay in better condition if you only wear it after brushing and flossing. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, never skip these steps, especially before bed.
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Delina G.
I was nervous about getting braces as an adult, but my experience with Speaks was excellent. The 2 ½ years went by quickly. Dr. Speaks and the staff were clear about the timeline and what I needed to do to ensure a good outcome. I got my braces off last year, a few days before my 30th birthday, and I’m still very happy with the results!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your experience at Speaks Orthodontics was positive and that you’re thrilled with your results. Enjoy your beautiful smile!
Melissa C.
My experience from start to finish with my orthodontic treatment at Speaks Orthodontics has been wonderful. Having to go back into orthodontics in your 30s isn’t ideal, but the team here made it smooth and comfortable. The free consultation was detailed and unhurried. The office is clean and comfortable. Every staff member is kind and helpful. Dr. Speaks’ bedside manner is top-notch, and not only did I get my teeth alignment fixed, he also helped me with evening my gumline out with a laser gingivectomy as part of my treatment. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for orthodontic treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Melissa! We're thrilled to hear that your experience with our team and Dr. Speaks exceeded your expectations. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!
LaPhonso S.
Loved my experience with Dr. Speaks and their team. All the the staff were super friendly and made me feel like they actually cared when I would go in. Had braces and got them off sooner than I expected and very happy with my results!! Highly recommend Speaks Orthodontics!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, LaPhonso! We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team and your satisfaction with the results. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
shareen M.
They have been so amazing with their follow up to all my questions. So much patience!!
Thank you
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Shareen! We're glad to hear that our team has been helpful and patient in addressing your questions. Your satisfaction is our priority!
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Denver, CO 80211

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