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

Question

Also, what does it feel like wearing one?

Answer 1

I was told forever...especially if you grind or clench your teeth. I have been wearing my retainer - bottom one only since I got my braces off over 10 years ago...but only at night when I go to bed. My teeth move around all the time. You really need to keep wearing if you still have your wisdom teeth...they will move your teeth for sure if they begin to grow in.

Wearing one? It only feels different in the beginning..and you talk funny with the top one in. But it becomes normal soon enough. It sure beats braces! Atleast you can take them out to brush your teeth and to clean the retainers - I use denture cleaner to keep build up off my retainers. You know, the fizzies?

Good luck!

Answer 2

My children both were told to wear their retainers at night for the rest of their lives. My son has had his braces off for 6 years and still wears his and his teeth haven't shifted one bit. His orthodontist saw him recently and couldn't believe his eyes. So many stop wearing them and it's not long before the teeth have shifted horribly. Often so bad one has to get braces again. So wear your retainers at night when you sleep.

Answer 3

Wear the retainers as long as you want straight teeth. I wear mine at night. The top retainer affects your speech. The bottom retainer is easier to wear and is really not uncomfortable. You can feel both retainers in your mouth, but you become accustomed to it. There are different types of retainers - mine is a Hawley retainer.

Answer 4

Ok, after reading the other answers....... I went to an ortho when I had braces, and I only had to wear my retainers for maybe a year and half, then the ortho told me I didn't need to wear them anymore. Not only that, but he also kept my retainers too. Hmm..

Answer 5

how ever long the doctor said to!