How Long Will I Need To Wear My Retainer?

Typically have patients wear their retainers full-time for three months after they get their braces off or finish their last Invisalign aligner. When you take out your retainer to eat during those first three months, be sure to store it in your retainer case. We don’t want you to throw away your retainer with your napkin accidentally. (Trust us, this happens too often!)

After three months of being dedicated to wearing a retainer full-time, patients will wear their retainer at home and at night for nine months. We ask that patients wear their retainers indefinitely during sleep hours after completing the first year of treatment. Over time, teeth tend to shift. Wearing your retainer every night will ensure that your teeth remain straight.

Your New Retainer

Your retainer will feel awkward for the first couple of days, but just like your braces or aligners, they will adapt shortly after. It will be difficult to speak in the beginning, and you may notice a lisp. Dr. DeSantos recommends you practice speaking by reading aloud or singing as much as you can. As usual, you will need to keep good oral hygiene as part of your normal routine.