If you’ve ever completed any type of orthodontic treatment before, you may already be the proud owner of a retainer. Retainers are used to maintain your orthodontic results. When you first get yours, you may need to wear it round the clock, but eventually you should be able to keep your teeth in alignment by just wearing it to bed. If you’ve had yours for a while, you may be wondering when you may need to replace it. Here’s how to tell if time is up for your orthodontic equipment!
Retainer Life
How long your retainer survives depends on many things, including on how often you need to wear it. The more frequently it is used, the sooner you could end up replacing it. That being said, even if you don’t wear it often, if you don’t take care of it, it won’t last long, either!
Different types of retainers have different life expectancies:
- Hawley retainers: These metal/acrylic combinations typically last around five to eight years with proper care and use.
- Essix Retainers: These are like Invisalign trays, and typically need to be replaced after about three years.
Caring for Your Retainer
To extend the life of your retainer for as long as possible, follow these important care instructions:
- Wear only as directed by your orthodontist
- Notify your orthodontist if you have any changes to your smile, such as a lost tooth or dental crown
- Remove your retainer to eat
- Never clean a retainer in hot water
- Retainers can be washed in retainer soak or by gently scrubbing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild liquid dish detergent or hand soap and then rinsed well.
How to Tell if its Time to Replace Your Retainer
If you notice any of the following signs of damage, it could be time to replace your retainer. These include:
- Cracking: cracked retainers carry the risk of potentially disrupting your orthodontic results and can also harbor dangerous bacteria like staph and candida which aren’t typically present in most oral microbiomes.
- Chips: These can make your retainer ineffective and can cause injury to your soft tissues if they are sharp.
- Improper fit: If your retainer becomes too loose or too tight over time, it may need to be replaced. An improper fit can cause your teeth to shift and could require more orthodontic treatment to repair.
- Buildup: Retainers should be cleaned daily. Failure to do so could cause buildup from plaque. Hard water can also cause this. If you are struggling to get yours clean, speak to your orthodontist, as you may require a replacement.
If you notice any type of changes to your retainer do not attempt to adjust or repair it yourself as this can cause more damage to both the retainer and your smile. Instead, reach out to your orthodontist to have it examined by a professional.
About Our Practice
At Willow Bend Orthodontics of Plano, our team of orthodontists wants you to enjoy your beautiful new smile for a lifetime. That’s why prescribe retainers following most orthodontic treatments. If you are experiencing any changes to your teeth or your orthodontic equipment, don’t brush it off or try to correct it yourself. Schedule an appointment today so we can take a closer look and find a solution that preserves your alignment and keeps your teeth and gums healthy, too.
To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 972-732-1400.