{"id":88,"date":"2024-12-12T00:43:37","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T00:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wittorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=88"},"modified":"2025-01-29T00:45:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T00:45:25","slug":"new-retainer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wittorthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=88","title":{"rendered":"How Often Should You Get a New Retainer?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Woman<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Reaching the end of your orthodontic journey is exciting! Now you can show off your beautifully straight smile. However, if you want to maintain your results for years into the future, it\u2019s important that you wear your retainer as directed. That begs the question: how long does your retainer<\/a> last? Continue reading to learn more about how often you should be wearing your retainer and when you should get a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Long Do You Need to Wear Your Retainer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The number of hours you need to wear your retainer depends on your treatment. However, patients are usually asked to wear their retainer between 10 and 22 hours each day for the first few months. After reaching this milestone, it\u2019s recommended that patients wear their retainer while sleeping each night for at least one year. After this, your orthodontist may suggest wearing your retainer for several nights a week to prevent future movement. If you want to maintain your results, wearing your retainer is a lifetime commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 Signs to Replace Your Retainer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You need to wear your retainer indefinitely, but it doesn\u2019t last forever. Eventually, you will need to get a new one. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cracks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If there are cracks in the plastic of your retainer, contact your orthodontist to get a replacement. These cracks will grow over time, and the retainer won\u2019t have the strength to keep your teeth stationary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your retainer feels loose, it\u2019s time for a replacement. Over the years, retainers wear down and become wider. When this occurs, it won\u2019t be effective anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ill-Fitting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A common issue that retainers face is losing their shape over time. This can happen quickly if you wash them in water that is too hot. If you haven\u2019t been consistently wearing your retainer and it feels tight, this doesn\u2019t mean that the retainer is bad. It is a sign that you should wear it more frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calcium Buildup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you notice calcium buildup on your retainer, it might be time for you to have it replaced. Give your orthodontist a call to let them know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important that you wear your retainer to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. If you think you need a new one, give your orthodontist a call so they can take a look. This way, you can keep your smile beautiful and straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Davis Witt<\/a> is an experienced orthodontist who has been working in private practice for over 25 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut\u2019s School of Dental Medicine. After graduating, he was accepted into the University of Washington Seattle\u2019s highly competitive Orthodontics program where he was awarded a Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry. To learn more about retainers or to schedule an appointment, visit his website<\/a> or call (508) 721-7900.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reaching the end of your orthodontic journey is exciting! Now you can show off your beautifully straight smile. However, if you want to maintain your results for years into the future, it\u2019s important that you wear your retainer as directed. That begs the question: how long does your retainer last? Continue reading to learn more […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nLifespan of Retainers, Auburn | Witt Orthodontics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The lifespan of your retainer depends on multiple factors. 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