After completing your clear aligner treatment, wearing a retainer becomes essential to maintain your new smile. Without proper retention, teeth can gradually return to their original positions and undo all your hard work.
Understanding the Retention Phase
The first few months after treatment are particularly crucial because your teeth are most susceptible to movement. Dr. Zhou will create a custom-fitted retainer designed for your newly aligned smile. Retainer use depends on your unique case but typically involves wearing it full-time, removing it only for meals and oral hygiene, as you did with your aligners.
After the initial stabilization period of approximately three months, you will likely transition to nighttime-only wear. This schedule typically continues indefinitely to ensure your teeth maintain their new positions long-term.
Types of Retainers
There are several types of retainers that we may recommend:
- Essix retainers are custom-molded to fit over your teeth, similar to aligners
- Fixed retainers are bonded to the backs of lower front teeth to keep them in place
- Hawley retainers combine acrylic and metal similar to a removable wire retainer.
Maintaining Your Investment
Remember, committing to wearing a retainer directly affects the longevity of your orthodontic treatment. Accepting that retention is just another phase of treatment when you begin clear aligner therapy can make it easier to follow through.
If you have questions about wearing orthodontic retainers after clear aligner treatment, please call our Ellicott City, MD, dental office for more information.