You are likely nearing the end of your SureSmile treatment. It’s not long until you can feel accomplished that you finished it. Once you are all done, you may be ready to head out and show off your new grin, but you’ll be fitted with a retainer beforehand. This looks similar to your aligners, but they serve a different purpose. Keep reading to learn why you need them and how long you’ll have them for.
Why Do I Have to Get a Retainer After SureSmile?
For your teeth to move during an orthodontic service, your jawbone has to become spongy. This allows your teeth to shift into their desired positions, but it takes a bit for the bone to stabilize and harden. During this time, there’s a chance that your smile drifts back to its original position. To prevent this, a retainer is needed to protect both your investment and results.
How Long Will I Wear My Retainer For?
If you want to keep your healthier bite for a lifetime, then that length is the answer to this question. While you may not be the most excited to hear that, there is some good news! Retainers are meant to be weaned off.
While you’ll have to keep them in for longer in the beginning, over time, you can switch to just nights. Generally, you can expect to wear them for 22 hours the first two to four months. Afterward, you might be able to switch to nights, but your dentist can give you a timeline that’s more accurate for you.
What Do I Need to Do to Protect My Retainer?
Since you’ll need your retainers, it’s best to take good care of them. Thankfully, it’s not much different from your SureSmile aligners. Here is a quick reminder:
- Don’t eat or drink anything besides water when wearing them.
- Store them in their designated case.
- Use clear, gentle soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them (at least twice a day.
Even though you will have to wear your retainer after you finish up with your orthodontic treatment, it’s to help preserve your results. They aren’t much different from what you are used to with your clear aligners, so stick to what your dentist says about keeping them in. That way, you can enjoy your confident smile the best it can be for as long as possible.
About the Practice
At Athens Dental Associates, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here for the community to get their straighter grins with SureSmile. Our team has advanced training in it to ensure you look and feel your best by the end of your treatment. If you want to learn how orthodontics can be right for you, schedule an appointment or call our office at (706) 549-1370.