Retainer Instructions

Ensure your smile remains as brilliant as the day your braces came off. Follow our detailed retainer instructions to maintain your teeth alignment for years to come.

First 3-6 Months After Orthodontic Treatment

For the first 3 months after completing orthodontic treatment, it is crucial to wear your retainers both day and night. Remove them only when eating or brushing your teeth. Once past this initial period, you can switch to wearing them only at night. This routine helps in maintaining your smile’s alignment.

  • Longevity: Retainers often last up to two years, but grinding or clenching can cause them to stretch sooner.
  • Awareness: Over 85% of people grind their teeth unknowingly, which can affect the retainer's effectiveness.
  • Regular Use: Use your retainer as instructed to avoid teeth shifting.
Retainer care instructions

Every 6 Months

Every six months, try on a new duplicate retainer. If it feels significantly tighter, it's an indication that your current retainer has stretched. Transition to a new set promptly to prevent irreversible teeth shifting.

With only one set of retainers, detecting a shift before it's visible is impossible. Once noticed, it’s often too late, and your smile may have altered. Re-scanning for new retainers will prevent further shifting, but won’t revert the changes.

We recommend choosing Vivera, a solution that offers four sets of retainers with the scan saved for future reference.

When You Need More Retainers

Contact us when you're ready to upgrade from a single set to a more reliable method of protecting your smile. We will scan you for Vivera retainers.

Keep us informed when you begin using your last set of Vivera. It's important to always have a backup. If there’s been no major dental work and you’ve followed the instructions, a new scan may not be necessary.

Cleaning Retainers

**Please feel free to bring your retainers in for cleaning every time you come to our office for a professional dental cleaning,** ensuring they remain in top condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wear my retainer daily?

Initially, wear your retainer day and night for the first three months. Afterward, nightly wear is sufficient to maintain alignment.

What should I do if my retainer no longer fits?

If your retainer feels too tight or doesn’t fit, it's time to contact us for a new set to prevent teeth shifting.

How can I clean my retainer effectively?

Clean your retainer with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the material.

Is it necessary to wear my retainer forever?

For best results, continuous nightly wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your smile alignment.

Your Smile Awaits

Ready for a Smile You'll Love?

Schedule your visit with Smiles of Niles today and experience dental care that's gentle, modern, and genuinely welcoming.

Book Appointment 847-583-1900