Retainer Wear After Adult Orthodontics: How Long is Necessary?

It is recommended that you wear your retainers full-time for at least the first six months after treatment. After that, you may be able to switch to wearing them only at night. The exact amount of time you will need to wear your retainers will depend on your individual case.

Here are some factors that can affect how long you need to wear your retainers:

* Your age: Younger patients tend to have more relapse than older patients.

* The type of orthodontic treatment you had: Some types of orthodontic treatment, such as braces, can cause more relapse than others, such as Invisalign.

* Your compliance with wearing your retainers: The more consistently you wear your retainers, the less likely you are to experience relapse.

If you are not sure how long you need to wear your retainers, talk to your orthodontist. They will be able to assess your individual case and give you a personalized recommendation.