Optimal Duration: How Long to Wear Retainers Daily?

When you first get your braces off or finish your clear aligner treatment, your orthodontist will provide instructions for retainer wear. For the first few months, most patients will wear their removable retainers full-time, day and night, removing only for meals and drinking, and to brush their teeth and clean the retainers.

In certain cases, the orthodontists may instruct you to wear retainers only at night and to switch to full-time wear if you notice some shifting.

Some minor shifting of your teeth is normal after orthodontic treatment: this is called dental settling. Even with proper retainer wear, there will still be minor shifting as the teeth settle into their permanent positions. If the retainer is fitting well, you don't need to worry about this minor shifting but contact your orthodontist if you have any questions or concerns or if your retainer isn’t fitting right.

When you reduce retainer to wear to nightly use, you’ll store your retainer safely in a case for the day, and then put the retainer in after brushing your teeth to sleep. Wear them all night long while you sleep, and wash them gently every morning before putting them back in the case.

With a permanent retainer, you don’t need to worry about taking the retainers in and out: you’ll just have the retainer in your mouth all the time, reducing any stress about compliance. But with removable retainers, it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions to ensure the retention phase is effective at protecting your healthy bite and smile.

How long a retainer lasts depends on which retainer type you have, as well as how well you care for the retainer. A bonded, permanent retainer usually lasts longer than a removable clear retainer.

Permanent bonded retainer: This type of retainer is glued to the back of your teeth, either on the top or the bottom. If cared for properly, a bonded retainer could last for years. Some patients have been able to wear their permanent retainer for over 20 years, but there's no guarantee. Natural factors may impact the length of your permanent retainer, such as diet and the natural acidity of saliva.

Hawley retainer: This is a removable retainer made of metal wires and hard plastic or acrylic. This type of retainer is sturdy and durable and built to last for several years. Many patients find Hawley retainers to be more noticeable and less comfortable.

Clear plastic retainers: These retainers are generally worn as a set, with one on the top and one on the bottom rows of teeth. Some patients may be prescribed a combination retainer: a bonded retainer on the bottom teeth and a removable clear retainer on the upper teeth. There are different types of clear retainers: Essix retainers are less expensive and less durable, so they don’t last as long and are more likely to break or discolor. Vivera retainers are the Invisalign brand of clear retainers, and they tend to last longer than Essix retainers. Clear retainers are relatively easy and cost-effective to replace and often come as a package of several sets.