Retainers can last up to two years. However, some people unknowingly stretch their retainers out sooner. This can result commonly from grinding/clenching, which over 85% of the population does, most without any knowledge or awareness of doing so. Stretched retainers can also commonly happen to your first tray since you will be using it 20-22 of 24 hours for the first three months after completing orthodontic treatment. Your retainers can also stretch out sooner if not using them daily. Any of these reasons and others can lead to teeth shifting despite using your retainer as instructed.

Every six months you should try on a new duplicate retainer. If the new retainers feel significantly tighter, your current set of retainers has stretched.  It is time to switch into a new set before your teeth irreversibly shift.

Retainers should be cleaned with a toothbrush and water every time you brush your teeth. Dish soap can also be used. Toothpaste can dull the finish of your retainers. If calcium is depositing on your retainers, soak them for about 15 minutes using a cleaning tablet or in a solution of white vinegar.

Please feel free to bring your retainers in for cleaning every time you come to our office for a professional dental cleaning.

Each retainer is custom-made to exacting standards. However, a retainer may break if, for example, it is forced into place after the teeth have moved as a result of not wearing it as prescribed. Please note that retainers can be easily crushed if not kept in the case when not being worn. Also, keep in mind that hot air or water will distort your retainers, ruining their fit and function, and possibly causing them to break.

Please call us at 973-377-6300 when you are on your last set of retainers. You don’t ever want to be without a back-up on hand. If you had no major dental work done and have been correctly following the instructions above, you will likely not need a new scan.