Retainers at
Sirinity Smiles

You will need to wear retainers indefinitely. After recent orthodontic treatment, they should be worn full-time—at least 20–22 hours a day—for the first three months, only removing them to eat and clean your teeth. After three months, you can switch to wearing them at night only. You will need to continue nightly use for as long as you want your smile to remain the same. Not wearing them every night will lead to your teeth shifting and them no longer being effective.

Retainers can last up to two years; however, some people unknowingly stretch them out sooner. This commonly occurs from grinding or clenching—something over 85% of the population does, often without awareness. Stretching can also happen with your first tray since it is worn 20–22 hours a day during the first three months after orthodontic treatment. They may also lose their fit sooner if not worn daily. Any of these factors can lead to teeth shifting, even when used as instructed. Every six months, you should try on a new duplicate set. If the new set feels significantly tighter, your current one has stretched and it’s time to switch before your teeth shift irreversibly.

Each retainer is custom-made to exacting standards; however, it may become damaged or distorted if forced into place after the teeth have shifted from not wearing it as prescribed. It can also be easily crushed if not kept in its case when not being worn. Additionally, hot air or water can distort it, ruining its fit and function and potentially causing it to break.