The question always comes up: “Doctor, how long do I need to wear my retainers?” The correct answer is forever. “Really, Doctor?” Yes, it is true! A very large research study was done by the University of Washington in the early 90’s. They looked at all the treated orthodontic cases in the clinic, thousands of patients. They wanted to see how well the teeth stayed straight after the braces were removed. Their findings are the basis of our current retention protocol relating to wearing a lifetime retainer.
What They Found About Wearing a Lifetime Retainer
They discovered that the patients who had the straightest teeth also had retainers that they were consistently wearing. That was the number one reason for their straight teeth—continued and consistent retainer wear. It did not matter whether you had third molars removed or other teeth removed. Some of the patients only wore their retainers 1 time a week and had very straight teeth. Others found that they needed to wear their retainers 2 to 3 times a week to keep their teeth straight.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is this: retainers are a very important part of the success in keeping your smile as beautiful and your teeth as straight as possible for your lifetime. Please feel free to ask any of our staff or our Doctors about the importance of retainers! Luv My Smile realizes the importance of retainers for a lifetime of perfect smiles, and we offer a very affordable insurance program for all patients who need retainers replaced due to loss or breakage.
Learn More About Lifetime Retainers Today!
Feel free to contact our offices at (530) 274-4411 or online to schedule your free consultation. Luv My Smile, powered by Cater Galante Orthodontics, is eager to help you achieve a smile you can show off confidently for a lifetime!
