Do I Really Need To Wear A Retainer After ClearCorrect Treatment?

One of the questions we’re commonly asked is “Do I really need to wear a retainer after ClearCorrect treatment?”

The short answer is yes you do! Wearing a retainer is essential for maintaining your new smile.

Clear aligners, like the ones we offer from ClearCorrect, are a discreet and effective way to achieve a straight, beautiful smile. After spending time and money on your treatment, it would be devastating to lose that beautiful straight smile once you’re done with the aligners. That's why your dentist will recommend that you follow up with retainers.

Retainers are critical to the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment. It might be tempting to put your retainers away in a drawer and forget about them, but it's very important to wear them as advised.

In this article, we’ll explain why retainers are so important, how long you'll need to wear them and answer some common questions about retainers. So, let’s get started.

A recap on ClearCorrect treatment

Before jumping into why wearing a retainer after ClearCorrect treatment is so important, let’s quickly familiarize ourselves with this popular orthodontic process.

Clear plastic aligners like ClearCorrect offer a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, effectively addressing issues like crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, as well as various bite and alignment concerns.

These nearly invisible aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and mouth, with treatment lasting between 8 and 14 months, depending on how crooked or misaligned your teeth are (malocclusion). During this time, your teeth will gradually move and align according to the 3D model created during your treatment planning with your dentist.

As you approach the end of your ClearCorrect aligner treatment, your dentist will discuss retainer options with you. The retainers you choose will be custom-made to fit your new smile, covering either your upper or lower teeth (or both) depending on which teeth were treated. Often, the retainers look very similar to your aligners.

The importance of retainers after clear aligner treatment

Once you finish your clear aligner treatment, we know you’re going to be excited to show off your straight, beautiful smile. However, your bones and gums need time to adjust and become strong enough to hold your teeth in place. This is especially important right after your treatment ends.

Retainers play a crucial role in keeping your teeth secure and supported in their new positions. Without them, your teeth could shift out of alignment, undoing all the progress made with your ClearCorrect treatment.

With that said, you’re probably wondering how long you’re going to have to wear a retainer. Let us explain ….

How long are retainers normally worn after ClearCorrect treatment?

The length of time and frequency of wearing retainers differ for each patient and are typically discussed with your dentist beforehand. Generally, wearing retainers every day for 18 to 22 hours during the first 3 to 6 months is advised. After this initial phase, many patients can reduce wearing them during the day.

Around one year after your aligner treatment ends, and after wearing retainers consistently, the bone surrounding your teeth should be strong enough to hold everything in place with less support. At this point, your dentist may adjust your retainer schedule, advising you to wear them only at night or just 3 to 5 days a week.

It's important to remember that your teeth will continue to shift slightly throughout your life. To prevent them from moving out of alignment, you should continue to wear retainers indefinitely. Even with healthy gums and strong bones, natural aging causes teeth to move inward and forward. Wearing your retainer will help minimize this gradual shift and prevent a sunken appearance on your face. While you may not appreciate your retainers initially, over time, you'll be glad you wore them.

Protects your investment and results

As you can see, retainers are essential for preserving the time, money, and beautiful results you've achieved with ClearCorrect clear aligners. While you won't need to wear them as often as your bones strengthen, wearing retainers should remain a lifelong habit to maintain your smile.

Need more answers about retainers after ClearCorrect? Our team at Chesterfield Dentistry is here for you! We're dedicated to helping you achieve a smile you love and maintaining your dental health. Contact us today for any questions or to schedule an appointment!

FAQs about retainers

How does it feel to wear a retainer?

When you first start wearing a retainer, it may feel a bit uncomfortable, with slight pressure on your teeth and increased saliva production. Speech may also be affected initially. These symptoms usually subside within the first week. If your retainer causes significant discomfort, such as extreme pressure or rubbing on your gums, schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist.

What is the best way to take care of my retainer?

For removable retainers, regularly soak them in distilled water with a denture-cleaning tablet or a mixture of distilled water and baking soda. Gently brush with toothpaste after soaking and avoid letting it dry out. For fixed retainers, use floss and a Waterpik to clean between teeth and remove food particles. Continue regular dental check-ups to maintain oral hygiene.

What other advice do you have about taking the best care of my retainers?

• Keep retainers in your mouth or their case.
• Always carry a retainer case with you.
• Avoid putting retainers in pockets, or purses, or wrapping them in napkins to prevent loss.
• Keep retainers away from pets and heat to prevent damage or deformation.