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How Long After My Braces Come Off Should I Wear My Retainer?

Home » How Long After My Braces Come Off Should I Wear My Retainer?
  • Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates Orthodontics
  • September 26, 2013

Braces are an investment in your smile. When your teeth reach a desired straightness, you’ll have a beautiful smile, but it’s important to keep it that way! You can accomplish this with a retainer provided by Cassinelli and Shanker.

A retainer is a small, custom-fit device that reinforces the new position of your teeth after your braces are removed. But for many patients, especially the youngest ones, wearing a retainer may seem like an annoyance. So exactly how long after your braces come off should you wear your retainer?

Graduation of Wear Time

When we remove your braces, Drs. Cassinelli and Shanker will evaluate the condition of the bone structure surrounding your teeth and determine how well it is adjusting to the new position of your teeth. For the first few months, we may require you to wear your retainer both day and night, except during meal times and for brushing and flossing.

As the bone and gum tissues adjust to your new smile, we may determine that you need to wear your retainer only at night. After about one year of wearing the retainer every night, you may be able to take a couple of nights off each week.

However, we do not recommend ever stopping permanently. To best secure the position of the teeth, especially through future extractions and oral health changes, wearing your retainer a few nights a week will be necessary for many years.

Considerations

If you are concerned about your appearance when you wear a retainer, there are many that can be worn discreetly. You could choose a clear plastic one that is less obvious during the months immediately following removal of your braces. When you change to night wear only, clear wire retainers are available for minimal visibility as well.

Another option is a lingual retainer. It is placed on the back sides of your teeth so no one will ever know it is there! Lingual retainers are also permanent, so there’s no risk of losing them.

Remember, wearing your retainer is an investment in your smile. If you fail to wear it consistently, the tissues that support your teeth will be unsupported, and you may begin to experience noticeable shifting. You’ve worked hard to get that beautiful smile — your retainer will let you keep it! Remember to call our West Chester or Cincinnati, OH office if you have any questions about your retainer!

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Our 5-Star Patient Experience

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. We are committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit.

Grace C.
Everyone in the office has been professional and Bev at the front desk is exceptional. I sat with my son during treatment thinking about how she is above and beyond wonderful. I am grateful for her attention to detail, consideration of my circumstances, communication across the team of personnel to make sure I had what I wanted and all of it infused with kindness.
Response from the owner:Your comments are so sweet. We are so glad that you've had a wonderful experience. We strive to provide excellent service and care to each of our patients!
Shanti H.
Just started the orthodontic procedure. The experience is excellent and the cost is reasonable
Response from the owner:Thank you. We are happy to be able to help you get the smile you want 😀
Sarah H.
This orthodontic team has been absolutely wonderful! Highly recommend for your orthodontic needs!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sarah! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience with our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Triplets2010
All 3 of my children have gone here for a couple of years and they are amazing! Great customer service, top notch orthodontic care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star review! We are so happy to hear you had a great experience with our staff and doctors. We love creating beautiful smiles!
Ashley P.
Very clean office. The staff was prepared for our visit, like having a new patient name board and plenty to do in the waiting room for littles. Staff was friendly and facility was very neat. We enjoyed our visit and didn't feel pressured to buy any treatment options.
Response from the owner:So glad you enjoyed your visit, and thank you for the wonderful review.
Jamie I.
Our daughter and son were patients several years ago. And now another daughter is a new patient with the office. We have had a great experience. Friendly and professional staff. Great communicators. Reasonably priced! Clean and warm environment. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review. It is our pleasure to provide excellent care for your family. We are so glad you chose our office again.
Valerie A.
My experience for my consultation was an experience that I’ve never had before. From the moment I arrived for my visit, until I was done, the staff was great and made me feel very comfortable. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!
Response from the owner:So happy to hear this. Thanks for the great review.
David B.
Friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Office was immaculate. Great experience!
Response from the owner:Thanks. Appreciate the compliments!
Tasha F.
I wish I could give more than five stars! I truly enjoyed being a patient at Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates. Being able to go through this process with both of my sons made it even more special. The staff knew us by name and made us feel welcome at every appointment. I couldn’t recommend a better place to get braces 😁
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the great review! It has been our pleasure treating your family. We have the best doctors and staff and love what we do!
Slice S.
Adult Invisalign, a 16 month process, I’m so glad I did it! Organized, we’ll communicated process and my providers were all amazing!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We love what we do. It has been our pleasure having you as our patient!
Christin M.
They are such a phenomenal practice with caring and attentive staff! The orthodontists are knowledgeable and kind! We have had such a positive experience working with them!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star review! We have 4 of the best orthodontists and an amazing team. We are so happy to hear you agree!
Elisa C.
My experience I had with this office was excellent. They went over and beyond to make sure my child was comfortable was OK nothing was hurting her. I will always recommend you take your child to this dentist office for any dental work done on your children.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality in patient care and customer satisfaction. It has been our please treating your daughter.
melissa D.
Super nice staff! I was in and out of there with all my questions answered. I get my Invisalign put in in two weeks and I am very excited.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We are so happy to join you on your journey to a new beautiful smile!
Crystal D.
We have been extremely happy with the level of care our daughter has received. Everyone in the office is friendly and knowledgeable. Our time in the office was quick and efficient. They estimated the length of her treatment plan to be 18 months and she finished a full six months early. We highly recommend Cassinelli and Shanker to anyone entering the orthodontics phase.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback and excellent review! We love hearing you had a great experience. Your daughter was a star patient and it has been our pleasure treating her.
Kiersten G.
Friendly staff, easy experience. Went in for my 8 year old who is not losing baby teeth and has no room for any that can come in. Dr. set out a clear plan for the near future and things that may be farther out.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review! We value patient relationships and are confident we have the best orthodontists in the city!
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