My orthodontist says I have to wear a retainer at night for the rest of my life !


Question:

My orthodontist says I have to wear a retainer at night for the rest of my life , is that true ?

I had braces. my orthodontist said i have to wear it at night for the rest of my life. but online, it says i only have to wear it till a certain age.


Answers:

Yes, you have to wear it forever, or your teeth will move out of alignment at some point.

I know a lot of people - adults - who still wear their retainers, sometimes during the day, too. Many people get permanent retainers fastened to the inside of the teeth to keep them in alignment after straightening.

Read this:

"Whatever type you and your orthodontist choose, it's important to wear it regularly for as long as your orthodontist recommends. During the initial period (the first year after your braces come off) you will wear it 24/7 for several months. Later, your orthodontist will tell you that it's OK to wear it only at night -- every night. After another year goes by, you can wear it several nights per week. If you totally stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will shift, particularly if you had extractions. Why go to all this trouble and expense, only to screw up your teeth again? Don't be stupid or lazy -- wear your retainer!"

Now you say you "read this online," too.
http://www.archwired.com/6-_come_off.htm...




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