So your braces journey is over and your smile looks amazing, thanks to Imagine Orthodontic Studio, but now what? How do you keep your smile perfect? Well, we can answer that, by wearing your retainer! Wearing your retainer is a key part of keeping your smile straight and healthy. You are probably wondering “How long do I have to wear a retainer?” Don’t worry – we’re here to break it all down for you.

So why is wearing your retainer so essential after having braces? When you have braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign or Angel Aligners) and finish your orthodontic journey your teeth might tend to shift back to their original positions. That is why wearing your retainer, per the instructions of your orthodontist, is important. Your retainer helps to keep your teeth in their new, perfect positions. This will ensure all of your (and your orthodontists) hard work doesn’t go to waste. There are three main phases that your orthodontic professional may put you through.

1. Full-Time Retainer Wear: The first phase is the full-time retainer wear. This happens right after you get your braces off. Typically it is recommended that you wear your retainer full-time (which means 22-24 hours per day) right after you get your braces off. With this type of phase, you only take your braces off when you are eating, brushing your teeth, or cleaning the retainer itself.
2. Night-Time Retainer Wear: The second and most common phase for wearing your retainer after getting your braces off is night-time retainer wear. This phase means that you are done with the initial phase of wearing your retainer almost all day and are only wearing it at night. This helps to keep your teeth straight while allowing you more freedom to go about your day without a retainer. Wearing your retainer at night is often recommended for one-year post-brace removal. Some orthodontic professionals even suggest that you keep this routine indefinitely to keep your perfect smile from shifting
3. Permanent (bonded) Retainer: This type of retainer is bonded to the back of your teeth with a thin wire. Usually, it can be found on the front teeth. This is a great option for those who do not want to focus on remembering to put in their retainer. However, this option does require extra care and cleaning.

The best way to keep your retainer in the best shape is to keep it clean! At Imagine Orthodontic Studio we are committed to providing our patients with the best care, which is why we are excited to provide them with the Imagine Cleaning Pod! We have a state-of-the-art cleaning solution designed specifically for your orthodontic devices! This innovative product ensures that your retainers remain clean, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria, providing you with peace of mind and a healthier smile.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey with braces or clear aligners or you’re curious about life after braces, Imagine Orthodontic Studio is here to help. Contact any of our orthodontic offices in Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, St.Petersburg, or Clearwater to schedule your free consultation