How Long Are Permanent Retainers Supposed to Last?

If you are one of the many people who have permanent retainers, then you may be wondering how long they are supposed to last. The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things that can affect the lifespan of your permanent retainers. We will also provide some tips on how to prolong their life!

Factors that Affect the Lifespan of a Permanent Retainer

There are a few factors that can affect how long your permanent retainers will last. These include:

#1 – Type of Retainer

There are two main types of permanent retainers: bonded and non-bonded. Bonded retainers are glued to the back of your teeth, while non-bonded retainers are held in place by a wire that goes around your teeth.

Bonded retainers are usually made of stainless steel or plastic, and they can last for many years if they are well-maintained. Non-bonded retainers are typically made of metal or acrylic, and they tend to last for a shorter period of time.

#2 – Care and Maintenance

Another factor that can affect the lifespan of your permanent retainers is how well you take care of them. It is important to brush and floss around your retainers every day to remove plaque and bacteria. You should also avoid eating hard or sticky foods, as they can damage your retainers.

If you take good care of your retainers, they will last longer!

#3 – Amount of Stress Added to It When Eating

The type of foods you eat can also affect how long your permanent retainers will last. Hard and sticky foods can add more stress to your retainers and cause them to break or come loose. So, it is important to be careful when eating these types of foods.

#4 – Precision of Fitting

The precision of the fitting of your permanent retainers can also affect their lifespan. If your retainers are not fitted properly when you dentist installed them, they will be under more stress and may break or come loose more easily. So, it is important to make sure that your retainers fit well before you start using them.

Tips on Taking Care of Your Permanent Retainers

Now that we’ve discussed some of the factors that can affect the lifespan of your permanent retainers, let’s discuss some tips on how to take care of them.

Here are a few tips:

• Brush and floss around your retainers every day.
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods.
• Be careful when eating hard or sticky foods.
• Always keep your retainer in its case when you’re not wearing it, not on a napkin or tissue or they can be thrown away when mistaken as trash.
• Clean your retainers using a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste.
• Don’t place your retainers in a hot vehicle or drink anything hot when wearing them.
• Don’t try to adjust them yourself, make sure to visit your orthodontist.
• Make sure that your retainers fit well before you start using them.

Getting Permanent Retainer that Lasts

If you want to get permanent retainers that will last, it is important to choose the right type of retainer and take good care of them. At Northshore Orthodontics, we can help you choose the right type of permanent retainer for your needs. We will also provide you with instructions on how to take care of your retainers so that they will last as long as possible!

Dr. Craig Smith uses the latest technologies and philosophies to provide customized orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages in a warm, friendly environment. Dr. Smith is one of the few Board Certified Orthodontists in Smithtown and has been practicing for almost 20 years.

Schedule your first FREE consultation today by calling us at (631) 265-3435 or visiting our website. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care at Northshore Orthodontics!