Once you’ve completed treatment, your teeth need some time to settle into their correct positions. It’s common for teeth to shift as time goes by, so a set of retainers can help protect your smile and ensure your teeth stay straight. Learn more about the types of retainers you can consider, their lifespan and how to care for your retainers.
What's the lifespan of a retainer?
Retainers are necessary to keep your smile in shape after your Invisible Braces treatment. How long they last for depends on the type of retainers you choose, and how well you look after them. Typically, you’ll need to replace your retainers every 4-6 months – depending on how you use it, your personal habits (e.g. teeth grinding), and what your treating dentist has advised.
Types of Retainers
Clear Retainers
Clear retainers last up to 6 months or more depending on your usage. Their discreet appearance makes them a popular choice among many individuals who have just completed their Invisible Braces treatment.
When it comes to wearing them on a daily basis, clear retainers are a more convenient option as they are easily removable, hassle-free and seamlessly fit your lifestyle.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are known for their durability as they are made of acrylic and metal wire. They can last for several years with the right care and attention, ensuring that they keep your teeth straight effectively.
Permanent Retainers
These can reduce teeth movement and remain in a patient’s mouth for a long time. While they may require maintenance from time to time, they can serve their function for many years.
Why do retainers break and how often must you replace them?
Retainers are essential for protecting your smile after your treatment. But what could cause them to wear out prematurely? Not removing them properly or handling your retainers roughly can cause them to break easily. Retainers that are damaged may cause them to lose their effectiveness, and result in your teeth shifting significantly. Moreover, teeth grinding may cause dental retainers to wear out. Over time, the grinding can cause your retainer to crack, chip and eventually break. By constantly using your retainers every day, they can lose their shape and elasticity. If your retainers are loosely fitted, they won’t be able to apply the necessary pressure to keep your teeth aligned.
How to look after your retainers
From proper cleaning to safe storage, practising good retainer care can help extend the lifespan of your retainers and ensure they remain effective in keeping your smile straight.
Here are some valuable tips on how to care for your retainers:
- Tip 1: Clean your retainer with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Alternatively, you can soak your retainers in a retainer cleaning solution. Just drop one retainer cleaning table into warm water, place your retainer in the solution and let it soak for about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Tip 2: Keep your retainers safe. Store them in a protective case to prevent damage
- Tip 3: Handle them with care to prevent them from bending or breaking.
- Tip 4: Keep retainers away from hot water and direct sunlight, as these can cause retainers to warp or become discoloured.
FAQs
How often should retainers be replaced?
It depends on how well a patient cares for their retainers and the treating dentist’s instructions. Hawley retainers may last for several years, while clear retainers need to be replaced every 4 to 6 months depending on individual usage and your treating dentist’s prescription. Permanent retainers can last many years with good maintenance.
What should I do if I lose or damage my retainers?
Please contact the Zenyum team immediately if your retainer is damaged, and we’ll give you a new pair for free in accordance with our 1 month warranty. If you’ve lost your retainers, don’t worry! Our retainers come in sets of 2 or 3 pairs, to ensure you’ll always have an extra set to use. In the event that you don’t have any new retainers to use, please contact us to purchase new ones.
How long do Zenyum retainers last?
Zenyum retainers are made of medical-grade clear plastic and can last for 4 to 6 months depending on individual usage and your treating dentist’s prescription. It’s a good practice to replace your retainers frequently to ensure that they remain clean and effective in keeping your teeth straight.
