What happens if you take off your braces early?

We understand the disappointment. Maybe you have a special event coming up, a wedding or a dance, and you were hoping for a reprieve, but bone takes time to heal. In other words, if your braces come off too early then your teeth could go back to how they were.

Do you need a permanent retainer after braces?

Permanent retainers are often recommended by orthodontists after braces to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original place. Your orthodontist may also suggest one if you have difficulty adhering to their guidelines for removable retainers.

Do you keep the same retainer forever?

To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you’re going to need to wear your retainers nightly for the rest of your life. The good news is, after some time it won’t be necessary to wear them as often.

Do you have to wear aligners forever?

Yes, you’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Even though Invisalign moves teeth differently from traditional metal braces, the result is still the same. You’ll need to wear retainers after any kind of teeth straightening.

Is 20 hours enough for Invisalign?

Invisalign trays gently nudge teeth into better alignment through micro-movements. The small shifts are spread out over several months or longer so patients feel minimal discomfort throughout the treatment. This is why Invisalign recommends that the trays are worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day.

How long can I go without wearing my retainer?

Some people may need to wear their retainer 24 hours a day for up to 4 months, while other people may be advised to wear theirs full-time for 8 to 10 months.

What happens if I don’t wear a retainer after my braces are removed?

If you don’t wear a retainer immediately after your braces are removed, your teeth can slowly start reverting back to their original position within a matter of days. Obviously you won’t know the different within these few short days, but the longer you leave it – the more movement happens.

How long does it take to get braces off your teeth?

The timescale for treatment is likely to be one of the biggest concerns. Patients want to know how long it will take to get their ideal smile so that brackets and wires can come off. It is typical for orthodontic treatment to take at least two years. Two and a half years is ideal.

How long do I have to wear my retainers?

Most people have to wear their retainers indefinitely, to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position. If you go without wearing it for a few nights, you might notice that it feels extra tight or slightly out of place when you put it back in again. This is because your teeth have already started to shift out of alignment!

Can my orthodontist tell me when my braces will be removed?

Although your orthodontist might have told that you will be getting your braces removed in your next visit, there is a chance that when you arrive they will tell you the removal has to be postponed. Your orthodontist has given you their best estimate, but it’s not foolproof.