How long do you have to wear a retainer 24/7 after I get your braces off?

Question

Ive had my braces for a little over 2 1/2 years. I heard I have to wear a retainer 24/7 for 6 months?!?!?! How often do i have to wear it?

Answer 1

oh i wore it for a year every nite..then every other nite after that ...i think its different depending on the person..ive never wore mine 24/7

Answer 2

everyones situation is different depending on your teeth but for me, i have to wear it for like ever and you cant ever take it off.. every night before bed or it will shift back to the way it was before ..im getting my bottoms off this tuesday

Answer 3

What did your Orthodontist tell you??

Answer 4

The ortho told my sister to wear it 24/7 for 6 months..

Not that bad geeze.

Answer 5

I am the same as you.

I had my  braces for 2 1/2 years as well..

my orthodontist told me he makes me wear it 24/7 for two years! and then he says one more year but only during the night. and that's it.

Answer 6

it depends... you might have to wear it 24/7... i only need mine at night

and 6 months is wayyy too short. at least a couple years i think.. most dentists say your whole life but who would do that?

Answer 7

I think 6 months to a year, but my ortho says 2 years, i think. I haven't got mine off yet.  

Answer 8

After i got my braces  off August(2006) I had to wear them all day everyday the only time i took them off was to brush my teeth.

After a Year of wearing them August (2007) I only wore them to at night when i went to sleep.

It was annoying that i couldn't show my brand new smile without having to show that stupid retainer but it was worth it because now i have a perfect smile.

You must wear them other wise your teeth will move back to the way they used to be. Then what was the point of wearing The braces for so long? It's worth it in the end.

Answer 9

My son finished braces about 3 years ago. He had to wear his retainer 24/7 for the first year and now he wears it only at night.

Answer 10

mine told me you have to wear it for the rest of your life.

Answer 11

All the time as your teeth will move back. I used to take mine out before eating and drinking (which can be a bit embarassing so do it discretely) and obv when i brushed my teeth. If i was going out or something i wouldnt wear it just for that evening. I have had friends who didnt wear theirs like they should after they had their braces off and their teeth have gone wonky again so you really should wear all the time. Your dentist will tell you how long you need to wear it for,