I got my braces off in October..

Question

I got my braces of in October and recently went to the dentist. I was given a retainer to "settle" my teeth and move my bottom jaw forwards.

I had not been wearing my retainer and my dentist told me she could tell because they had not yet settled.

How long does it take for my teeth to settle assuming I wear my retainer nightly like told?

What exactly is settling of the teeth and how can I tell when it happens?

Answer 1

It takes as long as it takes, the less you wear your retainer, the longer it will take...  

Answer 2

IDK BUT DO WHAT THE TEETH DOC TOLD YA IT WILL BE OVER N NO TIME

Answer 3

just keep wearing it until the dentist tells you to stop wearing your retainer

Answer 4

Well, I'm not sure if I'll be of much help because I don't have a retainer, but my older brother does. He has had his retainer for about a year. The orthodontist told us that it will take about 2 years for his to settle, and he said everyone is a little different.

~I'm not exactly sure about when you can tell your teeth have "settled" but it would be something good to look up online, or ask your dentist/ortho. Or some fine person will answer it right here on Yahoo Answers!~

Sorry if I wasn't that much help.

Answer 5

Your teeth have been moved by the braces so when you take all the metal off they want to reform to the original position. By wearing your retainer your teeth will stay in the same spot. This isnt a specific thing to look for, your teeth will be almost set after the braces are off. The retainer moves them very little. I personally did not wear mine after a couple months and now my teeth have moved back slightly so I would wear it for at least close to the recomended time you were told!

Answer 6

I just got braces off a little while ago too. With my retainer I was suppossed to wear it 24/7 for 6 months, and then just at night for a year or so. I think settling is when your teeth are finally where they are gonna stay and not move. When you get your braces or, if you dont wear your retainer, your teeth will move back into their original places before you got the braces. So yea, I think thats what settling is ---- When your teeth are gonna stay in their correct places permanantly.

Answer 7

I have a retainer too, and you really should be wearing it as much as possible. Once you get your braces off, your teeth are prone to wiggle and move around alot from being in braces so long. The retainer will prevent your teeth from moving around alot and shifting back to what your teeth were before pre-braces. Your teeth will not be able to move around alot when they are in the retainer, so this helps them settle into place. There is not an exact time that one day they will magically settle. It takes time, and constant retainer wearing. Be good, and wear your retainer as much as possible! Your orthodontist will tell you when your teeth are starting settle and they will be the one to let you know when you can stop wearing a retainer. Right now I'm at the stage where I only have to wear my retainer every night. Hope this helps :)